CHAPTER 11 – STEP THREE CONTINUED

Just as Hetty begins to speak, there's a commotion going on in the back. Deeks lifts his head to see what it's all about. A dark-haired man in a suit very similar to the ones worn by his wedding party was urgently making his way to the front with a small blonde woman carrying a toddler following close behind. The woman looked very familiar to Deeks but he just can't place her in all the confusion. Sam and Eric both take as step sideways to make room for the gentleman to be at Deeks' side. The man walks quickly around Callen and gives him an acknowledgment nod in passing. At that point, Deeks recognizes the man. It's Ray and he's brought along Jenna and their child. Deeks begins to smile broadly.

"How?" Deeks asks him.

Ray whispers. "Hetty. She knew that I had to be here for you and Wikipedia."

Deeks and Ray chuckle. Sam and Eric begin to laugh and soon all the wedding party is joining in.

Deeks glances at Sam. "Sam…"

"No worries Deeks. I knew that you'd really want Ray to be here for you. It's fine. Now, you just have two of us as your best men."

Deeks shook Sam's hand in gratitude.

Kensi and Callen had observed quietly. Kensi was so glad that Ray could be there for Deeks. She knew how much his friendship met to him.

Once again, Hetty cleared her throat and began to speak.

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together in the sight of God and all the heavens, and in the presence of friends and loved ones, to join this man and woman in holy matrimony. Marriage is a most honorable estate adorned by true and abiding love. Before doing so, should there be anyone who knows why they should not be joined in marriage, speak now or forever hold their peace."

Silence fell upon the ceremony. It was so quiet that Deeks thought you could hear a pin drop. As for Kensi, she was holding her breath, waiting for this moment to pass which seemed like an eternity.

Hetty continued, "Who gives this woman in marriage?"

Callen and Julia answered together, "We do." Callen placed Kensi's hand into Deeks. He stepped back and guided Julia to her seat and took the seat beside her.

Hetty continues on. "Martin Andrew Deeks and Kensi Marie Blye, life is given to us as individuals, and yet we must learn to live together…"

The ceremony continues with Kensi and Deeks reciting their vows to each other and saying the "I do's" and exchanging rings at the appropriate times. Soon, very soon, to Deeks recollection Hetty is stating that they "are husband and wife" and letting him know that he may kiss his bride. Kensi's mismatched eyes glistened brightly with unshed tears of joy and happiness. As Deeks pulled away from Kensi and stared down at her glowing face with ocean blue eyes, Sam and Eric let out a yelp and Ray let out a holler. Loud clapping could be heard. Nell was yelling "way to go Kensi and Deeks" as was Michelle and Astrid. Hetty was beaming. She looked so happy; almost as if she could explode at any moment. Julia's face was beaming too but with quiet elegance and pride. Finally, her daughter had married the man of her dreams. Callen stood beside Julia clapping so loudly. He let out a wolf whistle that nearly broke all the loud one's ever issued by Eric in OSP.

People lined up to wish the newly married couple congratulations. Staff and hotel guests that had witnessed the event joined in. Everyone agreed that it was one of the most beautiful ceremonies that they had ever been blessed to witness. Kensi and Deeks, whole-heartedly, agreed.

Finally, the line dwindled and Deeks spotted Ray and Jenna standing near Hetty. Two men were also near and obviously agents sent in for their protection. Deeks walked up to his friend with Kensi close by his side.

"Thanks man for coming! That was the best surprise ever!" Deeks said as he came in and gave Ray a bro hug. Clasping Deeks back, Ray smiled.

"You know I just had to be there when you and Wikipedia took the plunge!" Ray joked. To Kensi, he added, "Kensi, I just want you to know that you're the best thing that this meat-head has ever done in his life and he's so lucky to have you." Ray gently kissed Kensi on the cheek.

Kensi smiled. "No. I'm the lucky one. I'm so glad that Deeks was able to have you by his side."

"I wouldn't have missed it for anything. We both owe you both so much."

Hetty interrupted. "Mr…"

Ray looked at Hetty. "I know it's time to go. Just one more minute…Jenna?" Jenna stepped forward with the young child. "Marty, let me introduce you to our son. Martin Andrew. We named him after you." Jenna reached out to place the child in Deeks' arms.

Deeks looked down at the child in his arms. He was about 3 maybe 4 years old and one of the cutest kids that Deeks had ever seen. Kensi took hold of the toddler's hand.

"Hi, Marty." She softly whispered.

The child glanced at his parent's prior to answering. "Hi" Then he reached out to his mother who took him back from Deeks. Everyone smiled.

"I'll owe you for the rest of my life." Ray said. "Stay in touch. I want to know how it's going."

Deeks promised him. Then, Ray and Deeks looked at each other. Hugs were exchanged and soon Ray and his wife were leaving to go back to their new life.

Deeks and Kensi turned back towards their family and friends. Smiles were ever-present and the congratulations keep coming.

Julia stepped forward. "Please, would you all follow me to a private reception on the other side of the pool area?"

The group followed Julia who soon stopped at a gated off section near the pool area. A few tables had been set up with beautiful centerpieces. Each person received a champagne flute as they entered. A buffet station and bar area had been set up. It was small but intimate and very much Deeks' and Kensi's style. The couple smiled in gratitude, but Julia had to clarify one thing. It wasn't just from her. Callen had insisted on pitching in as brother of the bride. Kensi smiled and gave Callen a big hug in gratitude. The two men shook hands.

Everyone took their seats. Soon, toasts were given by the Nell and Sam to the happy couple. Ray had slipped Sam his speech to read to them, too. Clapping and cheering was given. Both Kensi and Deeks turned the proper color of red when certain events were recollected. However, overall, it was a happy affair with much laughter being heard by all.

After dinner and the cutting of the wedding cake, musicians took their place and the dancing began. Deeks guided Kensi onto the floor and shared their first dance together as husband and wife. It was a beautiful waltz with the couple moving in synchronized rhythm. Hetty was so proud. Soon, Julia and Callen joined them along with Sam and Hetty. Then, Deeks and Callen switched partners. Callen enjoyed playing the part of the big brother and dancing with Kensi. Deeks danced with Hetty as she was the honorary mother of the groom. He was able to show off his dancing moves with her. They were mixing it up with a little Cha-Cha. Kensi didn't know that Deeks could dance so well. He still held lots of surprises for his new bride. Soon, everyone was on the dance floor. The dance music was a mixture of classical, jazz, latin and rock. All music that the couple was known to enjoy. Everyone was having such a wonderful time. It felt like it could go on forever. It was absolutely perfect!