The next morning, Carol went to her appointment with Doctor McCoy. Jim sat on the beach watching Alex run and play. He thought that child never got tired, he just got sleepy. Jim wondered what it would be like to have two children. He thought he might be stressed out wondering about that for nine months.
Anakin came out with Luke and Leia and sat down beside Jim. "Good morning," he said.
"Morning," Jim replied.
"So, what's going on around here? Seems like a lot of tension."
"I guess you could say there is. Bones has some personal matters to work out. He and Andrea are getting married today."
"Well, that can definitely bring tension."
"Yeah, and he's also got other things going on."
"Anything I can help with?"
"No. He has to work it out on his own." Jim was silent a moment. "I think I'm actually getting tired of the beach. I'm ready to go back home. I don't like doing nothing."
"But back there you sit in an office all day."
"I'm still working, thinking, directing…a lot different than sitting around here all day."
"I guess once you get used to all that activity, it's hard to get away from it."
"It is. What do you think you want to do?"
"I wouldn't mind being a pilot. You know I can do that."
Jim thought about that a moment. "Where am I supposed to tell them that you've been a pilot?" he asked. "OH, yeah, he was a pilot in another galaxy that we got sucked into, and he stowed away on my ship and came to this galaxy along with his wife and mother."
"Do you have to be so sarcastic? You remind me of Yoda."
"Yoda was sarcastic?"
"When he wanted to be."
"Do you ever think you want to go back?"
Anakin considered that a moment. "Sometimes," he said. "But even if we tried, we might not end up at the right time. What then?"
"I wonder how they're doing. I can't help but wonder if Palpatine was kept out of power."
"Hopefully. He could hide his evil very well."
Later that day, the Enterprise arrived at Pacifica. Jim was waiting when Spock came from the ship. "Admiral, it is good to see you," Spock said.
"It's good to see you too, Spock," Jim replied.
"I believe the crew will enjoy their recreation while Uhura and I attend the wedding ceremony."
"I'm sure they will."
Uhura came from the ship next. She greeted Jim. "I take it you've enjoyed your vacation," she said.
"I have," Jim replied. "I think I'm ready for it to be over though."
"Where is Doctor McCoy?" Spock asked.
"He's busy getting ready," Jim said. "He's been nervous about getting married, you know."
"I see."
They got a transport that would take them to the condo. Jim was going to perform the wedding ceremony on the beach. "You could have performed this ceremony, you know," Jim said.
"He did not ask me to," Spock replied.
Jim leaned back on the seat. "Did Bones tell you about his daughter?" he asked.
Spock and Uhura were both surprised by that question. "He did not mention her," Spock said.
Jim told Spock and Uhura what was happening with Bones. "He's really nervous so he's liable to be even more cynical today than usual," Jim said.
"I would not be surprised," Spock replied. "And I would probably be perplexed if he were not cynical."
They soon arrived at the condo and went inside. Carol was in the living room dressed in a blue, floor-length dress. She smiled. "It's so good to see the two of you," she said as she hugged Uhura. She looked at Jim. "I think you need to go in and help your friend. He's extremely nervous, and has been wondering where you were, although he knew."
"Okay," Jim replied. "Come on, Spock."
Jim and Spock went down the hallway to Bones' room, and Jim knocked. Anakin opened the door. "I'm glad you're here," Anakin said. "I hope you can help him more than I could. Hi, Spock. How's it going?"
"Everything is tolerable," Spock replied.
Jim and Spock went into Bones' room as Anakin went out. "You're finally here!" Bones said. "I thought you had abandoned me."
"Are you kidding?" Jim asked. "You knew where I was going."
"Right."
Jim and Spock had thought Bones was coming over to them but instead he turned back to walk the other way as he was pacing. "Why are you pacing like that?" Jim asked.
"Jim, right now, I feel like I want to throw up, cry my eyes out, and die. So just give me a minute."
"Relax, Bones."
"Do you realize I'm about to get married? Something I swore to myself I'd never do again?"
"Stop pacing. You're going to make yourself dizzy."
Jim grabbed Bones by the shoulders as he turned to pace back the other way. "Why are you so nervous?" he asked.
"I just told you," Bones replied. "Oh, hi, Spock."
"Leonard," Spock said.
"Jim, do you realize…Andrea and I, we haven't…crossed the boundary yet."
Jim scowled at that metaphor. "What? What do you mean…" Suddenly realization came to Jim. "Oh! You mean…well, that's none of my business."
"Leonard," Spock said, grabbing both their attention. "When Uhura and I married, we had not crossed the boundary, as you call it. Why should that matter? Do you consider that your bride is willing to marry you? You have no faith in her love for you."
Bones just stood there silent a moment. "That's quite a revelation coming from you, Spock, the one who shows no emotion," he declared.
"As one who has had to learn that love is an emotion that I cannot ignore, I believe I am quite versed in this subject."
"Am I taking lessons from a Vulcan about love?"
"Bones, he is right," Jim said. "She is marrying you in spite of your cynical nature." Jim scowled. "Are you telling me that the two of you have lived here together all this time and you've never…"
"We do have separate rooms, in case you didn't notice."
Jim had to admit he had not paid much attention to that. "And all that time on the Enterprise?"
"Jim, he should not dwell on the subject nor should he have to explain it to you," Spock declared. "It is not a shame."
"I never said it was. I'm just surprised."
"You guys stop talking about me like I'm not standing here," Bones said. "What if she doesn't even like it?"
Jim rolled his eyes at that. "Let's not go there. You're worrying about something that's between the two of you. Like Spock said, she is marrying you."
"Yeah. She wouldn't be marrying me if she didn't love me, right? I mean, it's not like I'm super wealthy or have a lot to offer. I'm just a country doctor living on a recreation world, treating sprained ankles and deadly viruses. It's not like we'll have a glamorous life or be famous."
"Bones, you need help. She has to love you to put up with this. Besides, you're gonna have a great honeymoon…just because."
Bones sighed. "The honeymoon. Do you know how difficult it is to plan a honeymoon when you live on a recreation world?"
"No. My honeymoon was in a hotel in the old West."
"Well, it's not easy here. We're going to stay in a cabin in the mountains…or we were."
"What do you mean, you were?" Jim asked.
"We can't now. I have to be here when Mia arrives."
"You could spend one night there. You should do that."
Bones considered that. "Right. Just one night alone together." Bones rubbed his forehead. "Jim, I think I'm gonna faint."
"No. Sit down," Jim said.
Bones sat down beside the window. "I'm making too much of this, right?" he asked.
"You are," Jim said.
Bones pulled at his shirt collar. "I really think I'm gonna faint, Jim."
Jim barely kept Bones from falling off the stool he was sitting on. He and Spock lowered him to the floor. Jim patted his face. "Bones, come on, wake up."
"I have never known him to faint before," Spock said. "It is a bit unusual. He has been quite upset and nervous before and it has never resulted in this."
Jim scowled at that. "Well, getting married is different," he said. "Let's get him up. I think he's coming around."
They got Bones up to his feet. "That's it," Jim said as he patted his face. "Snap out of this."
"What happened?" Bones asked.
"You fainted," Jim replied. "You have to calm down."
They got Bones over to the bed so he could lie down. "Is there something you're not telling us?" Jim asked.
"No, I'm not sick," Bones replied.
"Good."
"Jim…do you remember when those Nausicaans tortured me with that…thing on my back?" Bones asked.
"Yeah. What about it?"
"Well, ever since then, I've had trouble with my nerves."
Jim frowned. "So that's why you're so tense and nervous. You can't do anything for yourself?"
"I've done everything I can, and some things I shouldn't," Bones said.
"What do you mean?"
"Never mind." Bones sat up and felt just a little dizzy. "Maybe I'll be alright now."
"Bones, I really do think you're gonna be happy…if you just let yourself," Jim said.
"I agree," Spock said.
"You guys stop crowding me," Bones grumbled and stood up. "I'm starting to feel claustrophobic."
Jim shook his head. "Well, I guess I should get ready for this event," he said.
"As should I," Spock replied.
After about two hours, when the sun was overhead, they all went out to the beach for the wedding ceremony. Bones and Andrea stood in front of Jim, while Spock stood beside Bones, and Carol stood beside Andrea. Jim had to admit he was a little nervous himself. He had never actually performed a wedding ceremony even in all those five years in space.
Jim cleared his throat. "First of all, I'm glad I'm getting to witness this event," he said. "My best friend, Leonard McCoy and his fiancé, Andrea Farnsworth, are tying the knot today. I suppose I could drag this out and have a long ceremony since I've never actually performed a wedding ceremony…but, I think a short ceremony is better in this case. Bones might pass out and…"
"Do you have to go into all that?" Bones interrupted. "Boy, talk about informal."
Everyone else tried not to laugh out loud. "Short and sweet, huh?" Jim asked.
"Exactly."
"Okay…Doctor Leonard McCoy, do you take this woman to be your wife?"
Bones just stood there a moment thinking Jim would say more than that. "I do."
"Andrea Farnsworth, do you take this grumpy old doctor…" Jim smiled. "…this kind-hearted, caring person to be your husband?"
"I do," Andrea answered.
"Rings?"
They exchanged rings. "Okay, then, by the power vested in me by the Federation as an Admiral, I pronounce you husband and wife." Jim leaned toward Bones. "Now, you can kiss her so we can all see it."
Bones tried not to roll his eyes at that remark but he looked at Andrea and they kissed. Everyone cheered and clapped. "So, now you've joined the ranks of married bliss," Jim said as he shook Bones' hand. He hugged Andrea. "Don't let him be too grumpy."
Andrea smiled a radiant smile. "I won't."
"Congratulations, Leonard," Spock said, "And Andrea."
Jim sat on the patio after the ceremony. "So, you're heading back to Earth day after tomorrow?" Anakin asked as he sat down.
"Most likely," Jim replied. "Doctor McCoy's daughter will be here tomorrow."
"I realize he's nervous about that."
"Yes, he is. I guess we'll just have to see what happens."
Leonard McCoy and his new wife, Andrea left for their honeymoon that evening to stay in a cabin in the mountains on Pacifica. Bones could not help but remember the time he went up there alone and was attacked by a Nausicaan. He was sure nothing so drastic would happen this time. They would be staying in a cabin he had rented for the night. He had planned for them to stay for a week, but it was not turning out that way. He supposed he would just have to be thankful for what they had.
"Leonard, what are you thinking about?" Andrea asked.
"Too many things to be going on a honeymoon," Bones replied.
"Are you nervous?"
"I am."
"So am I, but I'm happy to be your wife."
Bones looked into her brown eyes. "I'm happy to be your husband too," he replied. "I'm sorry if I'm distracted. I promise I won't be later."
Andrea smiled. "I'm sure you won't," she said. "I won't let you be."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah."
Bones could not help but smile then. They shared a long kiss. "I wish we could have more than one night," he said.
"I understand why we can't," Andrea replied. "We have the rest of our lives. Your daughter is important to you…and to me."
"I know I haven't been the most romantic companion…but I do love you."
"And I love you, Leonard McCoy."
