Part 13

Jean-Luc steps up to Beverly in the centre of Ten Forward, her back turned to him in animated conversation with Geordi, Wes and Will in the middle of the dance floor. Beverly had finally convinced Wesley to dance with her, and now that the song had ended and the the group had scattered for the cluster of seats and tables lining the dance floor, Wes is relieved to be chatting with Geordi about his latest assignment in Engineering.

Snaking an arm around her waist, Jean-Luc approaches Beverly from behind, a long champagne flute in his other hand.

Whipping around, Beverly beams at the unexpected and rare public affection Jean-Luc is displaying in front of their associates. "There you are!"

Handing her the champagne flue, Jean-Luc smirks. "Me? I haven't been able to pin my bride down for a dance all evening since we had our first dance."

Accepting the proffered glass, Beverly turns in his arm and feathers a kiss to his lips. "Sorry, love. It's been busy."

The newly united couple had been joined in a simple ceremony followed by a rather informal reception in Ten Forward for their friends and crewmates. Having gone through an extravagant wedding with Jack, Beverly had insisted on keeping the day light and fun. Now, their guests are mingling about Ten Forward, celebrating with the newly wedded couple.

Putting his hand on Wes' shoulder, Will nudges him in the direction of the bar. "Come on. Let's go find you a Shirley Temple or something."

"Hold on," Wes requests, turning to Beverly. "Mom, Commander Riker said I could stay with him tonight, if that's okay."

Bewildered, Beverly whips around to stare perplexed at her son. "What?"

"Well…just…give you some space," elaborates Wes, his cheeks tinging red. "I'll just sleep in Commander Riker's quarters tonight."

Half-smiling, partly embarrassed and partly amused, Beverly puts her hand up. "That's quite alrigh…"

"Yes, absolutely," interjects Jean-Luc instantly. Smirking, he nods at Will. "Thank you, Will."

Winking, Riker urges Wes forward. "Consider it a little wedding gift. Congratulations, and have fun."

Geordi follows as Riker nudges Wes toward the bar, leaving Beverly holding the champagne glass in one hand while her other hand falls to her hip.

Smiling, Jean-Luc draws Beverly closer, revelling in the chance to soak her in. "Finally, just the two of us."

Beverly takes a sip of the champagne and places the glass in Jean-Luc's hand. "Somehow, I think you arranged that."

"You can't blame me," teases Jean-Luc, draining the last of the champagne. He releases her long enough to step back and place the empty glass on a nearby table before promptly returning, reaching for both of her hands.

"Are you not enjoying yourself, dear?" asks Beverly in concern, studying his expression. She's surprised. In the entire time she's known him, she's never seen Jean-Luc so relaxed, content…utterly happy.

Laughing lightly, Jean-Luc shakes his head and encircles his arms around her back. "This is…the best day of my life. I couldn't be more thrilled to be standing here with you, celebrating our marriage with our friends, our crew, our are…absolutely stunning." He permits his eyes to roam down her cream, satin gown, drinking her in.

Resting her forehead against his, Beverly splays her fingers across his chest, pressing her lips to his sweetly. "I love you. This is one of the happiest days my life, too."

Bringing one hand over and up to cup her cheek, Jean-Luc kisses her deeply. "Forget the party. I'm taking you back to our cabin. Now."

Chuckling softly, Beverly breaks off, bringing a hand up to stroke his cheek. "Patience, love. Let's enjoy this. Everyone's having fun. By ten tomorrow we'll be docked on Earth, then we'll be on our way to Paris."

Growling, Jean-Luc inhales sharply, dragging his nails down the small of her back. "I suppose you're right."

Grinning, Beverly trails her hand down his chest, toying with the fabric of his dress uniform. "You're not regretting the shore leave, are you? Taking Wes to La Barre?"

Unable to contain his smile, Jean-Luc exhales audibly. "You mean that we're taking our teenage son with us on our honeymoon? No, of course not."

Rolling her eyes, Beverly resists the urge to playfully swat his backside while they're in Ten Forward. "Jean-Luc! We're spending three days in Paris. Then Wes will meet us in La Barre."

Sighing, Jean-Luc drops his hand to her hip. "I know. I'm looking forward to it, I really am. I want to show him around Starfleet Command and the Academy once we return to San Francisco. But, right now, I just want to get you alone."

Beaming, Beverly closes the small distance between them, bringing her hand up to caresses his neck. "Hhmmm. I want that, too."

"We've been married six hours, and I've spent all six of them staring at you in this dress," confesses Jean-Luc heatedly, his eyes glistening as he grips her hip.

"I'm glad you like it," Beverly whispers against his lips, pressing her pelvis against his.

Taking the hand of hers that's trapped between them, Jean-Luc brings her fingers to his lips, his gaze laser-locked on hers. "I'd like it better off."

Closing her eyes, Beverly involuntarily moans, trying desperately to focus on her surroundings. "Hold that thought. We'll pick this up later."

Groaning, Jean-Luc reluctantly releases her hip, creating some distance between them. "Very well. We must…return to our guests."

Inhaling deeply, Beverly places a conciliatory kiss to his lips. "One hour. One hour and I'm all yours."

"Promise?" teases Jean-Luc, taking her hand in his.

Chuckling, Beverly begins to stride forward. "One hour, Jean-Luc. You can be a good host for one more hour and play nice with your friends."

"As you wish, Mrs. Picard," ribs Jean-Luc, as they walk hand-in-hand toward the bar.

Giggling, Beverly could not be happier in this moment. The day had been everything she had wanted, cherishing their love and family with her friends and colleagues. Now, she's eagerly anticipating tomorrow, their journey to the Picard's hometown, and commencing a new chapter in the Picard's family history.