Part 10

Note:

So, a few points to address going forward. I'm sorry if I've created confusion. I had wanted to write a "Picard is Wesley's father" story and give some background to it, but in doing so the whole premise takes away from how I see Beverly Crusher's canon character. So, sometimes it's hard for me to get truly vested in this story and find solutions for this. I'm trying to flesh it out as much as possible. On the other hand, I also want to leave something for the imagination of the readers, because this is truly an AU, in that I'm straying so far from what I see as Crusher's canon identity (so I kind of put myself in a trap because I don't necessarily believe in my own premise). So, you may have to have a little patience here. I wanted to skip a bit ahead and side-step some of the issues so I could play with a few other scenes that would be fun. I toyed with having Wes call Picard 'Papa'. I really don't think he ever would, because he's sixteen and it seems silly. However, in this AU he would have had Jack as his father until he was like 5, and it seemed reasonable he'd want to call Picard something other than Dad. The other option I'd have is to just have him call him 'Jean-Luc' and gradually warm up to 'Dad' or 'Papa', but I didn't like that. In terms of Wes' acceptance of Jean-Luc, I saw him as a boy in need of some paternal guidance. He had been without a father and once he got over the initial shock and grief, he quickly accepted Jean-Luc because Picard had been someone he had always admired. At this juncture, their shipmates know about the relationship between Picard and Crusher and that Picard is Wes' father. I hope this chapter addresses some of the questions. As this story continues more questions will get answered. I think my whole premises is just overall wrought with trouble because I've taken it so far out from the realm of possibilities. Anyway, hope you enjoy anyway.

"Aren't we supposed to actually….catch something?"Wes asks, resting his elbow on his knee, his bored eyes looking at Jean-Luc from his seat in the wooden canoe.

Half-smiling, Picard turns to his teenager, an amused smirk in the corner of his lips. "You have to have patience, Wesley. Try a different lure and cast off again."

Shrugging, Wesley reels in the line.

Picard slowly retracts his line, gazing off into the clear blue waters of their twilight lake. He had taken a few days of shore leave to take Wesley camping on a relatively secluded and picturesque planet close to where the Enterprise is conducting a stellar survey. He had felt it was important to take the young man on a little excursion where they could hike, swim and spend a few days outdoors. Beverly had been touched, grateful that the men would have a few days to bond. Wes had been excited, greatly anticipating a few days away from the ship to sleep in a tent, cook with fire and explore a new planet.

"When was the last time you went camping?" Picard asks conversationally, recasting.

"I don't know. Mom used to take me to Belfour Lake. We haven't been in a couple years. We never climbed cliffs, though. She's terrified of heights," remarks Wes with a smile, putting a new lure on his rod.

"Well, next time we'll bring her with us. And, we'll get her fishing, and hiking, and climbing cliffs. How does that sound?" Jean-Luc smiles playfully at the boy, imagining Beverly terrified as they ascend the mountain. What a marvellous family trip that would be.

Laughing lightly, Wes nods his agreement. "Great. I can't wait to see her face."

Jean-Luc watches as Wesley casts off, determined to snag a fish that evening. "Reel it in nice and slow."

Glancing over at Jean-Luc, Wesley resumes his seat. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure," replies Jean-Luc, watching the lure dangling in the clear, deep water below.

"If you and Mom loved each other all those years ago, why weren't you together until now?" Wesley rotates to face Jean-Luc, his face open and honest. "I mean, after Jack died, why didn't you…why didn't Mom tell you everything? Why couldn't you just be together?"

Inhaling sharply, Jean-Luc turns to address his son. He wants to be honest with Wesley, but almost sensitive and mindful of the fact that the teen is sixteen years-old, and Beverly wouldn't want him privy to the intimate details of his parents' affair. They had attempted to explain their past as openly as possible with Wesley and address all of his questions and concerns, but evens months later, Wesley still cannot fathom everything completely. "Some of it, I'll never fully understand. Perhaps a part of her was punishing herself for our…past transgressions. She still feels guilty for what happened. However, primarily, your mother thought she was protecting you, protecting me. She didn't think I would want a relationship, a family. I had always been so focused on my command, so dedicated to my ship and crew."

Blinking rapidly, Wesley attempts to string all the pieces together in the complex puzzle. "But, you want this? You want me, to have a family with her?"

"Yes," nods Jean-Luc resolutely. " I want to make this work. I know sometimes it's not easy for you, and it's been an adjustment. But, I am committed to making a family work for all of us."

Bobbing his head, Wesley dangles the line in the water, attempting to attract a fish to his lure.

Retracting his line, Jean-Luc takes in a long breath. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you. I know this is quite new for all of us, but honestly I'm rather impatient. I've wasted so many years not being with your mother, and I don't want to waste any more time apart. I love her and am absolutely certain we'll spend the rest of our lives together, so I'd like to ask her to marry me. How would you feel if we were to get married?"

Half-smiling, Wesley nods. "You don't need my permission, but it's okay with me. I know you'll be happy together."

Smiling lightly, Jean-Luc finishes reeling in his line and begins to set his fishing pole down on the bottom of the canoe. "Thank you, Wes. We already are. I'm looking forward to many more years together."

"Actually, I don't think she's been happier than she has been the last few months," Wes confesses, recalling how at ease his mother now seems. Once the news of Jean-Luc's and Beverly's relationship and Wesley's parentage had become public, she had become more relaxed and content, settling into the relationship with Jean-Luc and helping Wesley and Jean-Luc forge a new dynamic.

The water ripples around Wes' line and he can feel his rod tugging as a fish nibbles beneath the surface. Eyes illuminating, Wes jumps up. "Hey! I got one!"

Sliding over along the bench, Jean-Luc smiles. "Sit down. Reel it in, nice and easy."

Bending back down to his seat, Wes grins, tentatively retracting his line as he struggles against the fish in the water.

"You've got it. Take your time," encourages Jean-Luc, watching as the fish flies above the surface of the water, a massive fish with sparkling purple scales.

"Wow! It's huge!" exclaims, Wes, reaching over the side of the canoe to guide the fish into the boat.

Jean-Luc crawls around the bench to assist Wesley in removing the hook from the fish's mouth. "She's beautiful, Wes. Well done."

Grinning, Wes grips the fish between his hands, mindful of the sharp fins and scales. "This is so cool. She's magnificent. I want to throw her back before she dies."

"Let me take a holophoto first," suggests Jean-Luc, slipping to the back of the canoe to locate his camera. "We can show your mother when we get home." He's glad the boy snagged a fish after patiently waiting for so long. Some things are worth the wait, as he knows all too well.

Sounding at the chime at his door, Beverly is somewhat startled when she receives no response at Jean-Luc's cabin. Pressing the chime again, Beverly calls into the door. "Jean-Luc?"

Furrowing her brows, Beverly is bemused. Jean-Luc had just called her, requesting her presence in his quarters after her shift had ended. At the time, he had been pleasant, calm. Now, she's becoming a little concerned that he is not responding and begins to worry that perhaps he had been feeling ill and needed her medical attention. Entering her emergency code into the keypad, Beverly's mind race. She flies through the door, only to stop dead at the threshold. The living area is illuminated in the soft glow of what appears to be a hundred long white wax candles in gold bases. The candles line the floor and are placed on every surface of the living area, work area and kitchen.

Hand covering her mouth, Beverly tentatively steps forward as the door slides closed behind her. Padding slowly into the room, she surveys the room, looking for Jean-Luc. She can smell the aroma of fresh camellias, as a massive bouquet of camellias sit in a crystal vase on the table in front of the sofa. "Jean-Luc?"

Smiling, she bends down beside the table to smell the flowers, cautious of all of the smoldering candles flickering about her. A small not card is attached to the camellias, and she removes the card to read the inscription. Smiling to herself, Beverly recognizes the familiar scrawl.

Take my breath.

Take my hand.

Take my heart.

Take my ring.

Take my name.

Give me 'yes'?

Eyes dilating, Beverly's lips part as her eyes well with warm tears.

Smiling warmly, Jean-Luc saunters in from the bedroom, arms folded loosely across his chest.

Whipping around at the sound of his footfalls, Beverly grins and jumps to her feet.

Striding over to her, Jean-Luc unfolds his arms and extends his hand, reaching for her far before he ever makes it to the table. "Please say 'yes'."

Grinning cheekily, Beverly abandons the note card on the table with the flowers and candles just as Jean-Luc reaches her and grabs for her waist. "What am I saying 'yes' to?"

Cupping her cheek, Jean-Luc locks their gazes. "We've made mistakes in the past, both of us. It would be a far greater mistake to waste anymore time apart now. Marry me. I can't bear the thought of a life without you, and without our son. Please marry me."

Pressing her lips to his, Beverly places her hand against his chest. "Yes. Yes, Jean-Luc."

Pulling her flush against him, Jean-Luc returns the kiss with fervour. "I love you."

Grinning into his lips, Beverly caresses his chest over his green dress shirt. "I love you. This is…stunning."

Drawing back, Jean-Luc removes his hand from her waist and retrieves a small box from the pocket of his casual trousers. "The ring."

Beverly giggles, tears of joy pooling in her eyes as Jean-Luc takes her hand in his and slips the gold band with a solitaire diamond onto her finger. She barely glances at the ring before she takes either side of his face between her hands and kisses him soundly.

Her tears stain his cheeks as they kiss. Half-laughing, Jean-Luc breaks off, bringing a hand up to swipe at her watery eyes.

"I'm sorry," blubbers Beverly, clutching his other hand. "I'm just a little emotional."

Pecking her lips, Jean-Luc squeezes her hand. "Come with me."

She had made that promise before, and it had been the biggest regret of her life. Now, nearly two decades later, as she prepares to pledge her love to another man, she has no reservations about making the most scared commitment. She loves Jean-Luc, unequivocally, unconditionally.

Jean-Luc leads her by the hand to his bedroom, illuminated in the soft glow of the candles on the night table. The bed is covered in red rose petals, and in the centre of the bed lies a single blood red rose.

Pausing at the foot of the bed, Beverly takes in the scene, mentally photographing the moment. "Oh, Jean-Luc. It's beautiful."

Snaking his arms around her waist, Jean-Luc kisses her heatedly, his tongue lingering on her lower lip. "It's not much. I would have liked to take you on a little vacation. Unfortunately, I couldn't get us shore leave right now while we're finishing the mission, and I was anxious to propose. I promise we'll go somewhere nice for a honeymoon."

Tracing his lip with her finger, Beverly grins. "Make it so." She parts his lips with her index finger, dipping her tongue in to intertwine with his.

Jean-Luc backs up against the end of the bed, lowering himself onto the edge and pulling Beverly on top of him. "Aye, Doctor."