To my readers- I apologize for the long wait and rushed ending. I had a lot of responsibilities (I just moved to a new state). I wish I could take the time to end this story in a more satisfying way for y'all, because you are great and so very encouraging, but at this point, I am just glad to have one less responsibility. I hope you still enjoy it.

Two years later-

"Spock, you can't be Len's best man, you're going to be my man of honor!"

"You need more female friends."

"Yes, you have made that clear to me on a number of occasions. But I can't ask Christine or Janice or just anyone; I need someone who knows me inside out. The person of honor has to give a sentimental speech about me."

"I see. Am I not giving you away? I had thought that was a complete job, and a rather sentimental one, in and of itself."

"You've been reading up on human wedding customs. It is irregular to hold more than one position in a ceremony, but I'm okay with that. It's not unheard of."

"Very well. Who shall act as Leonard's best man? The Captain was to perform the ceremony."

"Christine can do that. She knows McCoy better than practically anyone on this ship, you, me, and Jim included. And she hasn't murdered him yet."

"Are all the gender roles in this wedding to be reversed?"

"Yes, haven't I told you? I'm the groom now."

"Yet I am still the matron of honor, instead of the best man."

"Correct."

"Dr. McCoy shall make a remarkable bride."

"I should say so."

With the Enterprise in space dock, the union of Leonard McCoy and Margaret Reinhold took place in First Baptist Church of Freer, Texas, the bride's home town. It was conducted by the groom's childhood pastor, who came from Georgia to perform the ceremony. Captain Kirk was unable to perform it because he came down with hay fever after his visit to his home in Iowa. He cried and sniffed and sniveled twice as much as anyone, due to his allergies. Standing next to the groom was Christine Chapel, wearing a long black dress. The groom was attired in a classic tuxedo, and spent most of his time fidgeting with the collar. Leonard's daughter Joanna acted as flower girl. Down the long hall strode the bride, arm-in arm with her childhood friend, Spock of Vulcan, who looked dashing in a tuxedo of off-white. The bride was resplendent in a creamy long-sleeved gown, which set off her red hair very well. The wedding was beautiful. Spock gave away Margaret, and stood beside her during the ceremony.

Of course, the most interesting part about the ceremony to most of the guests was not the exchanging of the vows, but that a Vulcan was expected to give a speech about the bride, which was emotional by nature. Being a Vulcan, it was short and to the point, though Margie thought it sweet, and Leonard was still in shock that a pacifist Vulcan had threatened him.

"Margaret has been the closest companion of my youth, and as such, I am the ideal candidate to 'rain praises' on her, a task which she has made simple through the uprightness of her character and her well-earned accomplishments.

At fourteen, Margaret was intellectual, kind, and more culturally sensitive than many adults. As she grew older, she directed her talents to useful endeavors. Her skill in engineering is unmatched by all but a very few engineers, and I am sure everyone on her ship, the Enterprise, is grateful for her expertise. Her kindness is directed to everyone in her path, alien, human, friend, or enemy, Margaret treats everyone she meets with all the love, she has told me, that her God shows her.

Personally, Margaret has been an exceptional friend to me. She encourages me in my strengths and helps me with my weaknesses. She listens to my troubles without feeling obligated to fix them.

Since I have both the position as the "man of honor" and the pleasure of giving away the bride, I would give some words of advice to the groom, who I am sure will need them.

Leonard, you have at your side a precious and beautiful woman. You must never forget how wonderful she is, or how fortunate you are to have her. You must cherish her and always have her best interests in mind. You must treat her with respect even in disagreements. If you fail in any of your duties as her husband, you will have me to answer to." In his mind, Spock finished the speech with "And Vulcans are much stronger than humans," but he decided to leave that part out. Instead, he expressed it by giving Leonard a very purposeful and expressive look, which Leonard got the gist of.