"Do you, Daniel, take Madeline, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?" the minister asked.

Danny grinned and squeezed Maddie's hands as he held them in his. "I do."

"And do you, Madeline," the minister continued, "take Daniel, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

Maddie refrained from speaking aloud a smart remark that came to mind and returned Danny's grin. "I do."

The minister turned a page in his book, moving on to a non-traditional part of the ceremony, but one that Maddie had specifically requested. "Maddie, hold Danny's hands in your, palms up, so that you may see the gifts they are to you."

She did as she was asked, her smile softening.

"These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life," the minister read.

Danny's eyes met hers, shining brightly as he mouthed "I love you".

"These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams."

Mac, sitting in the front pew of the church, nodded imperceptibly. He knew better than anyone else just how much they had shared with each other and what it meant to both of them that they were able to do so.

"These are the hands you will place with expectant joy against your stomach, until he, too, feels his child stir within you. These are the hands that look so large and strong, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby for the first time."

Don cleared his throat gruffly, remembering how hard it had been for the couple when they had lost their unborn child. He could still see in his mind the image of Danny slumped on his couch, his face buried in his hands as he cried long and hard. He recalled Maddie's pale, drawn face, stricken with grief even as she struggled to take care of her students and Danny, and lowered his gaze to the floor.

"These are the hands that will work long hours for you and your new family."

Shayla smiled as the minister spoke those words, silently thanking God for her foster parents, appreciating beyond measure how hard they worked to keep her safe, happy, and healthy.

"These are that hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness."

Stella grinned, reminded of Mac's account of Maddie and Danny's first meeting in the interrogation room. "Passionate" had been the key word right from the beginning, though the nature of their feelings had developed over the course of the relationship from adversaries to close friends to loving partners in every way. Her eyes flickered in Mac's direction and she allowed herself to wonder if the two of them might follow the same path.

"These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you."

Maddie's bright blue eyes met Danny's once more as she remembered all the moments she had felt his love for her. She squeezed his hands and smiled softly again, knowing that she had been blessed.

The minister paused a moment, allowing the couple their wordless exchange. The rite was then repeated, with Danny holding Maddie's hands, palms up, in his large strong ones.

"And now," the minister smiled, "by the power vested in me by the great state of New York, it is my distinct pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife." His smile grew and he winked at the groom. "Danny, you may now kiss your bride."

Danny's grin turned to one of relief as he slid his arms around his wife. Finally he was able to hold her close after standing beside her through the ceremony touching only her hands. Finally, he was allowed to kiss her.

His lips met hers warmly, trying to convey his passion for her without losing control in front of all their guests. Maddie could feel the restraint in his kiss and pulled away laughing.

"Just wait 'til the reception," she whispered, her mouth against his ear. "They'll be banging on the glasses so much during dinner we won't even have a chance to come up for air."

He laughed out loud and kissed her again, still smiling broadly when they parted.

"Congratulations," the minister told them happily, shaking their hands. He turned the pair toward the guests, reminding Maddie to get her bouquet back from Liz as she took Danny's arm, and raised his voice so that everyone could hear. "It my honor to present to you for the first time, the new Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Messer…"

The guests broke into applause and cheers, everyone wearing wide smiles as the bride and groom made their way down the aisle together, followed by their wedding party.

Aiden was the first one to get to the happy couple, despite being the last bridesmaid to leave the altar.

"I'm so happy for you!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Danny. "Ya did it, Messer…"

He chuckled. "You didn't think I'd back out, did you?"

"No," Aiden replied with a twinkle in her eyes as she released him. "I knew from the first time I saw you two together that you were perfect for each other…as long as you didn't screw things up."

Maddie laughed at that and patted Danny's cheek. "Nope. He's done remarkably well with me."

He looked down at her, running his thumb over her wedding band as he took her left hand in his. "And she's done incredibly well with me," he told Aiden.

The happy couple were hugged and congratulated by the rest of the wedding party, then headed back into the church to greet their guests row by row for a few moments of one-on-one time with each one.

They began at the front of the church, embracing Maddie's mother and Mac first before moving to the groom's side, where Shayla sat beside Louie.

The girl bounced up first, happily flinging her arms around both her foster parents. "Congratulations!" she cried.

"Thanks kiddo," Danny grinned proudly as he held his family.

Maddie kissed her hair affectionately. "Now don't forget, you need to stick around for pictures, too. I want a nice one of the three of us to put up in the living room at home…"

Shayla's smile reached from ear to ear. "You got it," she replied, hugging them again before heading down the aisle.

Louie made his way out of the pew and offered his hand to Danny. "Congratulations big brother," he said.

Danny wrapped an arm loosely around him and patted his back. "Thanks, Louie."

"So this is my new sister-in-law?"

"Yeah, this is Maddie," Danny explained, letting go of his brother and running a hand down her back.

"It's nice to finally meet you," she told Louie.

He smiled and reached for her, pulling her into a quick embrace. "It's good to meet you, too…sis."

The two new in-laws shared a grin as they separated, and Louie decided there was one more thing he needed to do.

"Can I kiss the bride?" he asked with a smirk.

Maddie opened her mouth to answer, but Danny interrupted her. "On the cheek," he replied firmly.

Maddie laughed as Louie leaned in and pecked her cheek sheepishly. "Congratulations," he said again, shuffling past the couple and out of the church.

"I definitely see the resemblance," she told Danny as they moved to the next pew.

He shrugged. "We do kind of look alike…"

"No," she shook her head, "in your personalities. He's teasing me already, and he just met me," she chuckled. "You two are definitely brothers…"

They continued down the rows, exchanging hugs and greetings with each guest, introducing each other to family and friends, noting the number of staff and students from Eastside High and personnel from the Lab that filled the church. There was a contingent present from the Medical Examiner's Office, too, and Maddie's former student, Adrienne, was even there with her son, little Daniel Parrish. The newlyweds shared a brief, sad glance with each other as Maddie held him, taking in his curly brown hair and dimpled smile, remembering that their little boy would have been the same age, had he lived.

They bade Adrienne good-bye and moved on, eventually reaching the very last row, where only two people had been seated. The first was an old ex-girlfriend of Danny's who had come to witness the ceremony for herself, unable to believe the rumor was true. She was quickly dispensed with when Maddie assured her with a smirk that she and Danny were indeed married, and that they were very much in love.

The last guest to be greeted stood, clearing his throat gruffly. He was a middle-aged man in a tired suit and faded tie, looking decidedly uncomfortable but determined nonetheless. "Congratulations," he said quietly, uncertain as to how exactly he should behave in this situation.

Maddie smiled hesitantly. She hadn't known he was coming or noticed his presence during the ceremony, and was unprepared to see him again. "Thanks Dad," she replied.

Danny decided he'd had enough practice with awkward family moments, and offered his hand to his new father-in-law to break the ice. "Detective Danny Messer," he introduced himself.

Maddie's father shook Danny's hand and smiled a little. "A pleasure to meet you, Danny…Robert Parrish. I'm Maddie's father."

Maddie watched the exchange silently, observing the half guilty, half proud expression her father wore as he shook Danny's hand. He had not made her life easy. In fact, he had often times caused her more grief than either of them cared to think about. But when Liz had told him about the loss of the baby, he had sent Maddie a little note of sympathy. He may have screwed up, he had written, and screwed up a lot, but when the chips were down, he was still her father and he loved her.

She found herself reaching for him before she was aware that she was doing it, slipping her arms around his neck and resting her head against his shoulder. "I'm glad you came, Dad," she said softly.

Mr. Parrish slid his arms around his daughter. "You are?" he asked, surprised.

She nodded. "I am."

He smiled gratefully, squeezing his eyes shut as he held her. "Me too."

They broke apart after a few moments, and Danny smiled. Father and daughter both looked more relaxed, and even a bit relieved at getting past the initial greeting.

Mr. Parrish grinned a little. "So a cop, eh…"

When the guests had all left and the wedding party went off to gather their things for the reception, Maddie and Danny took a moment for themselves in the quiet church.

"You did it," she teased, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him close. "You made the leap."

"We did it," he corrected, sliding his hands across her back. "We're partners, remember?"

"That we are," she agreed. She reached up and kissed him, identical smiles spreading across their faces as their lips met.

"And," he continued rather proudly as they broke apart, "we each initiated a reconciliation with a family member we haven't been speaking to."

"That we did," she agreed again. "I'm glad I let you talk me into inviting Dad…and I'm glad you invited Louie. Weddings are supposed to be for getting families together, and we did a little of that today."

"We did," he concurred, kissing her again with a smile. When they broke apart, Danny remembered something he had wanted to ask her about earlier, but hadn't had a chance to. "Hey, how come Liz was running around trying to find crackers for you this mornin'? Were you so nervous about marryin' me that you were nauseous?"

Maddie laughed. "Well, that's what I let Liz think, because you should be the first to know."

"Know what?"

"About your wedding present," she continued with a barely concealed grin.

He sighed. "We decided we weren't gonna get each other gifts…"

"I know, but this one just sorta happened," she told him.

"Well what is it? Do you have it with you?"

"In a manner of speaking," she replied cryptically.

"Where?" he wondered, noting her lack of pockets or a purse.

She released him and took his hand in hers, placing it on her lower abdomen. "Here…"

But just as he had been the first time around, Danny was slow to get the message, and Maddie waited for a moment while he put it all together.

"…crackers…nausea…my gift is…here…?" His eyes widened. "You're not…"

She laughed joyfully. "I am. Shayla's gonna have a little brother or sister before she turns eighteen."

He threw his arms around her and drew her to him, laughing out loud, his eyes still wide with surprise. "A baby? A baby!" he exclaimed. "When did you find out?"

"Just last night," she told him. "I almost waited until you could be with me to take the pregnancy test, but the circumstances were a little different this time then they were before."

The mention of Maddie's last pregnancy immediately dampened his enthusiasm. "But what about last time?" he asked quietly. "What if it happens again…what if we lose this baby too…"

Maddie looked up at him, her blue eyes meeting his. "I did some research, and one miscarriage doesn't affect the chances of survival of the next child," she told him. "We can ask Sheldon about it, too—he'll know more or know who to talk to—but this one should be okay."

"So should the last one," Danny pointed out. "What if it isn't?"

She bowed her head and leaned against his chest. "I don't know, Danny. I don't know if I can go through that again, but you and I will have each other to lean on if it does happen. And," she added, nuzzling his neck, "we have a pretty amazing foster daughter, too."

The smile returned to his face. "Are we gonna ask her about that today?"

"The foster part?" Maddie asked. "Yeah," she decided with a satisfied smile. "Let's see if we can catch her before we go to the reception."

He kissed her hair and her cheek, making his way to her lips before drawing back contentedly. "After you, Maddie Messer…love of my life…mother of my children."

They emerged from the church into the bright sun of a beautiful Manhattan afternoon and shared a smile. Their closest friends—their family—stood near the row of squad cars on loan from the police department to transport the wedding party to the reception. Stella stood beside Mac, a teasing expression on her face, his eyes sparkling back at her; Don was leaning against one of the cars, holding Aiden's hands in his as they continued to mend their broken relationship; Sheldon's girlfriend Sarah took the time to spend a few minutes with him before his duties as a groomsman pulled him away again; Shayla waited with Dantrell, the two youngest members of the group automatically gravitating toward each other; and even Liz had found someone to pass the time with, standing with Marty Pino of the Medical Examiner's office as she waited for her sister and newly minted brother-in-law.

"Look at 'em…so many happy couples…" Maddie smiled.

Danny grinned. "Maybe ours was just the first of many weddings…"

"Guess you'd better get used to wearin' that tux," she laughed.

He pulled her to him and kissed her deeply, the restraint he had shown at the altar melting away. "Guess you better get used to takin' it off me…"