The only word that could describe my home was organized chaos. This was supposed to be a small private function but are home was crowded. I guess when you have some of the most powerful people in the galaxy, you can't leave any of them off the guest list.

Ya'del tightened her grip around my neck. Even if she couldn't speak, I could tell she was scared. I hung back from the group of marines, and put her down on the ground.

'' Little one, you don't have to be scared. These people are our friends. ''

'' The future marine giving you trouble Shepard?'' came the familiar voice of admiral Hackett from behind me.

'' No sir, she's just scared. She's not use to this many people.''

Hackett knelt down to look directly at her.

'' You don't know how lucky you are. You have the bravest dad in the galaxy.''

Ya'del simply stated clapping her hands. I still didn't know how the universe worked, in her young mind. I picked her up again and sat her on my shoulder. Even behind her visor, I could tell she was smiling as she put her arms around my neck.

As I stepped into the next room, a smile spread across my own face. The room was filled with my friends. The smiles that meet my gaze spoke a million words. As I stepped towards the small alter at the end, I could feel my heart beating. After all I'd been through I was nervous about taking the woman I love as my wife. I must be going crazy.


I could feel my heart pounding inside my chest as I stepped into the room. All of our friends turned to look at me. It did nothing to calm me down If my heart was beating any faster I'm sure it would explode. My eyes fell on the end of the room, where Shepard stood holding are daughter.

As I stepped towards them the music of my people filled the room. I'd only heard it long ago when I'd attended a friend's marriage ceremony. I could remember whishing, how that it would be me and Shepard one day. I could never dream that he would share my feelings of love.

I realised I'd been standing there silent for a long time. Everyone was looking straight at me. I let out a small smile as I handed kaiden to liara. Rann had taken her place behind the altar. Quarian wedding where done by the captain of the starship or if the captain was the one being married one of the admirals.

I felt so nervous as Rann took her place behind the alter.

'' Shipmates, we are gathered here today to join Ewan and Tali together as husband and wife.''

'' Ewan Shepard, do you take this woman to be your wife? To love, hold and protect her no matter where the void takes you.''

A smile spread across my face as Shepard took my hand.

'' I do.''

'' And Tali, will you take this man as your husband? To hold and love him till the ancestors take you both? ''

'' I do.''

'' Then by the light of the ancestors, I proclaim you husband and wife. ''

My heart felt like it would explode. Where we really married?

'' Tali.''

Shepard was staring at me a smile on his face.

'' I believe it tradition for the bride and groom to kiss.''

My heart beat slowed as Shepard's lips connected with my own. My friend, my captain, my lover and now my husband.


The dust blew in my face as I stepped out of are home. I'd never been one for parties even my own wedding party. Besides I want to spend dome alone time with my wife. I turned to face Tali, whose three fingered hand was entwined in my own.

'' So Tali'Zorah, how does it feel to be Miss Shepard?''

'' I feel like I'm the happiest girl in the universe. They're going to be a lot of unhappy women in the galaxy.''

We both looked up at the red sunset as we walked along the path of are garden. Even after a year it still took my breath away.

'' Have I told you how beautiful it is here?''

'' Are you talking about me or the planet?''

'' Both.'' I replied as my lips meet hers. The familiar alien sent flooding my mouth. I don't know how long we stood there lost in each other embrace. No longer as lovers but as husband and wife. After an eternity we finally pulled apart, both are faces in a smile.

'' Tali there are no words that can thank you. You've given me the family, I never thought I could have.''

'' And you've given them a home. Ewan, you've done more than anyone ever could. Because of you no quarian will have to live in fear of the geth. ''

As I felt her three fingered hand against my own, I felt warmth spread through my body. I tightened my grip around the hand of my wife. As I opened my mouth to speak something glimmered in the corner of my eye.

My biotic's flared into life as I turned to face the cloaked figure. The water being blown up from the sea was affecting it cloak causing it to flicker. I stepped in front of Tali shielding her with my body.

'' The one day I don't have my knife. '' I heard her curse from behind me.

The Cerberus phantom drew it blade and charged. Big mistake. I'd killed hundreds in war and this one was no different. I my fist smashed into the ground sending a biotic shockwave towards are attacker. It easily jumped over it which was what I was counting on. i brought my other hand round in a biotic punch smacking it right in the side of it chest. It couldn't counter the force of my punch and it went flying over the cliff. i didn't even have to look. The sound of a body smacking on the rocks was more than enough proof it was dead. i turned to face Tali.

'' Are you okay?''

Tali stood there, an embarrassed smile forming on her face.

'' I'm fine Shepard. How the hell, did it get past the scanners?''

'' It must have been hiding under someone shuttle. It probably sneaked in with everyone. ''

My hand shot to the radio I still had jammed in my ear.

'' Anderson is everything okay in there?''

'' Everything fine in here Shepard. Why has something happened?''

I could feel a sense of relief spread through my body.

'' We had an uninvited guest from Cerberus.''

'' Are you both okay.''

'' Were fine, I threw it off the cliff. Are kaiden and Ya'del okay?''

'' There fine Shepard. You two best get back in here. There may be more of them out there.''

That made sense. As we started to make are way back to are home, a squadron of geth drones flew overhead. I stop for a second, it had been geth drones where it had all began. I missed kaiden and Jenkins. I missed all the soldiers who had died following me into battle. But as I entered my home I remembered my new responsibilities.

Kaiden saw me and started pointing in my direction. I sat down on the couch taking him from liara.

''So kaiden how have you been treating your aunt liara?''

'' He's been fine shepard.'' The asari said a smile forming on her face.

'' I'm glad you could make it, shadow broker.''

'' Hey, even the shadow broker need's a day off and you can't say no to your best friend's wedding.''

'' Well, were happy to have you.''

Kaiden started squirming as his mother sat down beside me. Ya'del was fast asleep in her arms.

'' Well it looks like she's had quite a day.''

'' Yes, we'd had better get these two off to bed.''

As I stood up to I felt a pair of hands pushed me back onto couch.

'' Actually Shepard, we'll be looking after the kids for tonight. We don't want the newlyweds to miss their first night together. '' Anderson said as he let me go.

A smile spread across my face as Liara took Kaiden from me. I stood up offering my hand to Tali who had handed Ya'del to Chakwas. Her three fingered hand closed around my own. Sometimes having friends really pays off.

I smiled as Tali nuzzled up to my chest. The faint layer of sweat that covered both of us, from the hours of passionate love making glimmered in the low light.

'' So Admiral Shepard how's the first day of married life?''

'' Exciting, I hope every day isn't going to be like this.''

'' Hey if Cerberus send just one assassins they must be getting desperate. How many did we kill in the war? ''

'' I don't know I stopped counting around the three digit mark.''

We both laughed as I pulled the covers over us. Within moments we were both fast asleep.