AN: I don't own any of the CSI:NY Characters or any of the show's storylines that I may refer to from time to time, but the rest of the plot is mine.

25. D-Day

Laura opened her eyes and lay quietly for a few minutes. She missed the sound of the traffic, being so high up, but the view from the window more than made up for it as she turned to look out of the window across Central Park, bathed in the spring sunlight. She had slept well and felt surprisingly calm. The suite had been a present from her father, a night for the girls to chill out and prepare. Laura fought her way out of the soft comfortable bed and stood at the window. Tonight the suite would be hers and Don's; a tingle ran up her spine as she thought about it. Her peace and quiet was soon shattered as the door burst open to admit Lindsay and Stella.

"You're awake!" squealed Lindsay as they both hugged her. "Breakfast is here, you've got a couple of hours before Heather and the others arrive for the hairdresser."

"Good, I'm going to wallow in a bath!" announced Laura hoping they would get the hint and give her some more time alone.

"After breakfast" insisted Stella as they guided her into the lounge.

"Guys, I'm not hungry, maybe later, I want some time to myself. Pleeeease?" she pleaded.

"You've got 30 minutes ... any longer and you'll be like a prune." Said Stella forcefully. Laura sighed as she headed for the bathroom.

x X x

Meanwhile Don, Danny, Hawkes and Brian were at the basketball court letting off steam, at least most of them were. Don was not particularly enthusiastic and Danny pulled him aside. "You OK man?"

"I'm good." He answered with a shrug. Danny studied him for a moment.

"Nervous?"

"Nah, just hate the waiting" he replied frowning.

"That's why we're here, take your mind off it all!" said Danny as he clapped him on the back and pushed him back into the game. "Then we'll go eat."

x X x

Later that afternoon the girls were in a room set aside for them at the venue, the guys were in another across the courtyard. Teresa knocked on their door. Danny let her in, she ushered them all out to get a few minutes alone with her brother.

"Hey, is everything OK?" he asked looking concerned.

"Everything is fine. She is doing better than you. Don stop pacing you'll wear out the carpet." She chided. He stopped and looked at Teresa.

"Why are you here?" he asked suspiciously.

"You telling me I can't talk to my baby brother?" She quizzed looking up at him, catching the face he pulled, "OK so you're not such a baby brother any more!" she exclaimed. "How are you doing?"

"OK" he shrugged. "Pleased to get rid of the others for 5 minutes, they've barely let me out of their sight all day." Teresa laughed.

"If it's any consolation, Laura's been the same. Lindsay has had every minute planned. I'm about to kick them all out give her some time alone with Pippa."

"So how is my favorite niece?" Don asked angling for even a small bit of information.

"You're only one, you mean. She's really excited. I could barely get her in bed last night" Teresa answered giving her brother a big smile.

"So how's Laura?"

"Surprisingly calm. I left her with her Mom. ... Don't worry its OK, apparently they talked last night after the guys dragged you off. They cleared up a lot of things." She spoke quickly when a thunderous look crossed Don's face. "I'd better get back. But first you need to change your tie. Laura sent you a present."

Teresa opened the box tucked under her arm and took out a dusty blue bow tie. Don had removed his which had been hanging around his neck and Teresa expertly and quickly tied the new one for him.

"Don't strangle me!" he moaned as she finished.

"Shut up. It's fine. You look great." She hugged him and kissed his cheek. "You're going to love what she's wearing." She teased and headed for the door. "Tell the guys to change their ties too." She threw back and disappeared. Don sighed and started pacing again.

x X x

Over in the girls' room Laura and her Mum were still alone when Teresa returned. "How is he Tes?" asked Laura using Teresa's nickname.

"Fed up with the body guards he's had all day." She answered with a grin.

"At least it wasn't just me got the close protection squad." Replied Laura with a laugh.

"Laura, I'm going to go, do you have everything?" Martha asked softly.

"I think so, I'd just like some time to myself for a bit. Thanks for coming in." she hugged Martha. "Could you send Pippa in." she asked as her Mum opened the door.

"I'll be outside, d'you want them back for anything?" she asked meaning her bridesmaids.

"Just have Heather come in after I've seen Pip and she can check my veil. Please keep the rest away before they drive me insane!" She pleaded.

"No problem." Teresa replied and gave her a hug before heading for the door herself.

x X x

Don's father opened the door to the guys' room about 20 minutes later. "You all set son?" He asked looking at his namesake. Don nodded. "Then I guess its time."

"Is Laura ready?" Don asked.

"Laura's just fine, I haven't seen her but your Ma said she's good, you've got yourself a fine girl there."

"Has to be to put up with him" teased Danny.

"Messerrrr-" Growled Don. "It's not too late to revoke your privileges you know."

"You wouldn't" gulped Danny.

"Try me ... It would kinda mess up your plans with Monroe wouldn't it?" he asked seeing Danny blush. "Thought so, you've got big plans for the Maid of Honor tonight." He finished.

" ... You gonna keep the lady waiting Flack?" Danny countered.

x X x

Heather finished fitting and adjusting Laura's veil as her father entered. Not having seen her all morning, he stopped and admired her, a tear in his eye as, for a split second, he thought he was looking at her mother; the resemblance in that instant was heart stopping. He quickly moved forward before Laura picked up on his surprise. "You look beautiful sweetheart." He muttered as he kissed her cheek. Heather began to head for the door as Laura turned for a final look in the mirror.

"Heather, are you sure this is OK?" she asked. Heather came back.

"You look stunning." She reassured her. "It's last minute nerves, he'll be stunned watching you walk down the aisle."

"Are you sure about the veil, it still doesn't look right!" wailed Laura. "Take it off, I don't want it." She almost yelled half tugging at it. Heather took her hands and stopped her.

"Careful you'll pull your hair out. Are you sure you want it off?" She asked.

"Yeah, its gotta go, it doesn't look right." She insisted.

x X x

Waiting in the flower filled courtyard with the dais in front of him and family and friends in the chairs behind seemed to last forever. He looked at his watch again, trying not to keep looking behind him; if this morning was bad enough waiting now was about a million times worse. He forced himself to breathe slowly and looked at Danny uncomfortably. Danny tried to give him a reassuring smile, but actually his mind was on the Maid of Honor and what she would look like and if one day they would be standing somewhere like this.

"What's taking so long?" Muttered Don, his mother leaned forward from her seat behind him.

"Don't worry it's a bride's prerogative to be late" she whispered. Don snorted.

"Flack, sit still!" Danny hissed as Don fiddled with his tie. They both jumped as the music changed, Don heaved a sigh of relief as they stood up and stepped forward. They turned to face the back of the room as the bridesmaids began to make their entrance. Heather and Stella gave him reassuring smiles, both looking stunning in matching dusty blue dresses with halter necks and tiny waists in shirred crystal chiffon with full skirts. However, neither made him feel better, only one thing would do that. Seeing her. The sight of his niece standing at the end of the aisle looking around made him smile. He could tell she was being coached from someone he couldn't see. The only person that could be was the one person he wanted to see more than anything right now. Pippa took a deep breath and turned her face forwards seeing her uncle. She smiled and waved to him, then her face became very serious as she began to walk towards him, slowly scattering pale colored rose petals around her as she walked.

When Pippa stopped and stood with Heather the music changed again Don looked up from watching his niece. His eyes focused on the end of the aisle. For a few seconds he thought that his insides had been ripped out again. Slowly a smile spread across his face. She was a vision. Her long straight hair had been softly curled and partially fixed up leaving curling tendrils around her shoulders, a diamond tiara shining on her head. He let his eyes drift over the rest of her. Her dress was soft and flowing, the bodice had crushed pleats below the bust which was decorated with crystal beads and a deep sweetheart neckline. The full length skirt hung flatteringly from the waist. The back flowed delicately with streamers over the sweep train. The hem of the dress and train bore delicate embroidery with more crystal beads. She carried a small bouquet of yellow roses. Teresa had been right he did love it. He couldn't take his eyes off her.

Laura had watched Pippa's final few steps as her and her father took up their positions as the end of the aisle. She could see that his attention was momentarily elsewhere watching the young girl, as he turned to her she gripped her father's arm for fear of her legs collapsing. She had never seen him in a tux before and this image was one she would carry for a long time. She felt her father shift and they began to make their way down the aisle. For Laura and Don there was no one else around they locked their eyes on each other. As her father untwined their arms Don took her hand, it didn't matter if it was the right thing to do or not, but he needed to make sure she was real and not just a figment of his imagination. Once his fingers curled around her hand he had no intention of letting go again and for most of the ceremony it remained that way as they faced each other to declare their future together, afraid if they broke their gaze they would find the other gone when they looked again. The only time their focus changed was as they exchanged their rings.

With the formalities almost over they were so wrapped up in each other that the officiant had to tell Don twice he could kiss the bride as he didn't hear the first time, much to Danny's amusement.

x X x

Leaving the centre they were whisked away to the restaurant by horse and buggy all appropriately adorned for the occasion, turning many heads in the New York traffic. Everything continued to go as planned during the reception. Everyone was itching to really get the party started, but there was one more traditional task to perform, the speeches. Laura's father began followed by Don, who addressed both sets of parents before turning to Laura.

"For years Ma's been telling me to find a nice girl and settle down, but I was too wrapped up in being a cop until last year when I had to take a different view on things, having a 6 inch hole in your gut kinda does that to ya. But things took another turn when Laura appeared in my life." He looked at Laura and took her hand. "... You stood bedside me through the bad times, and while I don't intend to make it a regular occurrence you told me things happen for a reason, well one thing came from that Sunday morning, it brought me you. ... Seeing you earlier blew my mind. Whoever told you I would love the results of your shopping trip was right, ... so far" He raised his eyebrow at her and she knew he was guessing there was still more items from the shopping trip to be revealed. Still holding her hand he turned to their guests again, before turning back to Laura. "Messer may disagree about the nice girl image, especially after your first meeting, but Ma love's you like her own. What can be better than that? Oh yeah, I've turned you into a Rangers fan too! You say it was down to the nights when you sat with me talking to keep my mind off the pain, I'm not so sure, whatever your reasons for hanging around have made my life more than just the job. ... I love you Kat." Turning his attention once again to the guests, then to Danny, he continued. "I'm definitely the lucky one here, not only did she marry me but Danno she got us tickets to the Stanley Cup match at the Garden next month. Good seats too. Which kind of brings me to Messer, ... as guys we don't generally talk seriously about girls, but when I confessed about proposing you asked if I was sure. Is this sure enough for you?" Don indicated the surroundings and Laura. "You've had my back a lot over the years, we still get to play pool or hoops, shift permitting, but you've had paranoia from both of us over today and you've been there to help see it through. It wouldn't have happened without you. Almost didn't happen with you after the bachelor party, but you rigged that too and set us up good. Just remember that when you ask me to return the favor one day." Don continued for a moment with the traditional thank yous, then turned to the bridesmaids. "Lindsay, Stella, Meg, and Heather, what can I say, you looked after my girl when she needed to go shopping, gave her grief along the way, but you've been there when the stress got too much and let her blow off steam. Pippa, honey you did a super job today and your ma has a special present for you." He finished with the traditional toast to the Bridesmaids. Taking his seat he whispered to Laura as Danny stood up.

"Ladies and gentlemen, parents, Mr and Mrs Flack." He turned to Don and Laura as he made the last statement. "Or should that be detectives? You know the etiquette stuff is not my thing. ... It is with great pleasure that I respond to Flack's toast on behalf of the bridesmaids, who all look stunning and I would like to take you all home with me, but at least two of you are off limits as I don't want to get into your brother's bad books! I have a secret plan to sweep one of you off your feet tonight, ... don't worry Mac I know Stella's with you." Danny quipped looking at his boss and getting a laugh from the guests and gaining a glare from Stella.

"My other duty today is to regale you with stories of Flack's notorious past. I have to admit this has been tough to prepare for, not due to any shortage of stories but because most of them are too - how can I put this? - colorful to be retold in such refined company. ... I remember exactly when we first met, chasing some perp as rookie cops and we all know how he hates to run. ... I heard nothing else for a week as the brass figured we made a good team and paired us up. We've kinda watched each other's backs since, on and off the job, especially with women until he met Laura then he wouldn't introduce us for nearly 6 months, telling us she was a nice girl and we all know how nice the girls in vice are!" Another chuckle came from the assembled guests, particularly Laura's friends from her old squad.

"Chasing criminals aside we meet as regularly as shifts allow for a game of hoops or to catch up on the latest ball game. That all changed a year ago when on the job I nearly lost my buddy here, but thanks to Mac and a shoelace we're here today, coz for you who don't know Flack and Laura met during rehab, although the story goes that he was still on morphine at the time and thought she was a female version of Rambo." Danny and Don exchanged glances.

"Despite Flack's best efforts he couldn't keep us away from his girl and our paths crossed on a joint case, although it was almost 18 hours into the case before we knew. Flack you got yourself one sassy lady, for anyone who can cope with us as well as you is special. Laura I haven't forgotten our deal when we first met and when you're back from ... where are you going?" Danny asked looking at Don and Laura fishing for the honeymoon destination. Laura firmly shook her head. "... well when you're back we've got a score to settle. Ladies & Gents I ask you to raise your glasses to a long life together for Don and Laura!" Danny held up his glass leading the toast.

Later that night Laura was talking to her old team when Don joined them and snaked an arm around her waist drawing her away towards the dance floor as Danny cornered Lindsay.

"Montana, you have plans later?" He asked.

"Maybe, why cowboy you have something in mind?" She asked dropping her voice a little.

"Kind of if you want to ... maybe we could ... er do something together." He suggested nervously tugging at his collar. Lindsay noticed his discomfort and reached up to undo his tie and gently removed it from around his neck and then loosened the button on his shirt. He reached and took her hands in his and removing them from his neck.

"Sure what you got in mind?"

"Well I sorta .. kinda.. damn it!" He cursed. "See what you do to me?" He asked then crashed his lips on hers before she had a chance to respond. Although a little surprised by his action she was soon kissing him back with as much force. Pulling back a moment later both breathless with anticipation Danny handed her a hotel key card. "Room 3-15" He panted and walked away.

Laura and Don were just leaving the dance floor and saw what had happened. "Did he just do what I think he did?" Asked Don.

"Yep, finally, I think those two are going to resolve some issues." Laura answered.

"I thought they were getting on OK."

"You know for a detective sometimes you miss the obvious!" She teased. "Especially right under your nose. I even had to tell you about Mac and Stella; wake up Tiger!" She exclaimed quietly as he quickly slipped his arm around her and pulled her tight against him.

"Shut up Mrs Flack." He grinned at her before tangling his fingers in her hair and possessing her lips. He let her go a moment later. "Think they'll miss us if we took off?"

"Definitely ... but let's do it anyway." She replied with a wicked looking grin.

"I'm glad you said that, now we can elope" He replied before kissing her again.

That's it folks. The end. Hope you enjoyed it. Thanks to all my reviewers and lurkers who were reading anyway.

If anyone wants to catch up post honeymoon Laura is featured in Science in the Shadows, by Open Hearts Catch Dreams.