I hold no rights to anything CSI except to look upon them lovingly every Thursday night.

I have to give thanks to Peggy who keeps my writing on the up and up. She's my proofreader, my editor, and my friend.

A/N OK, this is my slightly twisted idea of how to get myself on the show. Yes, sadly, I'm an actor as well as a writer but a dreamer most of all. I would play Gwen. Please, R&R!

To those 'faithful' readers, I apologize for my tardiness in posting new chapters. Sometimes real life gets in the way. I will do my best to get back to a regular posting schedule. Thanks for sticking with me.

Family, Like It or Not

Chapter 37

The summer was full of weddings for our friends at the Vegas crime lab. Ellie and Matt, both huge Star Trek fans, decided well before arriving in Vegas that they wanted a Star Trek wedding. While Gwen and Jim tried desperately to talk them out of it, the couple chose to have their wedding at The Star Trek Experience. They made the arrangements ages ago; there was no turning back now. Guests were urged, but not required, to don Star Trek costumes for the service and reception. At first, Jim actually preferred the idea of wearing his tuxedo until Ellie told him he would have an Admiral's rank. Many of the lab geeks went all out, and there were many 'species' in attendance. Greg and Judy came as a Bajoran couple. Warrick and Catherine as humans, but in proper Starfleet attire, both science officers with rank of commander. Nick and Mandy went all out and were the only Klingon's in attendance. Gwen wore a lovely organza gown but decided to stay human. There were also representatives of the Trill, Andorian, Betazoid, and Talaxian races. Gil and Sara couldn't help themselves and came as Vulcans. There were also many varying ranks of Starfleet officers present and two medical officers. It was silly, but a grand time was had by all.

Greg and Judy had a small but very nice wedding at a little chapel where Judy's family were members. Hard to believe in Vegas folks actually had regular churches, but many did. The reception that followed was equally small but great fun for all who attended. Judy's father and Greg even played air guitar together.

Nick and Mandy's wedding was a much grander affair. Nick's family alone was in the double digits. When Mandy's family and all of their friends were added, it was a big guest list. They decided to have the service at the reception hall at the Tangiers. The party was winding down when the DJ announced that it was time to do the bouquet and garter toss. The DJ played 'The Stripper' while Nick removed Mandy's garter. Nick considered using his teeth; but, as his mother and sisters were present, he thought better of it. All the single ladies were called to the floor

"Wait!" called Nick. "I want us to do it at the same time."

The DJ called the single men to the floor as well. They divided like the Red Sea, women on the left, men on the right. Nick and Mandy took their places in front of their respective groups.

"Ok, Mandy," Catherine, not wanting Lindsey anywhere near the bouquet, began, "You'd better be very careful where you throw that thing."

"Don't worry Cath, I know just where to toss it." Mandy winked at Catherine letting her in on the plan.

The DJ started his count, "One, two, three!" On three, Mandy hurled her bouquet and Nick's arm flew into the air. The bouquet flew over the ladies to Wendy who was in the back of the group. It was as if there was a homing device on those flowers that drew them to Wendy. At the same time Hodges raised his hand and in it was the garter! Success! Both groups whooped and hollered as Wendy took her place in the designated chair so Hodges could place the garter on her leg.

"You know, Hodges," Nick started. "The story goes the higher you put that on Wendy's leg, the more years of happiness for me and Mandy."

Mandy smirked. "You want us to be happy, don't you Hodges?"

"Guys, stop!" Wendy blushed and looked apologetically at Hodges.

Hodges paused for a moment. "Hell, yes! I want you both to live to a hundred and be happy everyday of your lives!" Hodges pulled the garter slowly over Wendy's toes. "You want them to be happy too, right Honey?"

Wendy grinned back at Hodges. "Very happy."

Hodges moved the garter slowly up Wendy's leg. Now they had control of the joke.

Nick laughed. "Hodges, you're going to run out of leg soon!"

At that the entire hall broke into laughter and Hodges came to a halt. He and Wendy were both blushing now as he gently put her shoe back on and helped her up from the chair.

Wendy leaned into Hodges and whispered, "I don't think it would've gone any higher, it was getting pretty tight." Then she kissed him softly.

The DJ started the music again and invited everyone to the floor for the final dance. Nick and Mandy took this opportunity to change their clothes and get ready to make their big exit. Rick and Catherine were taking them to the airport for their flight to Hawaii.

The floor was full of our favorite couples. Gil and a very pregnant Sara, Jim and Gwen, Greg and Judy, Doc and Mrs. Doc, Super and Mrs. Dave, Rick and Catherine, Hodges and Wendy and many more.

"David," Wendy was the only person who called him David, "how did you manage to come down with that garter," Wendy had to ask him as they danced.

Looking sheepish Hodges answered, "I went up with it." Noticing her confused look, he explained. "Mandy and Nick decided they wanted us to get the bouquet and garter. Mandy knew she could throw the flowers right to you, but Nick didn't know how to get me the garter without looking. That's when he came up with the plan. He'd ask to do it together so everyone would be watching the bouquet. Nick gave me the matching garter three days ago."

Wendy smiled and kissed Hodges deeply.

"Not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?" Hodges wrinkled his brow.

Wendy answered, "You. You deciding that you would do this knowing what kind of grief and harassment you would go through. Knowing what everyone would say about the 'next in line to get hitched'. You not only agreed to do your best to catch the garter, but went along with Nick's plan and cheated to make sure you caught it."

Clarifying Hodges said, "You're pleased with me for cheating at the garter toss?"

"No. I'm pleased because you wanted to cheat at the garter toss." Wendy kissed him again.

"So, Captain Brass, shall we collect our children and head home?" Gwen smiled at her husband.

Smiling back at her, Jim responded, "Are you tired, Mrs. Brass?"

"Not exactly." Gwen shot him that look he loved and knew so well.

Jim, a man of few words said, "I'll get the boys."

Entering the 'child care room' Jim saw Gil gathering Hogan's things. "Hey, Gil, are you and Sara heading home too?"

"Yeah. I'm surprised she made it this long," Gil answered as he bent to pick up his son.

Concerned Jim asked, "Is she doing alright?"

"She's fine. It's just this pregnancy is a little different than Hogie's. She's carrying this baby really low, and it's hard on her feet and her back."

"Yeah, I remember Gwen had a lot of back aches with Tommy." Jim scooped Tommy up. "Sammy! It's time to go!"

"Coming, Daddy!" Sammy called to his father.

As Gil turned to leave he asked Jim, "So, we're on for brunch tomorrow?"

"Yeah, you guys come down about 10 AM, ok?" Jim said.

Gil nodded, "OK." He continued out of the room as he heard Sammy ask his father,

"Dad, didja get me any cake?"