A/N: Apologies for the long delay in updating this.

Changes

Chapter 6

Jonathan and T'Pol left the Vulcan Consulate amongst a flurry of congratulations from their human guests and more muted best wishes from the Vulcan attendees.

As they exited the building they were showered with rice and confetti by Hoshi, Malcolm, Phlox and a few other Enterprise crew members they'd rounded up to assist them.

T'Pol seemed puzzled by the practice. Jonathan, noticing her confusion whispered into her ear that it was a human tradition to signify good luck.

As they approached the gates, T'Pol had expected to see the white limousine they'd arrived in from the courthouse but instead there was a white horse drawn carriage.

"Your carriage awaits, Mrs Archer," Jonathan announced offering his hand to help her up into it, and then joining her. Once they were both seated, the driver pulled on the reins and the horses trotted off.

"What happened to the limousine?" she inquired.

"I thought this would be more romantic."

"I see," she replied. "It will take longer to reach the reception. Our guests will be there before us." Glancing around she'd noticed Hoshi, Phlox, Malcolm and their other guests piling into cars.

"I'm in no hurry, are you?"

"No, but I would not like to keep anyone waiting."

"Don't worry, the restaurant is less than two miles from the Consulate. We'll be there soon enough. Relax, T'Pol. Try to enjoy the moment." He smiled at her and took her hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze.

T'Pol did as he advised and leaned back into her seat. She began to find the experience rather pleasant. As they drove along the coast she watched the waves crash against the shore turning from a deep blue into a foaming white soaking the beach. She found the breeze gently blowing through her hair pleasing. The rhythmic clip clop of the horses' shoes against the asphalt was almost musical.

All too soon they arrived and T'Pol lamented the journey had not been longer. Jonathan offered his hand as she climbed down out of the carriage. She strolled over to the driver to thank him, and asked if the horses were friendly. The driver assured her that they were. She approached the one on her left, gently stroking his flank and then coming up to the front. Both horses were white, and reminded her of the Lipizzaner horses of Vienna she'd read about once. She asked the driver what their names were.

"The one you just stroked is called Aramis and the other one is Athos."

T'Pol recognized the names. "After the Musketeers?" she asked.

"Yes, ma'am."

"My husband's dog is called Porthos." She stroked Aramis' face, wishing she had something to give him like an apple or carrot.

"A good choice of name," the driver replied.

"I always thought so," Jonathan interjected, joining T'Pol.

She moved over to Athos, patting him gently on the nose.

"I had no idea you liked horses so much," Jonathan commented.

"They are graceful creatures."

"I'll have to take you riding some time. I think you'd like it."

"I don't know how."

"Nothing like the present to learn, is there, sweetheart?"

She nodded in agreement. They both thanked the driver once more, and made their way into the restaurant to join their guests.

Jonathan followed T'Pol in and then excused himself for a few minutes. He wanted to change back into the outfit he'd worn for the civil ceremony. While T'Pol had commented that she found the Vulcan robes most becoming, she understood that it might not be practical for him to wear them all day. She certainly didn't want him tripping up on them.

Ten minutes later he returned to her side and seated himself at the main table. He glanced around the room, noting that not everyone had taken their seats yet, a few were still milling around engaged in conversation with other guests. He spied Malcolm talking to a pretty Vulcan woman from the Consulate, no doubt one of T'Pol's former associates. Maybe Malcolm had a thing for Vulcans — Jonathan knew of his attraction to T'Pol. He smiled to himself.

The restaurant staff had begun to serve the guests. The cuisine was both Vulcan and human to accommodate all attendees. Enterprise's chef was now working here as head chef, and he'd been the one to recommend the establishment to Jonathan as a location for the reception. Jonathan had checked the place out and satisfied that it was the right size had reserved it for this afternoon. Having Chef in charge of all the food was an added bonus as he was more than capable of putting together some tasty Vulcan dishes for the Vulcan wedding guests.

Everyone was rather hungry, so the speeches were delegated to after the main meal. Admiral Gardner went first, congratulating the newly-weds, wishing them all the best, and toasted the future good relations of Vulcans and humans. His words were greeted with loud applause.

Doctor Phlox, who'd prepared a few words went next.

"When T'Pol first came onboard Enterprise, the tension between her and the Captain was so thick you could cut it with a knife. They weren't enemies, but they certainly didn't like each other. But within a few weeks of them working together, I began to watch the hostility and distrust turn to mutual respect and co-operation. I knew that observing the two of them over the course of the next few years would undoubtedly prove interesting.

I was not wrong. Within a year of serving together they were close friends who trusted each other implicitly. I even began to hypothesize that the captain had feelings for the sub-commander, and brought it up once. Of course he strenuously denied it all, but I knew better." Phlox was grinning from ear-to-ear as he recounted all of this. Jonathan hoped he wouldn't go into too much detail and embarrass him.

"The captain could deny it all he wanted, his actions spoke louder than words. And when T'Pol came to ask me why I'd chosen to stay aboard Enterprise and enter the Delphic Expanse, I had an inkling that her feelings for the captain were swaying her in her decision to join us.

The Captain and his Vulcan have come a long way together. No one could be happier than me to see them both joined in matrimony. I raise my glass to Captain Archer and Commander T'Pol."

Enthusiastic applause and clinking of glasses were heard around the room as Phlox seated himself. Jonathan smiled at him and mouthed a silent thank you, grateful that Phlox hadn't gone into greater detail about the night he'd suggested Archer was attracted to T'Pol.

Jonathan went next. He thanked all the guests for coming and for their well wishes. He then turned to Soval. "Ambassador, I owe you a special thank you."

Soval looked perplexed, not sure what Archer was referring to.

"If you hadn't assigned T'Pol to Enterprise ten years ago, I doubt we'd all be gathered here today celebrating my wedding. I may have wanted to knock her on her ass and strangle you at the time for putting a Vulcan on my Bridge, but in hindsight I can only be eternally grateful. So thank you."

"You are welcome, Captain. And just for the record, you should also thank yourself. If you hadn't been so irrational, emotional and illogical I may not have requested that you take along a Vulcan first officer."

Jonathan laughed at what he assumed was the Ambassador trying to be funny.

"I'm not joking, Archer. I'm pleased to see your temperament has slightly improved over the years." Soval's tone was serious. "No doubt living with T'Pol will serve to improve it even more."

"No doubt." Jonathan replied in agreement. It seemed Soval enjoyed teasing him.

"Moving on, there's a special lady I want to thank for coming today. I hope I can be worthy of her. I've loved her for a long time, thinking nothing would ever come of those feelings, but it seems fate had something else in store for me. I consider myself one very lucky guy. So I raise my glass in honor of my new bride — T'Pol."

Everyone followed suit, as Jonathan sat down. He and T'Pol clinked their champagne glasses together, taking a sip each, then he kissed her gently. She seemed a bit surprised at this move, she wasn't one for displays of affection in public, but she permitted it nonetheless, with this being a special occasion.

Lieutenant Reed stood up next. It was obvious he was inebriated, he was having trouble standing up straight. After wishing the couple all the best for the future, he made some remark about how he'd always admired T'Pol's derriere and what a lucky man Archer was. Jonathan laughed but quickly composed himself when T'Pol shot him a look of disapproval.

"Don't mind Malcolm, sweetheart. He won't remember any of this tomorrow, I promise," he whispered in her ear.

"He won't but my Vulcan associates will. I feel a little awkward for them."

"Well maybe they should drink some more champagne, that way they won't remember it?" he suggested with a twinkle in his eye.

She didn't get a chance to reply as Hoshi announced it was time to cut the cake, which Chef had laboured over for hours. T'Pol had consulted with him on what would be appropriate. She'd told him she would only partake of a small slice symbolically but she wanted it to be something that Jonathan and the human guests would enjoy. She knew none of the Vulcans would want any. Chef had suggested various recipes and they'd gone with a lemon madeira covered in lemon icing with a buttercream filling.

They stood up from the table and walked over to the three tier cake. Sat atop the cake made from marzipan was a miniature T'Pol in a green dress holding hands with a miniature Jonathan, dressed in Vulcan robes.

"Nice touch," Jonathan whispered to her as he spied their miniatures. He hadn't seen the cake up close yet.

"Chef suggested it."

Together they cut the cake while the official photographer snapped a few photos. They shared the first slice together, and then invited others to line up for a slice. To T'Pol's amazement she noticed Soval in the queue.

"Ambassador, I had no idea you had a sweet tooth," she told him as he came to collect his slice.

"Let's keep that between you and me," he asked. "Living on Earth for so long, I've found I like to indulge now and then. I'm sure no one at the Consulate needs to hear of this."

"Of course not." She assured him of her discretion, whilst finding the incident rather amusing.

Jonathan ended up eating three slices, not including the one he'd shared with T'Pol. "This is really delicious."

"I'm glad you like it."

"Chef's idea?" he asked.

"A joint decision. We went over the recipes meticulously. I thought this would be your preference."

"Thanks, it's great. Sure you won't have another slice?"

"No, the one I had earlier will suffice."

"That was only half," he said. "Want a bite?"

He gathered a mouthful from his third slice onto a fork and offered it to her. Not wanting to offend him, she accepted. She knew how much he liked to share food, especially desserts, just like that night in the restaurant when he'd insisted she have apple pie with him.

He smiled as he watched her eat. Taking a napkin he wiped away a smidgen of buttercream at the corner of her mouth.

"Thank you."

Once everyone had finished their desserts and their champagne glasses had been replenished, the band began to play, and guests made their way to the dance floor. Of course, it was insisted upon that the bride and groom dance the first dance.

T'Pol was thankful that since getting engaged Jonathan had taught her a few basic dance moves, as he'd explained there would probably be dancing at the reception. She wasn't proficient enough to win any competitions, but she was a quick learner.

Jonathan led her to the dance floor, wrapping an arm around her waist. As the music began they were the only couple to be dancing. T'Pol asked him why this was so, and he explained it was viewed as a courtesy to the bridal couple. She wished others would join, she didn't care for being the center of attention.

She soon forgot about that as Jonathan guided her around the dance floor in an effortless waltz. Everything else seemed to fade into the background; her eyes were only focused on his emerald ones, finding them hypnotising. Dancing with him was magical; it felt as if she were floating on air.

As the dance came to a close, she whispered in his ear. "Can we go outside on the balcony for a moment?"

He nodded and they walked across the room. Jonathan opened the French glass door for his bride, and she stepped through it as he followed.

The restaurant was situated fronting the bay. From the balcony there was an impressive view of downtown San Francisco which was directly in front, and to the right hand side one could see the Golden Gate Bridge. T'Pol stepped over to the balcony's edge, grasping the iron wrung bars and studied the view intently.

She inhaled the crisp sea air, finding it refreshing. The restaurant had started to feel stuffy and overly warm. The cool bay breeze on her skin revived her.

She fiddled with the pin at the back of her head, releasing it and freeing her hair of her green veil.

"Was it uncomfortable?" Jonathan asked.

"Not when I put it on earlier, but it was starting to bother me. You don't mind do you?"

"Of course not," he answered, wrapping his arms around her from behind as she gazed out on the view of San Francisco. He nipped at her neck affectionately. "Thank you for the dance."

"You're a good teacher. I thought I did rather well."

"You were the perfect partner, I hope I have the pleasure at least one more time today."

"I believe that can be arranged," she replied.

"I look forward to it," he smiled.

There was silence for a few moments as T'Pol continued to study the view of the bay, focusing her eyes on a large cargo ship as it sailed under the Golden Gate. The Pacific appeared to be endless, an expanse of deep blue water traversing many miles with bottomless depths. Coming from a desert world, the ocean fascinated her and she found watching the water as it lapped against the rocks and sand calming.

Today was the start of a new life. While she appeared calm and stoic on the outside, inside she was experiencing a whole range of emotions. She acknowledged that as a Vulcan today was one of the most important days of her life. She'd pledged herself to this man in matrimony — a decision no Vulcan took lightly. She had no doubts about her choice of mate or the decision to marry him. If anything, it was the wisest decision she'd made in her life.

She hoped she could be all that he needed and wanted, and that she would not disappoint in any way. She was fiercely determined to make this relationship work and had not taken either her human or Vulcan vows lightly.

She felt tinges of what she could only call excitement in the pit of her stomach. It was a new experience and one she liked. There was so much to look forward to. This wonderful, caring, handsome, intelligent man was now her husband. That thought alone enthralled her.

Jonathan wondered if something was wrong, T'Pol was very quiet. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"Did Malcolm's comment upset you?"

"Not at all. Did I appear upset?"

"You didn't seem happy."

"I've been aware of Lieutenant Reed's fascination for that part of my anatomy for a long time, I just didn't expect him to go around making it public."

"Well like I said he'll probably forget about it tomorrow, or remember it and feel really embarrassed."

"Yes, I surmise you are correct."

Jonathan was still concerned and wondered if anything else was wrong. He reminded himself that she was Vulcan and he shouldn't expect her to act like a human bride. But he still needed the vocal reassurance that all was well.

"So you sure you're all right?" he asked.

"Yes, why do I not seem so?"

"You seem very serious."

"Is that bad?" she questioned.

"No."

"Then what is the problem, Jonathan?"

"I just want to make sure you're okay."

If she'd been human she would have smiled. She turned around to face him, looking directly into his eyes, her eyes lighting up in a smile-like fashion. "I am sound in body and mind, my dear husband. There is no need to be concerned. I'm feeling contemplative."

"Okay."

"Are you feeling insecure?" she asked him.

"I'd like to think you're as happy as me about today."

Didn't he know she was? Maybe it didn't seem apparent. This was something she needed to remember. Humans could become insecure and required reassurance of their mate's affections from time to time. She caressed his cheek. He was so dear to her.

"If I appear serious it does not mean I am unhappy. A wedding day is a sombre and serious occasion for a Vulcan woman. I'm mulling over the event and my change in circumstance. And yes I'm happy, as happy and content as I could possibly be for someone of my race."

That was all he needed to hear. He leaned forward planting a kiss on her lips. She returned it, grateful that the balcony was deserted except for the two of them.

"Mmm…that was pleasing," she gasped, as they broke apart. "I like having you to myself," she whispered, nibbling at his neck.

"We can leave soon if you like. I don't think many of our guests will notice our absence, at least not the human ones. Seems plenty of them are taking Malcolm's lead and getting rather sloshed."

"Soon, yes. Though I promised you one more dance."

"Indeed you did. Shall we?" he asked, offering her his arm. She took it willingly, and they walked back into the restaurant.

"Can you slip the keycard in for me?" Jonathan asked T'Pol, unable to do so himself as he carried his bride in his arms.

"This really isn't necessary, if you just put me down—" she suggested.

"Humor me, sweetheart. Earth tradition and all, remember?"

She did as he asked, slipping in the card with one hand while her other arm was wrapped around his neck. The door opened and Jonathan carried his bride over the threshold.

He released her after they entered the apartment and went to lock his front door, returning to her side a few seconds later. He wrapped his arms around her waist and nuzzled her neck playfully.

"Alone at last, Mrs Archer," he whispered.

"Indeed."

She turned around to face him and started to undo his tie, throwing it onto the sofa. She opened the top two buttons of his shirt and then helped him slip his jacket off.

"Thanks."

"I thought you'd be more comfortable," she told him.

"I am," he smiled, encircling her waist, then lowering his lips to hers.

T'Pol closed her eyes, savouring the moment.

"I love you, T'Pol." He knew he'd told her that enough times and she didn't really need to be reminded, but he liked saying it.

Her response was non-verbal as she kissed him back.

"Shall we open the champagne?" she suggested, knowing he'd put a bottle in the fridge to cool yesterday.

"Great idea." He jogged over to the kitchen, opening the fridge door and retrieving the bottle. She followed, taking two champagne flutes out of the kitchen cupboards and placing them on the counter while Jonathan worked on releasing the cork.

"You've taken quite a liking to champagne." The cork was being stubborn and not wanting to budge.

"We've been partaking of it rather frequently," she responded. "Do you need some help?"

"Sure, why not. You're the stronger one after all," he smiled. He passed the champagne to her.

In one swift stroke the cork came flying off and both of them were sprayed with foam as the liquid escaped.

"Guess we'll both have to get out of these champagne soaked clothes, huh?" he laughed.

"That would be prudent." She hoped her dress wouldn't be permanently ruined.

"It'll wash out, don't worry," he said, noting her concerned look.

"Perhaps you could put the champagne on ice for later? I'd like to change now."

"Sure, no problem. Need any help?"

"That would be appreciated. I don't believe I can reach the fasteners on this dress. Hoshi helped me earlier."

They walked into the bedroom together. Jonathan removed his shirt, as it was beginning to stick to him and placed it in the washing basket. He then returned to her and started to work on the fasteners.

"Just how many of these are there?" he asked, as he began to fiddle with them. They were small and metallic and required precision to release them.

"Plenty, I believe."

"You're telling me," he said. "Sweetheart, can you move slightly to the left? That way we're more directly under the light." She did as he requested. "Thanks."

Finally she was free of the dress and climbed out of it. "I appreciate your assistance." She draped her arms around his neck, giving him a gentle peck on the lips.

"You're welcome."

She told him she was going to take a quick shower and she'd return within a few minutes.

Ten minutes later the bathroom door opened and his eyes drank in the most beautiful sight he'd ever beheld. He'd thought nothing could top her Vulcan wedding gown earlier today, but this…she looked sultry and beautiful all rolled into one.

"Jonathan?" She noted his eyes seemed fixated on her.

He exhaled. "Wow…you look…I can't think of an appropriate adjective that would do you justice."

"Jonathan, don't exaggerate."

"I'm not. Black really is your color. Where on earth did you get that?"

The "that" in question was a low cut black negligée that finished just above her knees.

"Hoshi thought you'd like it," she answered, her face betraying an amused expression.

"Hoshi? She got you this?"

"Yes, last night at the bridal shower."

"Oh right, I'd forgotten to ask you how that went. Well she's got great taste."

He got up off the bed and was about to take her in his arms when he remembered he was all sticky from the champagne. He needed to take a shower.

"It was an interesting experience. Everyone was very generous," she told him.

"So you had a good time then?"

"Yes," she paused, "…but I still missed being with you." She stepped closer to him, but he moved away.

"Let me wash the champagne off first, okay?"

"It is of no consequence." She kissed his lips and neck, then lapped at his chest with her tongue. He did indeed taste of champagne.

"T'Pol, can you hold that thought?" He really needed that shower.

"As you wish."

She watched him walk into the bathroom and heard him turn the shower on. She made her way into the kitchen and retrieved the open champagne out of the fridge and the two glasses that were on the counter top, carrying them into the bedroom.

She placed the bottle and the two glasses on Jonathan's bedside and poured the bubbling liquid into them. She took a small sip from one of the glasses. He was right, she had acquired a taste for the drink. The sensation of the effervescent liquid travelling down her throat and warming her stomach was pleasant.

Jonathan emerged from the bathroom dressed in black pyjama bottoms that hung loosely on his hips. His hair was damp and he was towel drying it as he walked in.

She handed him his glass.

"Thanks," he said, taking a sip. He hung the wet towel on a chair and turned his attention to his bride.

"So, where were we?"

"Holding a thought."

"Right." He smiled at her reply and took another sip from his glass. "I think a toast is in order."

She raised her glass in anticipation, expecting him to run on for a few sentences. Instead the toast was simple.

"To us."

They clinked their glasses together and finished off the liquid, returning the now empty glasses to his bedside table.

"Come here," he beckoned to her in his husky bedroom voice. She took the two steps forward necessary to be in his arms, wrapping her arms around his waist. They remained like that for a few moments, her head resting on his chest while he ran his fingers in gentle circles across her bare back.

Then he captured her mouth with his own, kissing her as if there was no tomorrow. Next he moved his attention onto her cheek and jaw, then travelled up to her ear, nipping at it gently.

"Jonathan…," she gasped.

"Yes?"

"Don't stop."

"I've no intention of doing so," he answered, his eyes clearly burning with desire. He suckled at her neck and made his way down to her shoulder. He pushed the thin strap of her negligee out of his way so it wouldn't impede his progress and pressed his lips to her collarbone.

He heard her let out a sigh of pleasure and smiled to himself, pleased with his handiwork. Taking her hand in his he guided her to the bed and settled himself beside her, continuing with the kisses and caresses. His finger traced down her neck, along her naked shoulder and down her forearm. She trembled at his touch; the anticipation was driving her wild. She also wanted to touch him.

"Jonathan…" Her voice was practically a plea.

"Patience, sweetheart." Leaning over he kissed her again, and could sense her eagerness and desire for him. He kissed her throat again and could feel her throbbing pulse. Then he looked down at her and gazed directly into her eyes. In them he read that she loved him. He saw the passion, the need and the want.

I love you, Jonathan.

"What did you say?" He was startled — he'd never expected this declaration, and wanted to make sure he wasn't imagining things.

"I didn't say anything," she coyly responded.

"But I heard you, it was your voice…I'd know it anywhere." Now he was confused.

Then you shouldn't doubt yourself.

It was definitely her voice, but her lips weren't moving.

"T'Pol?"

She used his moment of confusion to her advantage and rolled her puzzled husband beneath her. She kissed him full on the mouth, leaving him breathless and incoherent. Now she could touch him to her heart's content. She cupped his face, stroking his slightly stubbled chin with her thumb.

"You shouldn't fear what you don't understand, my love," she explained.

"So I'm not imagining things?" he asked, rather breathlessly.

She kissed his throat, biting down gently on his Adam's Apple. Her lips journeyed down his torso. Jonathan's breathing was shallow and rapid. She placed her hand on his chest and felt his beating heart.

Her eyes locked with his. He wanted and needed an answer. He wanted the reassurance that she'd said those three precious words to him — that he hadn't imagined it all.

"I love you, Jonathan." This time she voiced the statement, so for him there would be no doubt.

"Tell me again," he whispered.

She removed her hand from his chest, and pressed her lips to his heart. "I love you."

He'd thought he hadn't needed to hear the words, that her telling him she cared in her own special Vulcan way was enough. But he'd been wrong. Hearing the words made all the difference, and made tonight far more special than any other night they'd shared.

"Thank you," he answered. "But before did I…you spoke but…?"

"Explanations can be dealt with later. I think we've talked enough."

It was the last word on the subject for the time being as she continued with her assault. She kissed every inch of him, teasing him to the point of no return until he begged for mercy.

She slipped out of her negligee and returned to his side. Jonathan's eyes roamed over her naked form. She was perfect in every way and now she was his, to love and cherish forever. As far as he was concerned, he was luckiest man in the universe.

He wrapped his arms around her, pressing her lithe form to his body. He crushed his lips to hers. Her arms were wound around his neck as she returned each of his embraces with equal passion.

Tonight was a night neither would forget. Each touch, each caress was seared into their memories. T'Pol felt encompassed by her husband's love. Jonathan felt adored by his wife. Each revelled in the moment, not wanting it to end, savouring the emotions and the feelings as they made love for the first time as husband and wife.

"Tired?" he asked.

"No," she answered. "Just relaxed. You?"

He wasn't Vulcan and it had been a long day, so he admitted he was feeling a little sleepy.

"You should go to sleep," she suggested.

"I will…in a bit."

T'Pol cuddled up to him and nestled in the crook of his shoulder. She found the physical closeness most agreeable. She tangled her fingers in the dark golden hair on his chest.

"Your chest hair accentuates your attractiveness," she said out of the blue.

"What?" He couldn't believe what he'd just heard, but it made him smile.

"I find it pleasing."

"Thanks," he chuckled. "I'm glad. I didn't fancy the idea of having to shave it."

"Have you ever?" she asked. She couldn't imagine him smooth-chested; it just wouldn't look right.

"Once, yeah. I was dating this girl who hated hairy guys — so I shaved it off."

"She obviously had no taste."

Jonathan laughed at T'Pol's comment. Compared to the stoic first officer he'd worked with side by side for the last ten years, this woman was someone very different, and he looked forward to seeing more of this side of her personality.

"You have a pleasing laugh," she told him.

He loved hearing compliments, especially from her. She was doing wonders for his ego.

It was nice to feel secure. Though he didn't often show it, underneath that veneer of confidence he displayed as Captain, had been a man who'd been hurt in past relationships and who felt vulnerable when it came to interacting with women. He didn't feel vulnerable or insecure anymore. He trusted T'Pol and he knew she'd never hurt him.

He kissed her gently, and smiled into her eyes. "T'Pol?"

"Yes?"

"About what happened earlier…what you said about not fearing what I didn't understand…"

"Yes?"

"What did you mean?"

She stroked his cheek. "Precisely that, Jonathan."

"Okay…but maybe you could explain it now?"

"It's late," she answered, "and you are tired."

"I can stay awake for this. Earlier I let it go…because well I got distracted…but now well I'd really like to know what you meant. I mean the first time you told me you loved me…well I could swear I heard it in my head. Your response indicates to me that I didn't imagine it."

She ran her fingers through his hair, whispering, "No, you didn't imagine it."

"So?" His expression was one of curiosity but also of slight impatience.

Can you hear me now?

"Yes," he replied. "But I don't understand how—"

"You don't understand how it's possible, and being human you want it fully explained."

"Well, yes."

There is no need to fear, Jonathan. For Vulcans telepathic communication is second nature.

"But why now? You never spoke to me like this before."

"I was uncertain it would work between us. Also, it would not be right to initiate a bond with you until we were actually married."

"You initiated a bond?" He asked, not quite sure what that entailed.

"Yes." In hindsight she wondered if she'd done the right thing, without asking him first. She'd thought telling him her true feelings for the first time telepathically would make it extra special. She had no wish to frighten or alarm him.

"Well, can you explain what it all means?" he asked.

"Does the idea scare you, Jonathan?"

"Honestly, I can't answer that, T'Pol. I don't have enough knowledge of such things to form a comprehensive response."

"Can I ask you to just trust me then, get some sleep and we can talk about it in more detail in the morning?"

"It's that complex?"

"Jonathan," she caressed his cheek as she spoke. "Today and tonight has been highly emotional for both of us. The bond isn't permanent as of yet, and I wouldn't make it so without discussing it first with you and hearing your wishes. But I believe it would be logical to leave the deeper discussion of this till tomorrow. You are tired."

"Okay," he relented. She was probably right. It was late, it had been a big day for both of them, and a conversation concerning something like this should be conducted when both were bright eyed and bushy tailed so to speak.

He was feeling thirsty so climbed out of bed, told his wife he was going to get a glass of water and asked her if she wanted anything. She thanked him and declined. He returned momentarily with the water and put the glass by his bedside, after taking a few sips, and got back into bed.

"Goodnight, T'Pol," he said as he kissed her.

Goodnight, Jonathan.

He smiled at her. "One day maybe I'll learn how to do that."

"All in good time, my love." She turned onto her side, closing her eyes. Jonathan snuggled up to his bride and rested his hand possessively on her stomach.

Both feel asleep within a matter of minutes, looking forward to the bright future together that lay
before them.

TBC