"Marie, shouldn't you be with the other ladies, getting your hair fixed and overall-prettied up?" Walt smiled as he approached his sister-in-law as she stepped onto Hank's backyard.

"Hank-how is he?"

"Oh, he's a bundle of nerves, but you know Hank- he's got too much pride to admit to anyone how he's really feeling."

"He's really a good guy, isn't he?"

"He's the most stand-up guy I've ever known. I can't pretend to understand what you're feeling right now, but know this- Hank will provide for you and everything you've ever wanted from life. You're in good hands." Walt put his hand on Marie's arm for comfort.

She smiled. Maybe she was making too big a deal of things. After all, couples got married every day. It didn't change things for those other couples, so why shouldn't things get only better for her and Hank? "You must think I'm crazy right now," she sniffed as she tried so hard not to break down.

"I'd think you were crazy if you weren't nervous."

"Were you nervous- when you married my sister?"

He nodded. "I'd never been so nervous in my life. After all I was marrying this wonderful woman who was way too good for me..."

"And then there was the baby," Marie teased.

"He certainly helped our relationship progress. But I wouldn't trade a minute of my life with your sister and Jr. for all the money in the world. Family is everything. And now-in just a few short minutes you'll be married and all set for a family of your own."

Marie laughed and shook her head. " No, no kids for me. Not yet anyways."

"You're young. Maybe you'll change your mind."

"Marie!" called out the familiar voice of her sister. "Marie, what in the world are you doing out here? The judge is ready to begin and your hair..."

"What about my hair?" Marie's hand flew instinctively to her head.

Skylar started to speak then changed her mind. "You look beautiful."

Marie hugged her, then they all walked back to the house, ready for Marie and Hank's journey to begin.

00000

"You did it." Walt lifted his glass to congratulate his new brother-in-law. "You did well for yourself, my friend. If the happiness I've found with Marie's sister is any indication, I predict a long and very blissful life for the two of you."

Hank took a drink of his champagne. "Thanks, man. I tell you, the guys on the force had a bet wondering if I was ever going to take the plunge."

"Take the plunge? We've been married for five minutes and already you've found a derogatory name for our marriage?"

"Oh, come on, Marie. You got to be hard-headed if you marry a Shraeder."

Everyone laughed. Even Marie found herself breaking into a small grin despite the disapproving look she shot her husband.

"Oh, Marie, Hank..." Skylar took their hands. "I want you to know that Walt and I couldn't be happier for you. I've always worried about my sister, but now I know that I don't have to worry any longer. She's in good hands, and I just wanted to say...welcome to the family." She leaned over and kissed Hank on the cheek.

"Oh, by the way, Walt..you're not off the hook..." Marie turned to him.

"What did I do now?"

"I know that as best man you were in charge of my husband's bachelor party. As the one guy on earth, according to my sister, incapable of telling a lie...did my husband behave himself?"

Walt chuckled. "Right hand to God I took him out for a steak and then a few beers. No funny business for these two married men."

Skylar hugged Walt. "There better not have been. After all., we just finished the baby's room...I'm sure there would be room on the floor for Junior to have a roommate."

Hank laughed. "Wow and I thought I was tough! Skylar, how'd you like to come work with me one of these days?"

"No! It's bad enough you put yourself in those situations, but you're not dragging my sister into it!"

Everyone laughed, then Hank turned to Marie. "You're a real fighter, aren't you?"

"I fight for what I believe in. And right now, I believe in you."

As everyone 'awwwwed" them, Hank pulled his wife in and kissed her.

Yes, this was the happiest day her life.

tbc