A/N Unfortunately, I can't post links put the links up but you can find the bagpipe music for Highland Cathedral and Scottish Flower on You tube


Daniel punched his pillow for the twentieth time in a vain effort to get comfortable. He stared at the ceiling, studying how the plaster swirled in delicate shell patterns. It didn't take long for his imagination to see where the breaks in the design gave the impression of a pair of eyes staring back. He turned as far as his cast would let him and stared at the empty side of the bed. Sleeping apart the night before a wedding was a stupid human tradition. He missed Nora. It was ridiculous that he couldn't fall asleep without hearing her breathing next to him. He reached for her pillow and sniffed, letting her delicate scent fill his soul. The girls were all at the house, doing what girls do. He wondered what exactly women did when one of them got married. They'd already had their hen party, what could they have left? He let out a soft groan and gave up the need for sleep.

Daniel sat up and swung his legs over the edge of his bed, then reached for his crutches. If he couldn't sleep then he could at least eat something. With any luck at all, one of Addie's sticky buns might be left. Nightlights lit his path through to the kitchen. He eased past two sleeping boys into the kitchen, trying hard to stay quiet. It lasted until he reached for the marmalade while trying to balance on crutches, without actually holding the crutch. The splat sent glass, mixed with marmalade, everywhere. The hall light came on almost immediately, garnering a soft groan. It took Howie less than a minute to show up. At least the boys slept through the racket.

"Don't you dare move," Howie hissed. "What were you doing?"

"Couldn't sleep. Thought I'd grab a sticky bun and then I thought, what the hell, I'd grab the marmalade too," he answered, not caring that he sounded like a sullen ten year old.

"Why are you cussing? You only do that when you're upset or have a nasty headache. You're not curled in a ball, so that leaves upset."

"It's a stupid tradition, not seeing the bride before the wedding."

"Ah, got it," Howie answered whilst reaching for the broom and dustpan. "Back up to the table. At least you didn't wake the boys."

"They're knackered. We did keep them up till ten." Daniel chuckled. "At least I managed to get Mr McGregor to come. Pete's having him flown down. It's my wedding present for her."

"It's a great one." Howie answered as he dropped the contents of the dustpan in the bin. "Did he tell you why he really didn't want to come?"

"Yeah, seems he thought he wouldn't be welcomed, because he gave her away at the first one. I wish I could remember Ian better. I mean I know what he did and that he went to jail for slugging me, but I don't actually remember it. Don told me."

"Well, that's done any way. Remembering the bastard will just leave you upset. You don't need that and neither does she. Her dad's coming - that's enough." Howie finished mopping, washed his hands, and pulled a sticky bun from the bread box. "Addie hid them from the boys," he grinned when he gave Daniel the treat.

"Howie, you are coming with, when we go home - right? I mean, you're part of the family now. You do know that?"

"I know, thanks and yeah, I'm coming. Even after your cast is off, you'll still need help. Dylan says you'll need at least four more weeks of therapy on that ankle. Addie can't be chasin' after you and Robbie. Plus, she said she doesn't feel safe driving those roads during the winter."

"Good, I … I really appreciate that you're coming. I didn't even remember you when I came home, not really. I mean, I did, but … I didn't know why."

"I know." Howie patted his arm.

"Are you ever going to try to meet someone - have a relationship again?"

Howie rolled his eyes. "Just like a man. He's getting hitched, so he starts plottin' to share the misery with his friends, or is that just women who do that?"

"I'm not plotting anything, and I'm definitely not miserable," Daniel scoffed."So will you?"

"Actually, I haven't told anyone, but I sorta have. I met a guy online. We've been chatting. I saw him the other day, when you had your appointment with Doctor Jones. We had lunch. I invited him to be my plus one tomorrow," Howie answered, without meeting Daniel's eyes.

Daniel sat up straighter, surprised by the revelation. Even now, Howie still kept tight control over what he shared about his life. He was obviously still afraid that if he shared too much he would lose friends. "Really, that's good then, isn't it? You shouldn't be alone Howie. You are a good man."

"Eat your sticky bun and go to bed, you are having a day tomorrow," he answered, obviously relieved.

Daniel finished the treat then grabbed his crutches. "What's his name," he asked, halfway to the door.

"Whose?" Howie asked as he cleaned the table.

"Your new friend, what's his name?"

Howie looked up, flashing a gentle smile. "It's Douglas - Douglas Claren. He's a teacher. He thinks I should go back to school for a degree in social work, counsel gay kids."

Daniel smiled, "You should, you would be really good at it. Night, Howie."

"Yeah, good night."

On his way back to the bedroom, Daniel stopped to watch Robbie and Tony curled up in their sleeping bags, dreaming of their own adventures. At some point Robbie had roused enough to claim his newly constructed TARDIS. Daniel smiled, glad that the glue had dried. In the morning he planned to finish painting it and the race car tucked under Tony's arm. The sight of their little faces flooded Daniel with more peace than he could remember. He found himself wondering how he would feel when he held his own baby. Daniel hobbled through to his bed with that image in his head. He began a list of names for his son, but it only had one candidate. It was really a no brainer: Wilfred Ulysses Barrow. He tried to access his memories of the Doctor holding his own children. He'd felt uncomfortable and distant until he he held Alex and then adopted Miranda. God, I don't want to take hundreds of years to learn, he huffed. By the time he fell asleep, he'd decided parenting wouldn't be so bad. It might even be fun. His last thought was a northern accented voice, saying, 'you've got to be kidding me,'

.

"Think he forgot?" Robbie asked Tony. The boys stood next to Daniel's bed, watching him sleep. Drool puddled under his chin, giving them a reason to giggle.

"Probably, he forgot other stuff. Maybe we should poke him."

"He might get mad. Finn doesn't like getting poked."

"Finn's a dog. Uncle Daniel wouldn't get mad - would he?"

Daniel moved slightly, he could hear the two talking. He fully intended to startle them at the appropriate. A small hand snaked under the duvet to poke Daniel's chest. Daniel waited until a second hand copied the first. The boys squealed when Daniel roared and grabbed them up into the bed. All three descended into a fit of giggles.

"It's barely eight AM, what are you two doing?"

"You promised we would paint this morning," Robbie announced.

"Yeah, I did - didn't I? Tell you what, you get my slippers and my crutches, so I can go to the loo and I will see what I can do."

"Can we do the remote part, too," Robbie asked as he handed his dad the crutches, whilst Tony steadied the slipper. Minutes later, Howie found the three engrossed in turning wood into a flying ship and a race car.

.

When Daniel glanced at the kitchen clock three and half hours later, he was stunned that it was almost noon. He set the remote control he'd been working on for the TARDIS and slipped two batteries into the chamber, snapping it shut. A second later he did the same for the remote to Tony's racer, painted bright red with thin racing white racing stripes. The boys sat watching with grins, waiting for their chance to test drive their new treasures. His left eyebrow arched up when he grinned. His eyes twinkled, giving him the same excited expression as the boys. "Who's first?" he asked.

"Robbie," Tony answered, "'cos I broke his."

"Right then, Robbie, here you go." Daniel handed him the remote. Three sets of eyes watched in anticipation, as the light on top of TARDIS began to blink and the whir of an engine filled the kitchen. "Okay, hit the forward button," he instructed, placing the device in Robbie's hands. All three watched the toy lifted off the table, The three watched as Robbie turned the steering wheel sending the TARDIS whirling around the kitchen.

"Dad, it works! Can I take it with us! Please can I take it?"

"Uh, that would be no. Somehow, I don't think anyone but us would appreciate it flying around the room." He laughed. "All ready, Tony?" he said, handing him the remote. "Your turn," He handed the remote to Tony. He watched the little blonde version of Rose grab his racer with the same look of joy his sister got on every adventure with the Doctor. He used the remote, sending the car racing out of the kitchen into the lounge, only to hear a loud "Oi!" from a voice they all recognised.

"Daniel, you do know you're getting married in three hours, right?" Pete yelled from the lounge. "The boys should be in the bloody bath by now."

"Um, yeah, we got a bit side tracked," Daniel called back, whilst trying to get up. "Sorry." He hobbled behind two guilty looking little boys.

"I'm sorry Daddy," Tony muttered, reclaiming his car. "Can I take this with us? Uncle Daniel made it cool."

"No, you can't. Daniel, you must have a death wish. You don't mess with a woman's day like this. You can't be late and you can't - have blue paint all over your hands. The girls all just left and I've managed to get the helicopter to pick up ..." He rolled his eyes toward the house. "You know, our guest."

"Is it somebody famous, Dad?" Tony asked.

"No, we don't know anybody famous," Robbie answered, before Pete could. "I bet it's Harry. Harry wasn't at that old church. Jake was there, but not Harry. I wish Granddad was comin'. I bet he'd like our stuff. He's marryin' people too."

"How can he marry people when he's married to your gran?" Tony asked.

"It's his job," Daniel chuckled.

"Right, Howie," Pete said, trying to ignore the conversation, "You snag Daniel and I will take these two back to the house for baths. If we aren't out of here by two, Jackie will eviscerate me. She has this planned tighter than Harriet's team did her re-election."

"Daddy, are you afraid of Mummy," Tony asked.

Without hesitation, Pete swung his son up in his arms. "Yes, yes I am and when you're grown and you get married, if you're wise, you will be, too."

"Dad's not afraid of Mum," Robbie said.

"He will be - once the bloom is off - if he's at all wise."

"Oi! Why would I be afraid of her?" Daniel protested.

"Because," Pete said, heading for the door with Tony in his arms and Robbie in tow. "It's how married men survive. We know when to be in charge and we know when to do exactly what we're told, or run from the hounds of hell when our disobedience is noticed. You will learn, Daniel, at about three in the morning, when a pregnant woman sends you for pears." Pete laughed and grabbed the boys coats. "Get clean. I will be back."

"Howie?" Daniel asked, watching Pete walk out the door with the boys.

"Yep."

"Nora would never want pears - would she?"


Nora turned from the window of what once had been a monk's cell. She could well imagine the mystic who'd first called it home, turning over in his grave at the idea of a woman changing out of jeans and a jumper into her wedding gown, still in it's protector. She could't imagine doing or being anywhere else at this moment. When she turned to the centre room, women that she hadn't even known six months ago were unpacking makeup bags, a hair dryer and a curling iron. All the things that she normally wouldn't touch, were spread on the dressing table. Nora let out a soft sigh. "What time is it?"

"It's half one," her mother answered, looking up from the suitcase that she was unpacking. "You need to get into a dressing gown so we can do your hair." She pulled out the white item out and held it out.

"Ja, first your hair," Addie laughed, waving the curling iron.

"And then your makeup," Jackie added, waving a tube lipstick.

"I've got the button hook for your dress," Rose laughed. "I might actually keep this for a future weapon, to fight an attack of alien button thieves."

Nora laughed. "I will change. Do you think the boys are all right?""The boys are fine," her mother reassured her. "Go on and get changed."

"What time is it now," Nora asked, as she slid her slim leg into the silk stocking. She'd never worn silk stockings. To make sure that nothing could snag the delicate piece of material, she'd removed every semblance of hair, leaving her legs as smooth as a newborn's. She clipped first one, then the next suspender onto the edge of her stocking.

"It's quarter past two," Rose answered. "The guys just got here. I am dying to see Daniel in a kilt. Those skinny legs ..." The entire room burst into laughter.

"Shush," Addie said in mock offense. "He looked quite handsome when he tried it on."

"Yes, but back then, he had hair and two legs," Nora giggled. "I'm just hoping Robbie doesn't lift his up," Nora said, when she stopped laughing.

"They'll be fine. Come on then - let's get your dress on." Nora's mother unzipped the bridal gown bag and lifted out the dress.

The dress still took Nora's breath. It was impossible to believe that the woman who'd originally ordered it had rejected it because the seamstress had embroidered tiny little stars instead of roses. They were scattered across the train, as they would be in space. She was still unbelievably grateful to Rose for finding the dress tucked away in the reject racks. Nora stepped into the gown, pulled it up, and slid her arms into bell sleeves. The dress reminded her of something a medieval princess might wear. The bodice stopped just at the top of her breasts. She studied her image in the mirror, amazed at her reflection. Two pearl combs tucked the sides of her brown hair behind her ears; the back lay in soft curls. Jackie applied her makeup with a light touch. A silver chain with the symbol of her clan hung around her neck. "That's not me," she whispered, more to herself than anyone else.

"It is you," Addie answered, "but it's not finished." She pulled a box from under the coats. "Daniel researched Scottish customs. It seems it's tradition for the groom's mother to give this to bride." She pulled out a dark blue tartan shawl and walked over to the mirror. "I'm not his mama, but he asked if I would do this," she said, draping around Nora's slim shoulders. "It gets pinned to the left shoulder, for a clan chief. It's a tiny clan, but it's a clan," she said, pinning the silver broach that Mrs Addis had made for them to represent their clan. "Now," she said, kissing Nora's cheek. "We put your veil on."

..

The small room, allotted for grooms at the back of the chapel, was now home to a half dozen men, all trying to corral both Daniel and two little boys into the appropriate clothes. Howie snapped pictures of the boys, both dressed so neatly. At some point in their lives, the photos would make perfect blackmail material he said.

"Stop," Robbie smacked at Tony's hand when the boy lifted the edge of the kilt.

"Dad, he's got no pants on. Mum says a boy always has to wear pants, but Robbie hasn't any on," Tony declared, stunned.

"Neither does Daniel," Pete laughed.

"Really, can I see?" His eyes lit up at the thought.

"No!" the men declared in one voice.
"It's a Scottish thing," Daniel explained, as he teetered on his crutches while adjusting the black rabbit fur dress sporran. The silver cantle matched the kilt pin that Norm Addis had fastened. "And there is no peeking allowed - unless you want Norm to box your ears," he continued, as Norm slid the Sgian Dubh into its protective sock sheath.
"Does Robbie get a knife? Can I have a knife?" Tony asked.

"Robbie gets a fake knife," Mr Addis answered, standing back to admire his handiwork. "You, laddie, can have one if your da buys you a complete kilt for a proper Scots event. He ruffled Tony's hair as he walked over to Robbie to slide his imitation knife into place. "And you, laddie, remember it stays there or I'll box your ears."

"What time is it?" Daniel's voice cracked with nervousness when he asked the question.

"Half two."

"Pete, has he arrived yet?"

"SUV pulled up to the back door five minutes ago."

"So, I guess - I'm ready then." He swallowed. "Am I supposed to be this nervous? I keep thinking I'm going to fall over or something."

"Falling over - damn, I almost forgot the broom." Norm fussed.

"Broom? Whatcha gonna sweep?" Tony asked, obviously fascinated by the shenanigans of the adults.

"Nothing," Norm answered. "It's for jumping. If this is getting done in the land of the English, it gets done right." He beamed.

"Jumping over a broom is silly," Tony declared, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Right then," Daniel said. "We should - you know - go." Daniel twisted on his crutches.

"Daniel?" Pete asked.

"Yeah?"

Pete smiled. "Don't you think you should put on your shoe first?"

The ancient stone chapel was already filling up when Daniel took his place in front of the screened off alter. He knew that as soon as Robbie was beside him, Mr McGregor would take his place behind the screen. He really hadn't expected to feel as if butterflies had invaded his stomach. He couldn't even wipe his sweaty palms on his kilt. A sea of smiling faces greeted him. "Don, you have the notes?" He asked wiggling his fingers in the direction of his friends. Seeing Marcus in a lounge suit surprised him. He didn't remember ever seeing the man so nicely dressed.

"Yes, Cuz," Don answered, retrieving the note card with the vows Daniel had written.

Daniel raced through the notes, wishing he could remember actually writing them. He'd practised every chance he had and now just hoped he wouldn't forget them. Pete had secured Tony with the rings in the alcove, Robbie stood next to Don, and Mr Borwick had his bagpipes making squeaking noises. Daniel turned away from Harriet Jones to face the guests, all sitting in the ancient, heavy oak pews. The worn wooden seats gleamed, from centuries of wax rubbed into them. The watch on his wrist ticked slowly toward three pm. At two minutes and fifty four seconds, Mr Borwick began playing the Highland Cathedral. The almost mournful sounds of the bagpipes echoed off the stone walls. When Tony appeared in the doorway, carrying a blue pillow, he tucked the card in his sporran and straightened on his crutches.

Everyone that he called a friend faded, as his vision narrowed to the doorway. He drew a breath as Mr Borwick switched from playing the melody to the soft strains of The Scottish Flower. Six notes in the organ joined in and Tony began his march, followed by Jackie and then Rose. When Nora stepped into view, her arm resting lightly on Norm Addis', her face covered by a veil, his crutches became the only thing holding him up.

He ignored Pete rushing up the outside aisle, as the agonizingly slow procession made its way up the centre aisle. His lungs didn't want to work. A part of his brain screamed Rose's own beauty across the cosmos, while the rest focused on Nora. The odd feeling forced him to shake his head to clear it away. Don chuckled at the way Tony shoved the silken pillow into his hands. It required a firm hand from Jackie to prevent Tony from ducking to grab a quick peak under Daniel's kilt. She split to the left with her son in tow as Rose swallowed her laughter and split to the left as well, leaving Pete to give Nora to him.

The electric feeling of her touch sent tingles through his body leaving him speechless. "Hello," he barely whispered. Her face looked all gauzy behind her veil. He lifted the material, laying over the satin caplet on her head. "You look like a bride for a king, instead of someone like me."

"Only you," she whispered. "My very own lord from space."

"Eh-hm," Harriet interrupted. "It seems I forgot my book. Just a mo'," she said.

"What?" Nora blinked in confusion, watching the woman disappear behind the screen, only to gasp when her father stepped out.

"Daddy?" she half sobbed then flew into his arms, ignoring Robbie's excited voice yelling 'granddad'.

"Now there, girl, you didn't think I'd let the second best girl in the world get married to this skinny git without me, didya? And before you ask, the best girl is still your mum."

"Oh, Daddy." She nestled in his arms.

Mr McGregor eased her back with a kiss on her forehead. "Let's get this done, okay?"

Nora stepped back to Daniel. "Thank you," was all she could say.

Mr McGregor went through the list of what brought them all to the chapel, just in case anyone didn't understand the style of dress or the music. Before they knew it, Pete and Jackie stood by Daniel, while Nora's mother stood by her. Daniel stuttered the beginning of his vows, but then his voice grew strong as he repeated the words required by the state and listened as Nora did the same. Pete placed the tartan ribbon in Daniel's hands and smiled.

"This time counts," he said, ignoring Daniel's confused expression. "I consent and freely give you, Daniel Ulysses Barrow to Nora May McGregor to share your life, your love and your future until the end of time." He passed the free end to Nora's mother, who placed the ribbon in her daughter's hand.

"I consent and freely give my daughter, Nora May McGregor, to Daniel Ulysses Barrow until the end of time," she said.
"Robbie, your turn." Mrs McGregor stepped back as Robbie stepped up and loosely tied the ribbon around their wrists as he had practised. "I give my mum and dad to each other," he said with pride. "Not sure why, though."

"Daniel, your vows," Mr McGregor said with a smile.

"I, Daniel Ulysses Barrow, promise before this gathered assembly to live my life to honour and cherish you in all aspects of our lives together. I promise always to place you before all others."

Nora felt Daniel's hand tremble as he held hers. "I, Nora May McGregor, promise before God and this assembly to live my life in honour and to cherish you in all aspects of our lives together. I promise always to place you before all others." She smiled and whispered, "Including not feeding you pears."

"Daniel and Nora, this ribbon is a symbol of the life you have chosen to live together, Until this moment, you have chosen to be separate but now," he looped the ribbon tying their clasped hands together, "as this is tied together, so shall your lives be tied. I bind you to the pledges that you have made before this gathering and the laws of this country. With this knot, I tie you together hearts to hearts. May I have their rings."
Don handed the two bands over. "I give you these rings as a reminder of the pledges you have made. They are the symbol of your promises keeping you together as one." Mr McGregor leaned forward and kissed his daughter's forehead. Then he stepped back.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr and Mrs Daniel Barrow."

A small voice could be heard through the applause. "Mum," Robbie pulled her sleeve,"can we have our party now?"

"Not yet, we have to hobble down the aisle and jump over that silly broom in the way," Daniel laughed. "And - I still have to do this," he said, leaning in to kiss his wife.

Daniel and Nora pivoted and with Mr Borwick playing, made their way to the broom lying half way down the aisle. Daniel couldn't help laughing at the number of men poised ready to catch him if he faltered. His manic grin lit up his face as he stopped, placed his crutches on the other side of the broom and swung through, only to stumble and catch himself. He regained his balance and chuckled at the worried faces. "See, I told you I'd make it," he declared. "Robbie, now it's time to party."