Owen stood in the mirror fussing with his bow tie. He didn't know why Teddy insisted on a tux, he had suggested his dress uniform but Teddy wanted a tux. In a couple hours they would be married.
"Last chance Hunt," Mark said.
"Never," Owen replied.
"It's rambo and GI Jane," Derek replied.
"Rambo," Owen asked.
"Just go with it," Mark said.
There was a knock at the door.
Owen opened it.
"Mom," Owen said.
"You're getting married," Evelyn beamed.
"How's Teddy," Owen asked.
"Excited," Evelyn said.
Nikki appeared beside Evelyn in the door.
"Hey squirt," Owen said, he realized the nick name really didn't fit anymore but it was something they all just went with. Today his youngest sister looked like an adult and he didn't like it one bit.
"Ready to marry Teddy," Nikki asked.
"I am," Owen said, "are you okay with it?"
"She's like my big sister of course I'm happy for you," Nikki said, "she looks really really pretty Owl."
"Owl," Derek asked.
"I used to wear glasses," Owen said, "and she couldn't say Owen until she was like 5 so I was Owl."
"He calls me squirt I call him owl it's only fair," Nikki retorted.
"Sisters," Derek replied.
"She's easier to deal with than Amy," Mark quipped.
"True," Derek replied.
"Thanks for doing this with Teddy today," Owen said.
"I'm kinda surprised she included me," Nikki said.
"You're her sister," Owen smiled, "why wouldn't she want you there."
"Nikki," Arizona called down the hall.
Nikki offered Owen her pinkie the ritual she had for before performing.
"Don't trip," Nikki said.
"I won't," Owen smiled.
Nikki walked back into the room where the ladies were getting ready.
"Almost ready," Arizona asked.
"I am," Nikki said.
"It's about time," Teddy replied.
"It is," Nikki laughed.
"Bridesmaids, flower girl, bride," Arizona listed, "we're ready."
Nikki gave Teddy a quick hug, "you're really my sister now."
"I have been for a while," Teddy said, "but yes now you're my little sister."
Arizona had seen the previous year when Nikki was hospitalized how attached Teddy was to her. She smiled seeing Teddy hug her new "little sister" having heard the whole story of how deep Teddy's attachment to the family really went.
Owen and his groomsmen took their place at the front of the room with the pastor waiting for the bridal party.
Nikki walked down the aisle first as a bridesmaid and took her spot, followed by Arizona with 18 month old Allison following. Owen crouched as his daughter walked towards him, smiling at the little girl.
The music changed and Teddy walked down the aisle all eyes on her.
"Mama," Allison yelled running back up the aisle to Teddy.
Teddy paused and took Allison's hand leading her daughter to stand with her and Owen. Evelyn ducked forward and picked up Allison as Owen took both of Teddy's hands.
The pastor began the service.
"The couple has chosen to write their own vows," the pasto said, " Teddy can you start."
"Owen," Teddy smiled, "from the first day I met you I knew I liked you, as we got to know eachother I fell in love with you. You've been my best friend, confidante and my favourite person that whole time. When I was alone you made me part of your family, sharing the love of your home. Owen, you are the person who makes me feel safe and loved. The one I know is always by my side, the father of our daughter. You make me feel things I didn't think I would ever feel. I love you more than I have words for and can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."
"Owen," the pastor prompted.
"Teddy," Owen smiled, "the love of my life. I knew you were the one the first time we worked together. They say you find love in stange places I don't think anyone ever expected a battlefield. Teddy you've been there in my darkest moments and always come to find me when I'm lost. You make me happier then I knew it was possible to feel. I love the way you make everyone around you feel important and special. You're my best friend and my rock. I love you today and always."
The pastor finished with the traditional vows, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."
They kissed passionately to the applause of the audience. Together Owen and Teddy walked up the aisle followed by their bridal party.
The night was filled with toasts and dancing.
"You need this for your toast," Arizona whispered passing Nikki a glass.
"What is it," Nikki asked.
"Real champagne," Arizona said.
"I don't drink," Nikki said.
"One toast one sip your okay," Arizona said.
Evelyn made her toast first, "Owen and Teddy I'm so proud of both of you. I've watched as you've learned and grown together for years. Watched you embrace new challenges and stand together through them all. I've seen you support and hold each other up as true partners. I am so happy to see the two of you married today. To Owen and Teddy."
Then it was Nikkis turn, "owl and Teddy. Don't worry you'll get a nickname soon. Thank you for standing by and encouraging me refusing to let me give up when things are hard. Owen you're actually the cool big brother now, thank you for taking the time to talk and understand my dreams and helping me figure out what I need to do to pursue them. Teddy finally my big sister but you've acted like it since you came home, thank you for helping translate ballerina to surgeon, so Owen and I could learn to be siblings. I love both of you and am so happy to see that your finally married. Congratulations. To Owen and Teddy!"
Nikki sat back down.
"Good isn't it," Arizona whispered.
"Okay," Nikki said.
"Is that your first champagne," Arizona whispered.
"Yes," Nikki replied.
They listened as Derek gave the best man speech starting with Owens first visit to the hospital in uniform with a pen in a paitents neck. She remembered that story. She had been home with mom, Teddy and Meghan making Christmas cookies waiting for Owen who was coming home a day later due to scheduling issues. They had waited hours for him before getting the call to pick him up in a bloody uniform at the hospital. Nikki remembered seeing him come home in the dirty uniform and scaring her. She had watched from her hiding spot at the top of the stairs then ducked into her room when he came up to shower. That night Meghan had stayed with her calming and explaining why Owen was in a bloody uniform. It was Meghan's last trip home. Nikkis last true sister night where they had both crowded into her twin bed leaving Teddy alone in Meghan's room.
After hours of celebration and dancing Owen and Teddy went up to their hotel room.
"So Mrs Hunt," Owen teased.
"Altman Hunt," Teddy retorted.
"Altman Hunt I like it," Owen smiled, "tonight just us. Our first night as husband and wife."
Teddy closed the space between them pulling him close to her with the collar of his tux jacket missing him passionately. Owen felt her body pressed against his. They quickly undressed each other before falling into bed.