Episode 7: A Family Affair
Monday-
Trip closed down his comm unit and sighed heavily. Whatever Malcolm was getting into he was worried. He hated that there was nothing he could do for Mal. He walked over to his bed and looked down at T'Pol's sleeping form. She was wearing those blue Triaxian Silk pajama's he loved. The comforter was bunched around her waist and her breathing was peaceful and slow. Trip slowly pulled off his Florida Gator's t-shirt and climbed into bed next to her. His blue Starfleet sweats were too stifling in the Florida heat so he climbed back out of bed and striped down to his Starfleet blues. He climbed back into bed and felt his body relax into it. T'Pol shifted closer to him in her sleep and he pulled her so that her head rested on his chest. She was much cooler than he was to the touch. Coming from a desert planet made her the perfect person to have in bed with you when it's hot out. Her body was designed to cool much faster than his, she could go without food or water for longer periods of time, and she found the hot Florida weather surprisingly warm. He was made to warm up in the cold and she was made to cool down in the heat. They were made for each other. Opposites attract. All of these things raced through Trip's mind as he drifted off to sleep.
The familiar smells of family and T'Pol surrounded him, he was happy. Lorian and Karyn were set up in the next room and his parents were across the hall from them. His father's office had bedrolls set up for William and Jane's two sons James and Ben to crash out on while Will and Janie slept on the extra bed that Trip and Lorian, along with his mother's guidance, had moved into the workout room earlier in the day. Everyone would have their own room and the next two weeks were going to be interesting for everyone involved. Vulcan's and Humans, and part Ikaarans, all coming together as family.
Earlier in the day when Trip and his group had arrived at the new family home in Mississippi, Caroline Tucker had rushed out to meet them. She grabbed Trip in a bone crushing hug and did the same to Karyn. She seemed unsure of herself when she stood in front of Lorian and T'Pol. T'Pol broke the awkwardness by doing something Trip had never expected and by the look on Lorian's face neither had he. T'Pol embraced Caroline in a gentle hug and whispered a greeting to her. Caroline looked on the verge of tears and she returned the gestures. Once T'Pol and Caroline had separated Lorian took his mother's lead and wrapped his arms around Caroline.
"It is good to finally meet you ma'am. My father's stories of his family filled my childhood."
Caroline chuckled. "Well if you're anything like your ol' man, I'm sure you have some crazy stories of your own."
Lorian looked at Karyn and then at his parents and replied dryly. "Indeed." And then he smirked at her.
Charlie had been standing by watching all of this silently. Trip met his dad's eye and smiled. "Hey dad."
Charlie smiled back. "Trip. Why don't you introduce your guests?"
Trip nodded and cleared his throat. "Mom, Dad, this lovely lady here is my wife T'Pol." T'Pol nodded to them. "The lovely lady to my left is Karyn Archer and the tall, imposing figure with the pointed ears is my son Lorian."
Lorian raised an eyebrow at that and said, "Thank you for such a descriptive introduction father." Trip laughed.
"I forgot you inherited your mama's sense of humor." Charlie and Caroline joined in with the laughing. Karyn giggled and Lorian smiled. T'Pol just raised an amused eyebrow.
"Well, I'm Charlie, you can call me that or," and he looked at Lorian when he said the next statement, "Pop. That beautiful woman you were all hugging is my wife Caroline, you can call her that or," again to Lorian, "Nana. Why don't you all come inside. We've prepared a meal for all of us. I hope you're all hungry."
Karyn picked up her bag and began walking with Charlie. "I could eat."
Charlie chuckled. "Well good because we've got pasta salad, steak, veggie burgers for our non-meat eating friends, rolls, and fruit salad. Mama's pasta salad should be famous. It's the best pasta salad in the whole world." He smiled.
"Can't wait Pop." Karyn said with a smile.
Tuesday-
Breakfast in the Tucker house was always a big meal. This morning was no exception. Caroline had pulled out all the stops. Fresh fruit, two kinds of syrups, butter substitute, real butter, eggs, egg substitute, bacon, pancakes, coffee, tea, milk, two types of juices, and even whipped cream to put on top of your pancakes. Having spent the last three years in space Trip had only dreamed of food like this. Lorian and Karyn had never seen so much food in one place and neither had T'Pol, being raised on Vulcan where food was for sustenance and not enjoyment had not prepared her for the amount of food waiting on the dinning room table when she and Trip had walked down the stairs that morning. Lorian and Karyn were already sitting at the table with Caroline and Charlie.
"Mornin' kids. Sleep well?" Caroline kissed Trip on his cheek.
"Yeah Mama, slept like a baby. Is all of this for breakfast?" Trip's eyes were wide.
Charlie chuckled and Caroline looked indignant. "You didn't expect me to not feed you when you were here did you? It isn't every day your son brings his family for a visit. You can deny me regular visits but you can't deny me my rights as a mother and grandmother."
Trip held up his hands. "Fair enough Mama. It all looks great." He smiled. "T'Pol why don't you grab a seat and I'll make us some tea."
"That is agreeable. Would you like me to make you a plate?"
"If you don't mind putting some bacon and eggs on it for me." He smiled his most charming smile. She raised an eyebrow at him.
"Very well. But you will eat the low-fat syrup."
Charlie chuckled and Trip blushed. "Whatever you say Darlin'." T'Pol gave him one more raised eyebrow and turned away from him to make their plates. Charlie came over to Trip as he made two mugs of Chamomile tea.
"She's already cutting back on your favorite foods. I guess you really are married." Charlie grinned.
Trip looked over at his dad. "Yeah, but if it means living longer with T'Pol I don't mind so much. She hasn't asked me to stop eating meat and I haven't asked her to start laughing, we make compromises. Besides, she's hooked on Pecan Pie so sweets aren't completely out of the equation."
"Pecan Pie huh? No wonder you like her." They both chuckled. "Come on, lets get to the table before your mother decides I need to cut back on sweets."
"So, when did you two get married?" Caroline asked innocently the question that both Trip and T'Pol had been dreading. They exchanged a look.
"Darlin' it's your culture you tell her."
"I hardly see how I should be the one to explain our bonding to your family. You need to explain it to her in a way that she will understand."
"Fine, but you owe me one."
"Do I? I do recall doing you a favor this morning in the shower."
Trip blushed. "That's not fair, you enjoyed that."
"Indeed I did. If you wish to repeat such an activity I suggest you tell your mother about our bonding."
"Well mom, it's sort of complicated. I'll explain it all but you have to save your questions until after I'm done explaining the whole thing, ok?"
"Ok." She didn't sound so sure.
"Well, the thing is, Vulcan's bond with their mates, their spouses. During our time on Enterprise T'Pol and I became friends. By the time we were heading into the Expanse she was my best friend. I trusted her with everything."
"And I him." Trip smiled at her.
"Lizzie's death changed me. I was an angry man, I didn't grieve, I couldn't. I wasn't a good person. I wanted nothing more than to kill every Xindi. I couldn't sleep, I kept having nightmares about Lizzie. Eventually Doctor Phlox approached T'Pol and asked her to help me. At first I fought it but then I realized I needed her help, I needed her. I had been harboring feelings for her probably since the beginning. T'Pol started using a Vulcan technique called Neuropressure to help me sleep. It is similar to massage therapy. What I didn't know was that Vulcan couples use this technique to get to know each other. Our mutual affection for each other had already began a betrothal bond between us, it was weak and only served to make the marriage bond easier. Neither of us knew. When we began the neuropressure our bond deepened and became the marriage bond."
"The bond was officially established when we began a physical relationship." Trip blushed at T'Pol's blunt statement.
"Yeah. Uh, Darlin' I don't think they need to know that. Anyway, according to Vulcan tradition T'Pol and I have been married for right around six months. We haven't had an official ceremony but T'Pol let me know that any ceremony we did have would just be for show, the only thing we need to have our marriage recorded on Vulcan is to have the bond verified by a Vulcan priest. We had our marriage bond verified two days ago at the Vulcan Consulate in Sausalito. Any questions?"
His parents just looked at him. His mother finally spoke up. "Does this mean we can't have a wedding on Earth?"
"No Mama, but Starfleet doesn't know yet and if they find out they may separate us. We don't want to be separated."
"Our bond would prevent it. It is unusually strong and a separation for any length of time this early on in the marriage may cause discomfort for one or both of us. It is unlikely that Trip and I would keep our commissions if they chose to separate us. I will not be without my husband." T'Pol looked at Trip and her face softened. "They cannot ask me to be."
"If Starfleet was ok with it though, we could have a wedding?"
Trip looked at T'Pol who nodded. "Mama, we would love to get married in the human way too. I just don't see that happening any time soon."
Lunch was on the barbecue and Will and Janie and their kids were due to arrive at any minute. "You've got to be shitin' me." Trip muttered.
"What is it?" T'Pol came and stood by him just close enough to feel his warmth. He was staring at the PADD in his hand like it had grown tentacles.
"I just received a message from Jon. You're never going to guess what the Admiral's have been doing while we were away." She just looked at him. She had no intention of guessing, it was illogical. "They've rewritten the frat. regs. They're allowing married couples to serve on ships. According to Jon they have a starbase all set up for Lorian's crew and their families. Those who don't stay on the Endurance have all been transferred there to live and work with their families. Starfleet is filling it with other personnel and their families as well." T'Pol raised an eyebrow.
"I assume this means that we can also have a wedding."
Trip smiled and reached into his pants pocket. His father had given him his grandmother Rosemary's ring after their chat at breakfast and made him promise to use it whenever he and T'Pol could finally get engaged. Trip got down on one knee and held up the ring. T'Pol had seen many movies where a man proposed to a woman but she had never imagined that she would be in a similar situation.
"T'Pol daughter of T'Les, will you make me the happiest man in the universe and marry me?"
T'Pol tilted her head to the side and debated whether or not to remind him that they were already technically married but decided instead to respond as a human woman would. "Yes, Charles Tucker, I will marry you." He grinned and slid the ring over her fourth finger on her left hand.
"We can tell the family when my brother and his family get here. If that's alright with you."
"Considering your mother will notice the ring and she will no doubt want to hold the wedding before our leave is over I see no logical reason to not make an announcement. We should begin by telling Lorian and Karyn about the change in regulations."
"Good idea Darlin', I knew there was a reason I loved you." She just raises an eyebrow. He smirks at her. "Among others of course."
"Of course."
Will and his bunch arrived at 1215 just in time for lunch. The grilled corn salsa and steak fajita's were just being put on the table along with the warm corn tortilla's and chips. T'Pol had just finished helping prepare the guacamole in the kitchen with Caroline who was finished up with the flour tortilla's and the grilled vegetables for T'Pol when they walked around the house and into the back yard.
"Nana!" Two blonde haired blurs were running straight for Caroline before they caught sight of Trip standing by the picnic table. They quickly changed course and began yelling, "Uncle Trip! Uncle Trip!" He went down with and oof and began tickling them. The sound of delighted squeals filled the air.
"You two get off of your uncle before you crush him to death." Jane Tucker jokingly said to her kids. She walked over and hugged Charlie and then Caroline. By the time she finished being introduced to the other Trip was on his feet, a boy under each arm.
He walked over to his brother and smiled. "Do either of these belong to you?"
Will looked at Trip and grinned. It had been too long since he had seen his older brother. "Ya'know, I don't recognize them. You wanna keep 'em?"
"Nah, maybe we could trade them in for somethin' cool."
"I don't know, they don't look like they're worth much. What do you think we could get for them?"
"Well, I would say we could get a sack o' potatoes for the little one, and a big o' bag a beans for the big one. What do you say?"
"We should just keep 'em for manual labor. I've got some chores at home they can do."
The whole time they were speaking the boys were wiggling and laughing.
"Alright, I'll give 'em to you but only as long as you promise that they'll like me more."
"You have yourself a deal."
Trip set the boys down. They looked up at the men with red faces streaked with tears of laughter. "We don't like ya more Uncle Trip, we just like ya differently." Ten year old James said.
"Fair enough Jamie." Trip smiled. "Why don't you two go wash up for lunch?" They ran off.
"So Trip, you gonna introduce me to your friends?"
"Yeah, come on over here." Trip led WIll to the table. "What all has mom told you?"
"She told me something about time travel and your ancient son." Trip gave him a dirty look. "Fine, your old son. Is this them?"
"Yup. William Tucker, this is my son Lorian, his girlfriend Karyn Archer, and my wife T'Pol. Everyone, this is my brother Will."
They exchanged pleasantries. The boys joined them and were introduced to Auntie T'Pol and their new cousins. They took it all in stride and were eager to begin eating.
Halfway through lunch T'Pol nudged Trip's foot and gave him a meaningful look. He cleared his throat. "I have a quick announcement to make. Well, actually T'Pol and I do. Lorian and Karyn already know that Starfleet has revised their fraternization regulations. We haven't told them however, though I'm sure you've all noticed, that T'Pol and I have decided to get married in the human tradition. We got engaged about an hour ago."
The burst of surprise and well wishes from around the table made Trip smile. He held up a hand. "Now Mama, I know you're already thinkin' of puttin' on a weddin' here before we head back into space. T'Pol and I have already talked about it and we would love to have a wedding here for all of our friends to come to. T'Pol's mom is on Earth now and we think we can get just about everyone here in time. If you don't mind plannin' a weddin' with such short notice."
"Oh honey, I've been plannin' your wedding since you called and told us you were comin' home." Everyone just laughed. "You leave it to me and we'll have a wedding here in a week."
Trip could feel happiness through the bond. "Sounds like a plan. T'Pol and I will come up with a guest list and a list of things we want but we're trusting you."
"Alright baby. I'm so happy. T'Pol, do you want to invite your mother here for the rest of the vacation? She can help with the weddin' plans."
"Vulcan weddings are very different from human weddings. That being said, my mother may enjoy the experience of planning a human wedding. I will contact her after lunch and extend an invitation. Thank you for considering her during this time."
"No problem dear, you're family. That makes her family. We can clean up the attic room and she can stay there."
"Thank you Caroline."
"I will be arriving at the transport station at 1750 tonight. Will you be available to meet me there and transport me to the Tucker residence at that time?"
"Yes ma'am, T'Pol and I will meet you there. We are both pleased that you are able to join us for our weddin'."
"I am also pleased to be able to share such an important event with my daughter."
"We'll see you in four hours."
"Until then," she raised the ta'al. "Live long and prosper."
Trip raised his hand and mirrored the gesture. "Peace and long life."
The transport landed in Jacksonville at 1748 and the passengers disembarked quickly. T'Les walked smoothly down the ramp and onto the landing pad. The luggage receiving area was to the right so she headed in that direction. Trip and T'Pol were waiting there. They weren't touching but they were standing very close to each other. T'Les saw several people approach them and ask for autographs and to shake their hands. A few offered T'Pol the ta'al and even a few brave ones took pictures of them. Those who didn't approach stared at them. T'Les retrieved her bags and walked up to them.
"Daughter. Husband of my daughter." She nodded to them.
"Mother."
"Ma'am. Our vehicle is in the parking lot, it will take approximately thirteen minutes to arrive at my parents home. We have fixed up the attic room for you. Can I get your bags?"
"That is not necessary Charles."
"Alright. Are you hungry? We can stop at a Vulcan restaurant on the way if you would like something to eat."
"That is also not necessary sa-fu. I ate before leaving San Francisco."
"Very well ko-mekh. My parents await your arrival."
T'Pol had remained silent during the whole thing and Trip was worried he had said something wrong.
"Darlin' is something wrong?"
"No Trip, I just did not expect my mother to call you son, nor you to call her mother. It is unexpected but it is not unpleasant."
"Okay. So, I did good?" He was confused.
"Yes Trip, you did well. My mother seems impressed with you. She initiated the familial names. It is fortuitous that you showed interest in learning Vulcan. We should continue in your lessons."
"Sounds like a plan Darlin'. I kinda like learnin' from you." He smiled at her.
"Indeed. I enjoy teaching you. Perhaps while we are here you can teach me to swim."
Trip was so surprised he stopped walking and spoke aloud. "Really?" Both women turned around and raised identical eyebrows. T'Les turned to T'Pol.
"I was not aware your bond was strong enough for ralash-fam zhal-tor."
They were drawing more attention now so they resumed walking towards the aircar. T'Pol and T'Les continued talking to each other with Trip walking silently beside T'Pol.
"It is a remarkably strong bond. Trip and I have been capable of silent whispering for two months. We have only shared a marriage bond for six months. The priests at the Vulcan Compound were intrigued and have asked us to visit when we return to San Francisco so that they may test the bond."
"I would be interested in learning the results of such tests."
"Perhaps you would join us when we visit the compound."
"I find that agreeable."
T'Les was settled into her room for the night and T'Pol was meditating. Lorian and Karyn were out for a walk by the lake behind the house. That left Trip alone with his parents. The three of them sat out on the back porch drinking iced tea and enjoying the quiet.
"So Trip honey, what's T'Les like?"
Trip sighed. "I don't really know Mama. What little interaction we've had have been civil. Tonight she called me son. I guess that makes her a pretty open minded lady. She's interested in our bond and wants to be active in the plannin' for the wedding. You should have heard them in the car. You wouldn't know that Vulcan's don't have weddings like us just by listening to them. They discussed colors based on their clan, what type of dress T'Pol will wear, they settled on a human wedding dress by the way, they even talked about flowers. Apparently T'Les and T'Pol have researched human wedding traditions." Trip chuckled. "I think you're gonna have plenty of help with the plannin' mom. I have one request though."
"What's that?" Charlie asked.
"I want Jon to perform the ceremony. He's allowed to perform them on Enterprise.I want to see if we can get permission for him to perform one here."
"Sure honey. I'll call him tomorrow and ask. I guess he's the first person you should tell about the engagement."
"Actually mom, I'm hoping to send out the invitations and surprise everyone. I'll be there when you call Jon but everyone else will find out when they get our invites." He smiled a wicked smile.
"I don't know what to say Trip." Jon really didn't know what to say. His two closest friends were getting married and they wanted him to marry them.
Trip looked worried. He answered tentatively, "You could say yes." He smiled a hopeful smile.
"Well of course I'm going to say yes! I just need to talk to Starfleet and see if they'll let me. If I have to I'll get ordained. I'm performing this wedding one way or another."
Trip smiled so big Phlox would be jealous. "Thanks Jon. Oh, and if you could, keep this a secret, we're planning on surprising people."
Jon snorted. "You will surprise people, but yeah, I'll keep it a secret. When do you want me out there?"
Caroline answered. "The wedding is next Tuesday. You can come visit any time hun, you just need to be here by Tuesday at 0900. That's when we do the run through."
"You got it. Now I need to make a few calls. See you soon Trip and congratulations."
"Thanks Jon. Talk to you soon."
Jon clicked the screen off and ran a hand through his hair. He smiled. "It's about damn time." He punched up the personal number for Admiral Forrest.
"Jon? Is something wrong?"
"Nothing too crazy Max, I didn't mean to startle you."
Max smiled. "Okay, so what is it?"
"Well, you see two of my officers are getting married."
"What? Who?"
"I can't tell you that, they want it to be a surprise for everyone. My question is, can I have permission to perform the ceremony? They've already asked me to do it, I said yes. I know that when we're on Enterprise I can perform weddings but we're hoping you might be able to extend that right to Earth."
"I'm sorry Jon but you can only perform the marriage when you're standing on Enterprise's hull. You have to be on the ship for it to be valid." That sparked an idea in Jon.
"So we have to be standing on a part of Enterprise's deck plating in order for it to count?"
Realization crossed Max's face. "Yes Jon, you just have to be standing on a piece of Enterprise for it to count."
"Do you think we could arrange that?"
"I'll call Jupiter Station. We'll get it done. I'm going to need to know where to have this piece delivered."
"Fine, but just between us. Mississippi."
"So Tucker is finally getting married. I'm assuming your First Officer is already aware of the situation." Max's eye gleamed with mischief.
Jon smiled back with equal mirth. "You could say that Max. You could say that."
Wednesday-
The day had arrived for Trip to contact Malcolm. He hit the comm and dialed his number. The comm stayed black for several minutes, Trip was about to disconnect it when Malcolm answered.
"Mal!"
"Hey Trip. Uh, what day is it?"
"It's Wednesday. You called me on Monday and asked me to call you today. Do you remember?"
"Yes. I was just making sure." Malcolm ran a hand across his face. He had helped Paxton's man find "moles" and had proven himself. It was scary as hell and he felt a little guilty over turning people in who were just like him. Paxton trusted him, Masaro had given him a good word and Thao liked him, no matter how distasteful that was. His new assignment was to keep tabs on Trip and T'Pol. Not hard considering they were two of his closest friends. With all of this running through his head he asked, "How's the vacation?"
"Funny you should ask." Trip smiled. "T'Pol and I are getting married in six days. You're going to be getting an invitation sometime today but I wanted to ask you face to face. Will you be my best man?"
Malcolm was stunned. "Yes. I'll stand up with you mate." Malcolm smiled a rare smile. "Wait, what about Jon?"
"He's performin' the ceremony. T'Pol and I are pullin' all of our family from Enterprise into this. She's already asked Hoshi to be her Maid of Honor." Trip wiggled his eyebrows, Malcolm just ignored him. "T'Pol's mom, T'Les, is going to walk her down the aisle, and my nephews are going to share responsibilities as ring bearers. One of Phlox's niece's is going to be our flower girl, and Chef has volunteered to feed everyone. Karyn is going to be T'Pol's other bride's maid and Lorian is going to finish out the wedding party. It's gonna be a real family affair"
"Wow, when and where do you need me?"
"People are already filing in to start on wedding prep. We had to contact a few people early so that the wedding wouldn't look thrown together. We've pretty much filled up the closest hotel, you can head here to my parents place anytime you want. The sooner the better."
"I'll pack now. I should be able to get there by 1145. See you soon."
"See you soon Mal." Trip smiled.
Malcolm quickly packed and hopped on the soonest transport to Jacksonville that he could get. He arrived by 1130 and Trip was there waiting for him. They headed for a bar and sat down at a table near the back. They ordered a couple of beers and just relaxed.
"So, are you going to tell me why I had to call to make sure you were alive?"
Malcolm knew this question was coming. "Not yet. When I can I will. You have to trust that."
"I do Mal, I'm just worried 'bout you. You're my best friend."
"You're my best friend Trip. If I could tell you I would. As it is, you're the only person I trusted enough to ask to check up on me."
"Okay, I'll be patient."
"Let's talk about this wedding." Malcolm smiled.
Trip chuckled. "Well my mom, T'Pol, T'Les, Karyn, and my sister-in-law Jane are all goin' crazy getting everything together. They are currently at a dress fitting for T'Pol and the other ladies. The dress shop said that it was all on the house seein' as how T'Pol and I are big heroes." He sighed. "I'm not a hero but tellin' people that just doesn't seem right. They need somethin' to believe in, it's nice to see hope alive on Earth."
"So are we wearing Dress Uniforms? I brought mine just in case."
"No, we've ordered suit's for all of the guys. The quartermaster had all of our measurements so I just sent them to the bridal shop. Only Jon will be wearing a Dress Uniform but after the ceremony he's changing into a suit. It's crazy to think that a suit is more comfortable but they are." Trip pulled at his collar as if he could feel the restricting collar of his dress uniform.
"So are we going to have a stag party?"
"A what?"
"A bachelor party? You're only going to get married once right? I don't really see T'Pol letting you get away." They both laughed.
"I don't want a bachelor party, not with strippers or anything like that. Maybe we could just go out for drinks, all the guys. Watch a game or somethin'."
Malcolm sighed. Trip never was a traditionalist. "Okay, I'll arrange something. No funny business I promise."
"Thanks Mal."
They settled in to easy conversation and shared some laughs. After a couple of hours they got in the car and headed to the hotel Malcolm would be staying at.
Tuesday-
The invitations had all been sent out on Wednesday and all but two R.S.V.P's were in by Thursday morning. The two who didn't R.S.V.P were low on the "I want you at my wedding" list so neither Trip nor T'Pol were concerned. The colors were decided, dark blue and red, the flowers were chosen to match. A white runner was picked up for the aisle, the hunk of Enterprise decking that was being replaced was shipped down and placed under the arbor in the Tucker's back yard. The dresses were all picked up and hanging in respective closets, the suits had been picked up from the cleaners and the shoes were polished. Hair, make up, nails, were all done. The music had been selected and the wooden panels to make the makeshift dance floor had been laid down with the tables for the reception area surrounding it in the expansive backyard near the lake. Lights had been strung across the whole yard from tree to tree creating a fairytale environment. The ceremony itself was going to take place right at sunset. Caroline Tucker had out done herself.
T'Pol was busy getting ready in Hoshi's hotel room. The women around her were all dressed in the deep red dresses and the dark blue flower bouquets were on the bed. The groomsmen all had Dark blue ties and red flower boutonnieres. T'Pol's dress was currently the center of attention. Her hair was already done so all that was left was to get her in to her dress. Caroline pulled it out of it's hanging bag and gently placed it on the spare bed.
The dress was a creamy white with pearl buttons down the back. The bodice was lace and collared. The sleeves were capped and the skirt flowed out from T'Pol's waist. It was a beautiful dress. Her shoes had a small heel and were comfortable to walk in and dance in.
On either side of the aisle were 100 chairs. Trip and T'Pol kept their guest list small. No need to invite people you don't like. Several of their alien acquaintances were invited to attend. Soval and Shran were already seated. Soval sat on T'Pol's side and Shran sat on Trip's. Admiral Forrest was next to Soval and Shran brought Jhamel as his plus one. Guests began filing in and taking their seats. The groomsmen marched up the aisle and Trip was absolutely beaming. Jon took his place in the middle of the decking and the music slowly changed.
Phlox's niece, red curls bouncing and a giant Denobulan smile on her face, walked down the aisle carrying a basket of blue and red petals. Her golden dress made her look like a princess. Following her Trip's nephews walked side by side in suits with a blue bow tie and a red bow tie. They each carried a pillow with a ring on it. Jamie stood to the side where T'Pol would be and Ben stood next to Lorian. Karyn glided down the aisle bouquet in hand. Hoshi was next, her dress was slightly different than Karyn's. Karyn was wearing an empire waist deep red gown with a dark blue silk belt tied around the waist. Hoshi's was similar only her bodice was covered in a red lace covering.
The music changed again and the Wedding March began. Hoshi had found a recording of the Wedding March being played on a Vulcan lyre. It seemed appropriate; the pairing of the two traditions. Everyone stood as T'Pol and her mother marched down the aisle. Trip turned and saw her for the first time. She was radiant. His heart seemed to flutter and his throat tightened. He had never seen a more beautiful woman. She seemed to float towards him. It was like being in a dream. She was like an Elvish Princess and the whole ceremony was set up to look like something out of Lord of the Rings.
T'Pol saw his standing there. She only had eyes for him. He had a big smile on his face, the kind that always gave her a warm feeling in her middle. Her mother was walking beside her, their arms linked. Her mother was wearing deep red robes with their clan markings on them. They had decided it was appropriate to represent both cultures in the ceremony. They came to the end of the aisle and T'Pol's eyes had never left Trip's the rest of the world had melted away. T'Pol turned to her mother who released her arm. T'Les touched two fingers to her daughter's brow and took her seat next to Soval. T'Pol took her place opposite Trip and handed her bouquet to Hoshi. They each held out two fingers and connected them. This was another aspect of the Vulcan marriage ceremony that they had incorporated.
Jon looked at them and smiled. It was time to perform a marriage.
