Wes...people used to stop and stare at you and try to figure out if Jean-Luc was your real father! And I couldn't...I wouldn't put Jean-Luc through that kind of scrutiny. So I said no. And I regretted it after. For two years, we tried to maintain our relationship, but Jean-Luc felt rejected and I felt awful so we just...drifted...for five years. Until I saw the opening on theEnterpriseand I decided it was time to bury the hatchet and try to renew our friendship..."

"And now you're marrying him. Today."

"Yes. Oh, Wes, I'm so happy!"

"I can tell, Mom. And it's ok. I understand. Jean-Luc...well, did you know that I remember him better than Dad? I always thought I was picturing Dad in my head, but I was remembering playing with 4 command pips and I asked and Dad...Jean-Luc...told me I must have been remembering him." Beverly smiled.

"You used to love playing with his collar. And look, now you have a pip of your own. I'm sure you will come up the ranks quickly. You might not be Jean-Luc's in blood, but you definitely take after him. Even with spending five years away from Jean-Luc, you managed to adopt his mannerisms and his thirst for knowledge." It was Wesley's turn to smile.

"Mom? I asked Dad...and...if it's alright with you, do you mind if I change my name too? I know Jack was my dad and I know you wouldn't want me to forget about him...but Jean-Luc has been like a father to me too and I want to honour him. Plus, you aren't going to be a Crusher anymore, will you? I mean, it seems silly for my last name not to match yours..."

"We hadn't discussed if I would change my name. I'm pretty well-known as Doctor Crusher, but you're right. Idowant to be Beverly Picard. I think I wanted to be his wife even back when he first asked me and I said no. So yes, if you want to be Wesley Crusher Picard, I see no reason not to. I'm sure Jean-Luc can help you file the name change papers. Oh, this would be so much easier if you were still a minor! Have I mentioned how sorry I am that it took us so long to be together?"

"Have you apologized to Dad?"

"So many times, Wes. So many times."

The wedding was short, sweet, and thanks to the addition of a second crate of Picard's finest, there was little fanfare or publicity. The mayor did grumble about how it would have made for an excellent story and a boom to the village, but Jean-Luc remained steadfast that it would be a private affair.

After the wedding, Marie treated them to a wedding banquet fit for a king and queen. She had outdone herself and even though it was only the six of them, she had somehow found the time to bake a three-tiered cake! She removed the first tier and wouldn't let them cut into it, saying mysteriously that it was to be saved in their freezer for their baby's christening! Jean-Luc looked wide-eyed at Beverly as they hadn't even discussed children...or even birth control. Beverly patted his hand. "No, not yet, my love."

Jean-Luc had rented a small shuttlecraft as he had not wanted to use theEnterprise's shuttle and whisked Beverly off for a few days . He knew how much she loved the mountains, so he had arranged to rent a cabin in the Alps. Despite it being warm in La Barre, the tops of the Alps were snow-capped. Beverly was glad Jean-Luc had taken precautions and packed cold weather gear! She was standing in the back of the shuttle just after Jean-Luc had touched it down and was reaching for the zip on her dress when the strong arms of her husband –husband!– wrapped around her. Placing a kiss on the nape of her neck he growled into her ear, "I think that's my job, Mrs. Picard."

Jean-Luc lowered the zip inch by inch kissing Beverly's back as a new inch was exposed. He reached a hand around the front and was puzzled when his hand met fabric. Beverly slowly turned around and Jean-Luc saw that she was clad in a piece of lingerie that was practically moulded to her breasts. Pale blue lace the same colour as her dress came down across her torso, ending just above the thin waistband of a small thong. Suspender straps hung down from the sides of the top and were attached to a sheer pair of stockings. Jean-Luc followed the stockings down her legs until the met the pair of strappy sandals Beverly had worn under her dress. Jean-Luc groaned and fell to his knees in front of her. He picked up one of her feet and Beverly placed her arms on Jean-Luc's shoulder for balance. He slowly unbuckled the first sandal, then the second, massaging her foot as he gently pulled them off. His hands skimmed up her legs until he found the fastener for the suspenders. Slowly, he popped each stocking free, rolling the stocking down her legs and kissing his way towards her feet. When he sucked on one of her big toes, Beverly shuddered.

Beverly reached for the clasps on Jean-Luc's tunic and easily pulled it away from his shoulders. Her hands traced a line from his chest to his waistband and she paused. Her hand pressed against Jean-Luc's hardness and she ground her palm into it. Jean-Luc moaned. "Please," he gasped out. Beverly quickly pushed his trousers down and pulled his boxers down at the same time. Naked, Jean-Luc gazed at Beverly with lust-filled eyes. "I love you, Mrs. Picard."

"I love you too, Mr Howard." Reaching behind her, she unhooked the clasps on the long line bra and let it fall to the floor, the small thong following quickly. She pulled Jean-Luc into a passionate kiss, pressing her breasts to his chest. His arms went to wrap around her as he backed her towards the small bunk in the back of the shuttle. When she felt the mattress hit the back of her knees, she allowed herself to fall, pulling Jean-Luc down with her. She placed her hands on Jean-Luc's hips and pulled him towards her. She was done with foreplay.