Melanie smiled as her friends and family mingled about, holding various forms of drinks in hand and snapping photographs with one another. Two hours after officially become Mrs. Christopher Pike, the bride couldn't keep the bright smile off her face.

"There you are," arms circled around her waist. "I was wondering where you snuck off to."

Smiling, Melanie leaned back into Chris's embrace and laid her hands upon his. "Just watching everyone," she said. "Everyone's getting along so well."

Chris chuckled, "Surprising, huh? And they're behaving themselves too."

"That's because they love me," she giggled. "They wouldn't dare put a toe out of line on a day like today."

"Oh course," Chris snorted, kissing her cheek. "Hungry?"

Melanie nodded, "I could go for a little something," she admitted. "I didn't eat much at breakfast. Didn't want to embarrass myself by throwing up all over the place."

Taking her hand, Chris led her across the dining room floor and over to the table that held appetizers and drinks. Jim was in the middle of helping Joanna decide on which she wanted more, mozzarella sticks or spinach quiches, when he looked up and smiled at them.

"Decided to eat, huh?" he asked, as Joanna pointed to the mozzarella sticks.

"I'm starving," Melanie admitted, as Chris grabbed a plate for her. "Everything smells so good!"

Joanna looked up at her, "Is the baby hungry?" she asked, as Melanie picked a carrot off a platter.

Taking a bite, Melanie sighed and nodded her head. "Very much," she said, through a mouthful of carrot. "Hopefully I can eat whatever your lovely co-workers whipped up for dinner."

"Well, dinner will be soon," Chris promised, as she pointed out what she wanted to try. "But until then, try to eat some of this. Can't have you passing out before our first dance."

Grabbing a glass of water, the newlyweds made their way over to a table and sat down, joining in on a conversation between Scotty and Richard about soccer. Gaila and Alice tried to look interested, but the look of boredom on their faces couldn't be missed. Chris joined in whenever he seemed fit, but he focused more on Melanie.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, as she nibbled on a piece of bread.

She smiled, "Happy," she nodded. "How do you feel?"

"Happy. Elated. Content," he rambled, making her laugh. "I'm just very, very, very happy that we're married."

Leaning over, Melanie kissed him softly. "Me too," she said. "And I'll be very happy when we go home later."

Chris's eyes widened a fraction, "Really? Is that so, Mrs. Pike?" he asked, as she grinned at him.

"Why yes, Mr. Pike," she said, biting back a giggle as she leaned closer to him. "I for one, cannot wait to show you what I have under this dress for you."

"Should we make a run for it now?" he asked, looking around the room. "I don't think they'll notice."

Melanie laughed, "No, we're staying," she patted his hand. "Everyone flew all the way out here to see us and I'm starving," she picked up another carrot. "We stay and leave after cake!"

….

Long after dinner, dancing and speeches by friends and family, the couple decided to head back to the apartment for the rest of the night around nine.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay for a little longer?" Nyota pouted, as Chris draped his suit jacket over Melanie's shoulders. "We've got a bet going for who will get trashed first; Scotty or Jim."

"I think I'll pass," Melanie laughed. "But yes, we're going to head home now."

She gave Nyota a knowing look and the woman laughed, pulling her into a hug. "Jo's staying with Spock and I for the night," she whispered. "We'll try to hand Len and Jim over to someone else, so you two can be as loud as you want."

The bride blushed at the comment, as their guests came over to say goodbye. Many of their guests would be heading back to their respected homes by the time noon rolled around the next day, going back to their jobs and everyday life.

"You be good," Gaila said, kissing her on the cheek. "Scotty and I wont be home until sometime late on your end, so you call me when you're good and ready."

The boys cracked a few "wedding night" jokes, as they said goodbye to Chris, Jim being the one cracking the crudest of the jokes.

"Well Darlin', "David sighed, as he pulled his youngest child into a hug. "I guess this is goodbye for now."

Melanie sighed and nodded, "For now," she confirmed. "Thank you for coming out here, Dad. It means a lot to both Chris and I."

Kissing her forehead, David hugged her tightly. "I wouldn't miss this for the world," he said. "I wish your Mother would get off her damn high horse already. She's missin' out on so much of your life, as well as Leonard's and Jo's."

"Her loss," Melanie shrugged. "At least we still have you to pester!"

"Thank god in high heaven for that," he chuckled. "I'll send you one of those text things tomorrow when I get home."

She nodded, "I love you, Dad."

"Love you too, Sweetheart," he said, kissing her cheek. "Now go on! You two better get going before ya'll are stuck watchin' these kids make fools of themselves."

Chris made his way over to them just then, placing his hand on Melanie's back. "Ready to go?" he asked.

She nodded, "I just want to say goodbye to my brother and your parents and we can make a run for it."

Leaving Chris with David, Melanie cut across the room and over to Leonard.

"Ah, I see the bride is leavin' already," he sighed, as she slinked up to him. "Bored of us?"

"You wish," she snorted. "But I've been on my feet for far too long today and I am ready to escape for a bit."

Leonard nodded, "I'll try to keep Jim out as late as possible," he said. "Though, I'm not sure if I want to spend the night in jail. Here in Manhattan."

"That's a shame, Lenny. It's five-star quality here."

Rolling his eyes, Leonard pulled her into a hug. "I would say, "be safe" but we already know you two ain't playin' it safe these days."

Melanie scowled, "If you two do show up later, make sure you keep the noise level down," she huffed. "Gag Jim for all I care."

"Yes Ma'am," he nodded. "Now go on. Get the hell out of here so I can babysit my overgrown child of a partner."

"Why can't you just call him your boyfriend?" she asked with a frown. "That's what he is, Len. Your boyfriend."

He gave her a look that quickly shut her up, "Okay, I'm going! Thank god! I've witnessed too many drinking matches with this group!"

Leonard sighed, "Tell me about it," he shook his head. "We'll see you tomorrow before our flight home."

Melanie nodded, "Thank you for being here, Len. I'm very lucky to have you as a brother, even though you drive me crazy most of the time."

He smiled, "Look at you gettin' all sappy," he snickered, pulling her into a hug. "I love you too."

Saying a quick goodbye to Alice and Joshua, the couple quickly made their escape into the chilly spring evening and back to their apartment;their first night together as Mr. and Mrs. Pike.

…..

It was a little after nine in the morning, when Chris woke up to a light knock on the bedroom door. Melanie groaned and buried her face into his shoulder, pulling the blanket up over her head.

"Who is it?" Chris asked, his voice laced with sleep.

"It's Len," the muffled voice said from the other side of the door. "Jim and I are going to get Jo and we're going to breakfast and take her to the park."

Chris peered at the clock on the nightstand, then down at his clothes; his dress shirt wrinkled and un-tucked, before taking note of Melanie's stocking clad feet that poked out form under the blanket.

"Alright," Chris called out, lying back down. "See you later."

Once the front door closed behind them, Chris pulled the blanket down and looked at his wife.

"Good morning," he whispered, kissing her shoulder. "Did you sleep good?" he asked, as she stretched out.

"Hmmm," she nodded. "Did we fall asleep?"

Rubbing her back, Chris nodded. "I managed to get your dressed unzipped, just as you passed out," he said, making her groan.

"I'm sorry," she pouted. "That's not how I wanted to spend our wedding night."

"It's okay," he pushed her tangled hair back. "We've got the rest of our lives to make up for it."

Melanie shifted on the bed, "We could finish what we started," she smiled, coyly. "Len and Jim aren't here and we've got plenty of time before they come back."

"Do we now?" he asked, rolling over to kneel above her. "Whatever shall we do?"

Giggling, Melanie spread her arms out along the pillows and shrugged, "You could take a peek at what I have under my dress…" she bit her lip.

With the dress already loose from her body, Chris sat up and slowly pulled the bodice down and whistled.

"Well, well, well," he said, eyeing the sheer white lace bra. "You have exceptional taste my dear."

"I try," she shrugged. "There is more you know, if you keep unwrapping."

Leaning down to steal a quick kiss, Chris slipped his hands under the already bunched up skirt and settled them onto her hips. Melanie bit her lip, her hands gripping his arms.

"Sure you're up to it?" he asked, as she whimpered; his fingers moving against the sheer lace that covered her hips.

Melanie nodded, "Please?" she whispered, as he kissed her cheek. "I'm up for just about anything right now."

Chris chuckled, "Patience my dear," he stole another kiss. "We have plenty of time to celebrate. You don't want to overdo it this one time and spend the rest of the weekend sleeping."

"So stop talking and start taking your clothes off," she said, nudging the back of his thigh with her foot. "Before my brother decides to bring Jo and his child of a boyfriend back!"

"God, I can't wait until they leave," he said, pulling the rest of her dress off. "I'm locking you up in this apartment all weekend."

Melanie smiled, "Can't imagine a better way to spend our honeymoon," she sighed.