Here it is as promised.

I admit to being intimidated by this chapter. How do you do an event like this, between this pair justice. I was very aware that this chapter could easily slide into the realm of fluff (not that fluff doesn't have its own value- I believe in it like any self respecting fangirl) however, that was not my goal when I initially set to writing the first chapter of what this story has now become. It was envisioned as a 'slice of life' and I hope this continues in that vain.

After all, what I like best about this pairing and these characters is their realism. They can be a bit over the top and extreme, but aren't we all at times? The idea that two human beings (as distinct and imperfect as they may be) can come together in a perfect partnership, Is one that my heart clings to. That a world (even if its only fictional) exists in which relationships like M&M's are possible is a balm indeed.

Disclaimer: Not mine, of course no infringement intended. Because that's just not cool.

Through Stan's Eyes

It was a beautiful clear early spring afternoon. The gentle breeze carried the clean scents of the desert sand and sunlight. They had chosen a scenic overlook, perched high up on a ridge, with a magnificent view of the desert just outside of Albuquerque. There was nothing but rolling sand and ageless rock formations for as far as the eye could see. Unconventional yes, but nothing about Marshall and Mary had been predictable... except for this day, or the idea of it.

He'd tell anyone who'd listen that he'd known (or at least had the best sources, Eleanor was uncanny) that the two of them were headed in this direction. It hadn't stopped his jaw from dropping when Marshall had asked him for his blessing to marry Mary. He remembered the words now, just as though it were yesterday, Marshall had said: "I know she'd kill me if she knew I'd asked, but... you're the closest thing Mary has to a father and..." He had never seen the tall Marshall that nervous not in a gun fight, not facing down Mary in one of her moods... never. He had known that whatever came next would change everything for his inspectors. "Stan, I've asked Mary to marry me and she said yes. I... I would like to ask your blessing as a friend and your... understanding as our boss." When he had picked his jaw off the floor the answer was an emphatic yes on both accounts. The likelihood of them someday tying the knot had become a certainty in his mind months or maybe years ago and he had decided that he would support them all the way. He couldn't and wouldn't vouch for the leadership in D.C. but as far as he was concerned, both as their friend and their boss, he was happy for them. His words to Marshal after the relieved laughter died down were a bit of tongue and cheek "Its about time she made an honest man of you." Marshal had had grace enough to smirk.

And here he was... looking out over the desert into the approaching sunset. He couldn't help feeling the rightness of it all. He checked his watch and saw it was time to find the bride. It had been Mary's idea for him to walk her down the aisle, he was stunned and honored. His inspectors kept on surprising him and he loved them like they were his own children.

The ceremony would be informal a few chairs set up in front of the view and a bare stretch of ground where the pair would stand. As a concession to Marshall's folks a preacher would say the words but Mary of course had refused to say the traditional vows. Her comment to Marshall at the time had been "if you think I'm going to vow to obey you, you've got another thing coming, Dufus" he had just laughed and kissed her right there in the office. He'd enjoyed watching Charlie blush and only half heartedly chided them to get back to work.

He had never seen them so happy, he knew it was cliche but it was true. Mary seemed to glow and an invisible weight had lifted off of Marshall's shoulders. Things had changed and yet somehow stayed the same. The love had always been there now it just had its proper name.

He straightened his tie as he approached the small pavilion that had been set up for the wedding party. There was a small flurry of activity as most of the guests had already taken their seats but the bridesmaids were finishing the last touches and the groomsmen swept Marshall away to the front of the gathering to wait for Mary. He'd spoken with Marshall earlier only to find him surprisingly calm. "aren't you nervous?" he'd asked. Marshall had simply answered "If I'm nervous, then Mary's nervous. She needs to know that there is nothing to be nervous about. She needs me to be calm, so... I am." He'd given him a wide smile and a pat on the back, Mary was in good hands and so was Marshall, they kept proving it everyday.

Brushing aside the drape that shielded the entrance to the bride's sitting area he had to stop to admire the view in front of him. In a rare moment of Shannon solidarity Jinx and Brandi stood on either side of a smiling Mary as she sat in front of a mirror pushed the last pin into her hair. Loose and curled he knew Mary's hair would gleam in the sunlight far more regal than any veil. She had decided early on that she wouldn't wear one, "screws with the sight-lines" had apparently been the comment to the much abused attendant at the bridal shop where Mary had eventually bought her dress. They had all smiled and nodded knowingly, that was Mary alright.

The dress was Mary too somehow. For a women who most people had only ever seen in jeans and boots she wore the knee length dress well. The simple off the shoulder style was flattering but modest. The skirt flared a little and if you looked really close there was even a bit of lace. Mary was a vision and he dared not break the spell as Brandi passed her a small white rose and helped her to settle it into the curls where they'd been swept away from her face over her ear.

Looking up, past her reflection in the mirror, Mary saw him and smiled. "its time then" she said, not waiting for an answer before standing and sending her mother and sister out to make their own entrances. He couldn't help but tell her as he offered his arm.

"I know you'll be hearing this a lot to day, but you are beautiful and Marshall is a lucky man"

She smiled more brilliantly if possible when they reached the head of the aisle and could see Marshall where he stood at the other end beaming back. As they took their first step toward him and the soft lilting music began to play she added.

"We're both lucky, Stan. Lucky and stubborn enough to make this work"

He was laughing and crying by the time they reached Marshall. He gave Mary a kiss on the cheek and smiled up at both of them as he passed her hand into Marshall's waiting one. They would always have his blessing, and all the luck he could ever wish for them.

AN: This just seemed to come to a natural end here, but don't worry there is more to come. Soon I promise! I think maybe Bobby D. has the perspective I need to finish out this stage of the story.