WEDDING NUMBER 2

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Ashlyn was pacing around her apartment; she needed to get ready, but didn't want to start anything until Sam got there.  She was going to kill Sam; Sam promised to be back a week ago.

"I don't believe this." Ashlyn said.

"She'll be here," Coates replied. "She's your best friend."

"It was bad enough that she hasn't been here, but it's five hours before my wedding; she's cutting it close." Ashlyn stated.

"Let me help you get ready," Coates offered.

Coates went and got her gown out of the closet and put it on the bed.

"I've called her place in Ireland, the bureau and every place around here I can think of. Where is she?" Ashlyn sighed.

"Ashlyn, she'll be here." Coates stated. "She's never let you down."

"Did you see Gunny this morning?" Ashlyn asked. "I mean were you at Jason's with them last night?"

"No, I haven't seen them, they had a guys' night." Coates said. "I think the Commanders and Lieutenant Roberts took him out."

"Really, I wonder where they went." Ashlyn laughed.

"Hey, is anyone getting married today?" Sam said as she walked in.

"Finally, go take a shower and get ready." Ashlyn ordered. "When did you finally land?"

"I'm fine thanks for asking, how are you?" Sam laughed, "Oh, a couple days ago."

"And you're just getting here now? Ashlyn yelled. "Where have you been?"

"It's good to see you too, I missed you." Sam laughed. "I've been around."

"We'll discuss that later, now go get ready." Ashlyn said.

"Ethel, we have 4 hours before we have to leave." Sam laughed. "I told you I would make it."

"How's life in Ireland?" Coates asked.

"It's good," Sam smiled. "How is life in Washington?"

"It's going good." Coates replied.

"How's my apartment?" Sam asked.

"Jason hasn't changed much." Coates laughed.

"How's my car?" Sam asked.

"He won't drive it." Coates laughed. "It's his 'shrine to Sam.'"

"He's a wackjob." Sam laughed. "

"Excuse me! The car is fine, the apartment is fine, Washington is fine, Ireland is fine, and every one is fine." Ashlyn said. "I'm getting married here, could we catch up later? Go get in the shower."

"I'm going, I'm going." Sam laughed. Ten minutes later she got out of the shower. "OK, now let's eat something."

"Eat? How can you possibly think of food right now?" Ashlyn asked.

"Has she been like this the last two months?" Sam laughed.

"This is calm." Coates said.

"Jen, would you excuse us please." Sam said.

"Ashlyn sit down," Sam said.

"I don't have time to sit." Ashlyn replied.

"Ethel, park it." Sam ordered.

"Ok, I'm sitting.  What is it?" Ashlyn asked.

"Relax, everything is perfect." Sam smiled.

"Is it?" Ashlyn replied.

"Remember when we were 8 and planned our weddings?" Sam asked.

"Yeah, you decapitated your Ken doll before the ceremony." Ashlyn laughed.

"Even then I had a hard time with men." Sam laughed. "But do you remember your wedding?"

"Yeah," Ashlyn said.

"Barbie was perfectly dressed, you had bridesmaids who were also perfect and Ken was intact with his head." Sam said. "You had every detail perfect right down to putting the tux on one of the dolls backwards so it would look like a minister."

"We were so silly." Ashlyn laughed.

"It was perfect then and it's perfect now." Sam smiled. "Today is your day and Victor's. Stop worrying and enjoy it."

The two friends hugged each other and cried.  It was perfect

"Can I come in?" Coates asked.

"Sure," They replied in unison.

"Ok, we have a wedding to get ready for." Sam said wiping her face. "Jen, since you are already dressed; you help Ashlyn with everything but her gown, I am going to go get ready, I'll be back in 20 minutes."

"She only needs 20 minutes?" Coates laughed.

"Yeah, and she'll come out looking great." Ashlyn laughed.

An hour later, Ashlyn was ready to get married.

QUANTICO CHAPEL

Gunny was standing in the front of the chapel with Tiner; both men were in their dress uniforms.  Ashlyn and Gunny had decided on a small bridal party of just a best man and maid of honor.

"This is it." Tiner whispered.

"I do." Gunny said.

"What?" Tiner asked.

"Don't talk to me now Tiner, I'm practicing." Gunny replied. "I do."

"Gunny, it's two words what are you practicing?" Tiner asked.

"I want it to sound good." Gunny said nervously.

"Gunny, I think you need to relax." Tiner smiled.

"Do you have the rings?" Gunny asked.

"It's a little late to be asking." Tiner replied.

"Do you have them?" Gunny asked.

"Yes, I have them." Tiner said tapping his pocket.

"I Victor take thee Ashlyn…" Gunny mumbled.

"Gunny, she's here." Tiner said.

"Who's here?" Gunny asked looking around.

"Your bride," Tiner laughed and the processional began.

Sam walked into the chapel; she was wearing a plum colored gown with short sleeves and a square neck line.  The floor length gown was made of chiffon and had a side front drape.  As she walked down the aisle and spotted Webb, he was looking right at her and it made her heart skip a beat.  When Sam approached the alter she smiled at Gunny, winked at Tiner and took her place. 

The wedding march began and Ashlyn entered the church escorted by her cousin Paul. She looked like a princess in her gown.

It was an organza A-line full length gown with a Basque waist.  The top was delicate with beautiful Battenburg lace sleeves.  The bodice was beaded and embroidered.  The skirt had a chapel length train and had similar beading and embroidery.  Her head piece and veil were equally as beautiful.  In her hands she carried a bouquet of sterling roses and lavender tiger lilies.

They made it through the ceremony and Gunny made everyone laugh due to the fact that he said 'I do' at the wrong time and when it was the right time, he practically shouted it as though he were drilling new recruits.

They walked out of the chapel and through the arches.  Ashlyn received her whack and Gunny looked at her with a big smile and said, "Semper Fi."

FREDERICKSBURG COUNTRY CLUB

They arrived at the country club ready to party.  Everything looked beautiful and even though it was November it was surprisingly warm.  They guests were escorted to the cocktail hour, while Gunny, Ashlyn, Sam and Tiner went for pictures. They laughed and joked the entire time and even convinced the photographer to take some silly pictures of them.  Once the pictures were completed, Sam and Tiner went to join the others for the cocktail hour, while Gunny and Ashlyn remained in a private room sipping champagne.

"I can't believe we did it." Ashlyn laughed.

"Believe it, you're a marine wife now." Gunny smiled.

"I knew it would all be perfect." Ashlyn smiled.

"Doc, it's not a good idea to start out lying." Gunny teased.

"Was I really that bad?" Ashlyn asked with a phony pout.

"Not at all," Gunny laughed and kissed her. "I love you, Mrs. Galindez."

"That's Mrs. Gunnery Sergeant Galindez," Ashlyn laughed. "Oohrah."

COCKTAIL HOUR

"Sam, Ireland agrees with you." Tiner commented. "You look great."

"It's wonderful, but I'm coming back." Sam said.

"Really?" Tiner said. "Are you getting your old job back?"

"Nope," Sam replied.

"What are you going to do?" Tiner asked.

"I didn't get my column back, I got a new column, called Military Beat and I will be assigned to the Pentagon." Sam smiled.

"That's terrific, you finally made it." Tiner hugged her. "Hey, do you want your apartment back?"

"No, I think I am going to get a little house." Sam said. "Maybe settle down a bit."

"You settle down? Tiner laughed.

"Yes.  I need to grow up." Sam laughed. "I need to stop running around."

"I'm glad you're coming home." Tiner said. "I missed you."

"I missed you too." Sam said and gave him a hug.

"So, where have you been?" Harm asked Webb.

"Classified," Webb said with a small smile.

"You just disappeared," Mac laughed.

"You know us spies; we're in an out of the shadows." Webb replied and walked away with Harm following him.

"He'll never change." Bobbie laughed.

"Would we want him to?" Sturgis laughed.

"Webb, I called your office, you took vacation." Harm said.

"Aren't I allowed?" Webb asked.

"I just never thought of you as the vacation type." Harm stated.

"Rabb, is there any reason you are checking up on me?" Webb snapped.

"You didn't happen to go to Ireland did you?" Harm asked with a probing smile.

"I went to a lot of places." Webb said and walked away.

The guests were asked to take their places in the banquet room.  Everyone assembled inside and the bandleader introduced Sam and Tiner.  They walked in and stood to the side as Gunny and Ashlyn were announced.

THE RECEPTION

"Ladies and gentlemen, please remain standing and raise your glasses for the toast by our best man Jason Tiner." The bandleader announced.

"Gunny, you are my best friend.  I can't imagine a more wonderful woman for you than Ashlyn.  She has style and class and most importantly there is now a doctor in the family, should we ever go hunting again." Tiner said and the JAG crew laughed. "For those who don't know, I am responsible for Gunny and Ashlyn meeting; if I hadn't shot Gunny in New Mexico, they would have never met.  I raise my glass to you both, to lots of love, happy times and comfortable chairs."

"And now, the maid of honor will make a toast." The bandleader announced.

"Jason I thought I was your best friend. Ethel, you are my best friend, my soul sister, my partner in crime and my idea of the perfect person." Sam stopped and caught her breath. "You would think as a writer I would be better at this. I have spent a lifetime looking out for you and getting you out of trouble, most of the time it was because I got you into trouble.  There isn't a better person I can think of than Victor to take over my job.  I love you both.  May St. Patrick smile upon you, the Lord above bless you, and peace and contentment forever possess you."

Ashlyn walked over and hugged Sam; Sam turned her around, gave her a swat on the rear and pushed her back to Gunny.

For their first dance, they had chosen Roberta Flack's 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face'.  Everyone got the humor of the song.  It was an ironic song to pick since the first thing Ashlyn ever saw of Gunny was definitely not his face.  The music began and they held each other close as they danced.

The first time ever I saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes
And the moon and stars were the gifts you gave
To the dark and the empty skies, my love,
To the dark and the empty skies

The second verse began and Tiner and Sam joined them on the dance floor.

The first time ever I kissed your mouth
And felt your heart beat close to mine
Like the trembling heart of a captive bird
That was there at my command, my love
That was there at my command.

"Sam, I know this is kind of rude," Tiner began. "But I would really like to dance with Jen to this song."

"Go ahead. I can sit this one out." Sam smiled.  Tiner walked over to Coates and asked her to join him. 

And the first time ever I lay with you
I felt your heart so close to mine
And I knew our joy would fill the earth
And last till the end of time my love
It would last till the end of time my love
The first time ever I saw your face, your face, your face, your face

They all went to their seats but didn't stay seated for very long.  The servers were having a difficult time trying to get past everyone on the dance floor.  At one point during the evening, Ashlyn called Sam, Mac and Coates up to the dance floor and while they didn't sing they did do an Irish jig, and they definitely brought down the house. The Admiral and Ashlyn shared a dance and during the course of the song, they decided to 'snowball'.  Soon everyone was up dancing, calling out 'Snowball' and trading partners, much to the confusion of the other guests.

As the evening continued, Ashlyn got ready to throw her bouquet.  She had all the single ladies line up but could not find Sam.  She sent Tiner and Sturgis to find her but they had no luck and returned to the banquet room.

"Where's Webb?"  Harm jokingly asked.

"Right here Rabb." Webb said with a sarcastic smile.

"Well, Sam's missing, I figured you were too." Harm teased.  Webb just rolled his eyes at Harm.

Ashlyn couldn't wait any longer and decided to throw the bouquet without Sam there; she would yell at her later. She turned around and tossed the bouquet; never being one with great aim, it sailed to and was caught by Webb. 

"Try again," Webb said and handed it back to her.

On the second toss, Coates caught the bouquet, Tiner paled and AJ just shook his head. Two more of my staff marrying each other, that's all I need.

Gunny then tossed the garter; Tiner made a good show of going for it, but Sturgis caught it.  While they were at a social setting and there were no ranks, both Sturgis and Coates thought it better than to have the tradition of him putting the garter on her.

Four hours and a wonderful celebration later, the band played the final song of the night. It was the Stylistics, 'You Make Me Feel Brand New', as the introduction began and all the couples got up and danced.

My love, I'll never find the words my love
To tell you how I feel my love
Mere words, could not explain

"It's time for us to dance." Webb said walking over to Sam.

"Is it?" Sam smiled and took his hand.

Precious love, you held my life within your hands
Created everything I am
Taught me how to live again

"You've completed my life." Gunny told Ashlyn.

"You made my life begin." Ashlyn replied.

Only you, came when I needed a friend
Believed in me through thick and thin
This song is for you
Filled with graditude and love...

"Do you have any idea how much I love you?" Harm asked Mac.

"It couldn't be more than I love you." Mac smiled.

God bless you
You make me feel brand new
For God bless me with you
You make me feel brand new
I sing this song 'cause you
Make me feel brand new

"Thank you for being in my life." Sturgis said to Bobbie.

"Thank you for letting me back in." Bobbie replied.

My love, when ever I was insecure
You built me up and made me sure
You gave my pride back to me

"I wouldn't have made it without you." Bud whispered to Harriet.

"You're my hero." Harriet said as she kissed him.

Precious friend, with you I'll always have a friend
Your someone who I can depend
To walk a path that sometimes bends

"Who ever thought I would find love?" AJ asked Meredith.

"I did." Meredith replied.

Without you, life has no meaning or rhyme
Like notes to a song out of time
How can I repay
You'll find heaven, faith and me...

"Sometimes I think this is all a dream" Tiner told Coates.

"I'm glad it's not." Coates smiled.

God bless you
You make me feel brand new
For God bless me with you
You make me feel brand new
I sing this song for you
You make me feel brand new

When the song ended Ashlyn walked over to Sam.  She spun Sam around and gave her the riot act.

"Where the hell were you?" Ashlyn asked.

"Oh, now that we have a marine husband we're getting tough." Sam laughed.

"You missed the bouquet toss." Ashlyn said. "I wanted you to catch it."

"Oh please, what a waste that would be." Sam laughed and hugged her best friend.

"Where were you?" Ashlyn asked.

"I was outside, having a cigarette." Sam shrugged.

"Gunny and I leave in two days. When are you leaving?" Ashlyn asked.

"I'm not, I'm staying.  I need to be in Washington." Sam smiled.

"You're coming home?" Ashlyn asked with excitement.

"I missed it." Sam smiled.

"Did you miss anything in particular?" Ashlyn asked, eyeing Webb who was standing behind Sam.

"Yes, my car." Sam laughed.

"Ok, did you miss anyone in particular?" Ashlyn asked.

"You're such a romantic." Sam laughed. 

"And you are a pain." Ashlyn laughed. "I'll change you."

"You know, I am so happy for you." Sam smiled. "You did good, girl."

"Finally, I did something first." Ashlyn laughed. "You were always first to do everything."

"What did you do first?" Sam asked with a sly smile.

"I got married first." Ashlyn laughed.

"I don't think so." Sam said raising her left hand, waving her fingers and showing Ashlyn the wedding band she had slipped on earlier. Ashlyn looked at her best friend in shock. 

"You got married?" Ashlyn shouted out. Webb just froze.

"Way to play it cool." Sam laughed.

"When did this… Why wasn't… What's going…?" Ashlyn asked. "Wait, who did you marry?"

"Who do you think?" Sam laughed.

"You and Clayton Webb got married?" Ashlyn shouted.  The JAG crew stopped in their tracks.

"So much for keeping it a secret," Webb said, as he put his arms around Sam's waist.

"Why you old dog," Harm said with a laugh. "So you did go to Ireland."

"Yes, Rabb, I went to Ireland." Webb replied. "You told me to go after her."

"This is amazing," Bobbie laughed.

"This is wonderful," Mac smiled and hugged them.

"I knew they were in love." Meredith stated.

"You've barely looked at each other all night." Harriet stated.

"Were you watching us?" Webb asked.

"Yes," They all replied laughing.

"So that's where you've been since you got back." Coates teased.

"Well, I'll be damned." AJ laughed.

"How did you keep it quiet?" Bud asked.

"When were you going to tell everyone?" Gunny asked.

"I don't believe it." Sturgis joked.

"Now I understand why you're coming back." Tiner laughed.

"Wait a second," Harm interrupted. "There is something I've wanted to hear Webb say for a long time."

Everyone turned to look at Webb and Sam.

"Yes, Rabb, you were right. I love her." Webb sighed. "OK?"

"I just wanted to hear you say I was right." Harm laughed and hugged his friend. "I knew you loved her."

They all laughed and wanted details. Sam had never intended to take away from Ashlyn's day, but Ashlyn did not mind sharing this moment at all.

Two weeks ago Webb and Sam were married at Blarney Castle.  They figured getting married in 'Blarney' would be a good omen for them.  Webb had been to Ireland several times since Sam had left. Including the day she arrived.  He was there waiting for her.  He had taken the Concord to London and a hop to Belfast where he met her plane.

The seven couples walked out the reception, all had found love and there were no more secrets. Or were there?