Kirk's eyes widened and his head whipped to the side to look at Spock. The Bridge crew gasped and McCoy ran up to them.
"Elder, with all due respect, are you sure?"
"There is no doubt."
"You were throwing up this morning. And the last time we had sex… oh. Oh my gods. We were both implanted, but had no idea how I was the only one pregnant. But when you bottomed…" Kirk trailed off.
"Jim. WHAT. DID. YOU. DO," Bones griped.
"You said we should be careful with my new… development. So we switched! I wasn't thinking. I was stupid, and turned on, and no thinking… Oh Spock, I'm so sorry."
Spock was silent. He was trying to process the information.
"Spock?"
Amanda came slowly up to him and rested her hand on his cheek. Sarek stood like a stone statue. It was a lot to take in for him.
"What do you think of all this?"
"I… I believe delighted would be the correct word."
Kirk was still turned sideways, and he slumped to the side to hug him more tightly than ever before. Tears were streaming. Spock was happy with the news… Kirk was… well he honestly didn't know. Both were clearly in shock. How was this even happening? It didn't matter. It was happening. They would find their way through it like always. And they found out during their wedding… the wedding!
"Elder," Kirk asked.
"What do you wish, James?"
"May we proceed with the ceremony?"
The entire party looked to him. He just found out his fiancee was pregnant, and he wanted to just keep on with the wedding?
"We may. As long as Spock feels he can continue."
Spock moved to give Kirk a Vulcan kiss. He nodded, but kept his gaze locked on his mate's.
"I am well, Elder."
"Very well."
Words were spoken in Vulcan describing the permanence of bonding, and that it should not be taken lightly. She then spoke of the mental connection that would occur, and how they would be able to sense each other at all times. Kirk only knew this because Spock had told him what would occur. They said their "I do's" in Vulcan, and in English; for the benefit of the humans present. Then they each placed gold bands on each other's ring fingers. It was completed with a Vulcan kiss, and Spock helped Kirk stand up. Kirk straightened his robe, and looked up to see Bones with a camera.
"Smile lovebirds!"
"Really?"
"Yes, really! Now smile. I know you want a picture of your first minute as husbands."
Kirk's face lit up, and Spock gave his best effort. The contentment in his eyes said it all. However, when the picture was over, Spock leaned into Kirk's ear.
"May we escort ourselves away for a moment?"
"Of course… husband," Kirk replied with a sweet smile.
Nobody bothered them when they left. It was obvious they had things to talk about. They did not go far; merely to an abandoned hallway with a bench. The same one Spock used to sit on and contemplate his emotions through childhood.
"Jim?"
"I know. I know…"
"What are we to do? Our daughters are not even born yet and we have another child on the way."
"You don't want it?"
"I did not lie when I said I was delighted. Vulcan cannot tell falsehoods. It is unexpected, and I do feel some fear, but I am not displeased. Are you?"
"No! I'm just baffled as to how it happened."
"From what Kerchev told you, I believe it is clear how it occurred."
"Yeah. I just… I forgot about the whole giving natural birth thing, and that's okay. But now… now me forgetting has gotten you pregnant. I mean, you can't be looking forward to this," he said as he pointed to his stomach. "You talk about something that's gonna mess with your mental barriers. I was so selfish! My hormones were crazy and I just wanted any sex I could get. Now look what's happened."
"Jim, calm down, and give me your mind."
"Why?"
"We are bonded now. I can show you things that I could not before."
Spock placed his fingers on Kirk's meld points and concentrated. A golden thread entered the human's mind and wrapped him up in warmth. Tiny sparks surrounded the thread, and gave Kirk a feeling of bliss.
"What is that?"
"The larger feeling is my own. The smaller ones are our children."
"You mean what I feel is you? I can feel you? I can feel our kids?"
Kirk's eyes glistened with the tears that popped up so often. He was in absolute awe of the Vulcan telepathic abilities.
"That is what the Elder was telling us. It is the same sensation that allowed her to see the existence of the child within me. You can feel me at any point you wish if you concentrate. I will be able to show you how, and teach you to manage it to the fullest. But for now, all you have to do is ask, and I can show you this. Ashaya, you are my bondmate now. We are having another child in addition to the two miracles you already carry. I could not be more elated than right now. The news of another child is unexpected, but only adds to how I… feel right now."
"You're admitting to feeling? You think our children are miracles?"
"With these events, I find it impossible to fully manage my emotions. Also, that is exactly what they are. I regret that I have not verbalized that with you until now."
"I love you so much, Spock."
"And I you, t'hy'la."
Kirk picked up his left hand and marveled at the ring now on it. Spock was his husband. And the father of his children. Now… mother to one of his children. That was a weird thought. But he loved it. Especially the sound of husband. Even better than fiancee.
"Come on. Let's get back and celebrate with the others that you so graciously invited to make me happy. Then we can start our honeymoon."
"You still wish to vacation after this news?"
"Absolutley. Just you and me. I couldn't want anything more right now."
"As you wish," he replied as he allowed himself to be dragged back to the group.