Chapter 5: Love Replaces Fear
Sarah watched as the waves danced on the vast Pacific Ocean. She smiled as her eyes drifted to the spot where it all began three and a half years ago.
The barren sand was decorated with a long, purple carpet, white seats adorned with gardenias, and a small gazebo custom-built for the perfect wedding. Sarah closed her eyes and remembered the moment she asked Chuck to trust her so long ago.
Today, Sarah was asking Chuck to trust her for the rest of their lives.
The conversation about Sarah's return with Chuck's family was not an easy one. Ellie understandably blew her top. Stephen hugged them both, and wished them the best. Morgan was glad to see his best friend happy again. Devon kept his mouth shut, not wanting to upset his pregnant wife.
Chuck and Sarah disclosed Sarah's role as a former CIA agent and Chuck's one-time handler. Sarah explained her reasons for leaving, including her need to protect her family. Ellie was floored. She didn't hate Sarah, but she wasn't happy at first.
Sarah beamed inside at how Chuck gallantly defended her to Ellie during the tense conversation. Chuck held his sister's hands the entire time, not once breaking eye contact. Chuck made it plain and clear Sarah was back in his life. He was firm, but loving to his sister. Sarah watched with tears in her eyes as the man she loved and the woman who raised him interacted during the exchange.
The bond between brother and sister was unbreakable, even in times of conflict.
Chuck went out of his way to stay calm, which in turn had a calming effect on Ellie. Sarah knew the last thing Chuck wanted to do was upset Ellie in her condition.
The conversation ended with Ellie accepting Sarah back in their lives, but she needed to process the situation.
Ellie arrived at Chuck and Sarah's doorstep the next morning and nearly knocked Sarah over with a bone-crushing hug. The two ate breakfast together and spent the day catching up. Ellie, to her credit, thanked Sarah for her influence on Chuck, notably making him believe in himself and inspiring him to rebuild his life.
The Bartowski's were forgiving. Ellie forgave Sarah. Ellie knew deep down inside, Sarah was good for her little brother.
By mid-afternoon, the two women were happy and giddy as wedding planning became the preferred topic of discussion.
Sarah was still in potential danger from various enemies from her CIA career, but Chuck had matters well in hand.
The program Chuck used to search for his father was upgraded to mine for inquiries into any of Sarah's cover identities. The search concluded that only Ryker had been actively seeking out Sarah up to the point of his demise. Chuck programmed the system to send a text message to his and Sarah's phones if anyone ran an inquiry.
Sarah wasn't surprised. Having used disguises and a large number of cover identities, she was considered a ghost. Those who did see Sarah's face up close didn't live to tell about it.
Chuck resurrected his hacker alias, Piranha, to aid in Sarah's protection. Chuck hacked any database containing Sarah's identities, expunging them all. He even added credibility to Sarah Blake, including a work history as a former interpreter for the US State Department, tax returns, a college transcript, credit history, and even a few parking tickets. Sarah did drive a Porsche, after all.
Sarah flipped out when she learned about Piranha. She informed Chuck the CIA, NSA, and FBI had a joint task force searching for Piranha since 2002.
Chuck grinned. "Not anymore. Carmichael Industries with one Piranha as CEO now oversees their databases. By the way, who do you think designed the Codex System that replaced the Intersect? Now, agents in the field can receive real-time intelligence on their smart phone! All they have to do is snap a picture, or enter data in the search engine, and the Codex does the rest! Oh, and even the satellite feeds are encrypted by yours truly. Trust me, the government has no quarrel with Piranha since he is keeping them safe and sound."
Sarah smirked. "Nerd." Then kissed Chuck softly on the lips. "But I love my nerd."
For all practical purposes, Sarah was free to live her life in peace.
When Sarah informed Beckman and Casey by video conference she was alive and well, Casey held out his hand to Beckman, who rolled her eyes and handed Casey a $20 bill.
Sarah was shaken from her musings of recent events by a tap on her shoulder.
"Hey Sarah, mind telling me again why Zondra and I can't wear a gun?"
Sarah huffed at her red-head friend. "Because, Carina, this is a wedding, not Somalia! Look, I feel just as naked as you do without a weapon, but this is my wedding day, and I will not have any firearms present! I want this day to be special, and I want Chuck to be happy! Got it?"
Zondra smirked. "Then why does Casey have a Marine Scout Sniper Platoon covering the perimeter?"
Sarah rolled her eyes. "Because none of us are armed, that's why."
Carina used her hands as a visor while staring at the sky. "Is that…three Predator drones I count? Jesus, Sarah, there's more firepower for your wedding than the Iraq invasion!"
Ellie stormed into the tent, fuming. "Sarah, you will not believe this! Those idiots at the florist sent day-old Casablanca Lilies!"
Sarah's eyes turned primal. "Those fuc…" Sarah caught herself as Ellie quickly covered her pregnant stomach, giving Sarah a warning look.
Sarah turned sheepish. "Sorry, Ellie."
Ellie burst out crying and hugged Sarah. "AAHHAAAAAHHHAAAAA! I'm so sorry they screwed up the flowers!"
Sarah hugged Ellie close. "It's okay, Ellie. We'll make do."
Carina leaned over to Zondra and whispered, "What the hell is wrong with her?"
Zondra snorted. "You know, for a self-proclaimed sex expert, you seriously need to brush up on what happens nine months later. Maybe you need to start holding an Aspirin between your knees unless you'd like to find out the hard way. Hormones, Carina. Pregnancy hormones."
Ellie suddenly broke the embrace. "I need rocky road ice cream…" Ellie turned and stormed out of the tent, screaming, "DEVON!"
Emma and Molly passed Ellie on her mission to find rocky road ice cream.
Molly glanced at Sarah concerned. "Sarah, why is Ellie screaming at Devon? Did Devon leave the toilet seat up again?"
Sarah tried to stifle her laugh. "No, Molly. Ellie's baby likes ice cream."
Emma smiled. "What child doesn't like rocky road? You could eat a whole pint when you were little, Sarah."
Sarah grinned. "I know, Mom. I remember."
Sarah looked through a slit in the tent to find Chuck. She spent her entire time in the tent maintaining 'surveillance' of her groom. She giggled at the look on his face as he glanced over at Casey, who promised to shadow Chuck the entire time. Sarah's orders.
Carina rolled her eyes. "Still watching Chuck, huh?"
"Yeah, old habits. When I was his handler, I spent hours...just watching him." Sarah glanced away and smiled.
Ellie waddled back in the tent with a tub of ice cream in one hand, a spoon in the other, and rocky road dripping from the side of her mouth. Devon was right behind her.
Ellie broke the sound barrier. "Sarah, we have another problem! Dad just checked the weather forecast, we're expecting rain in 15 minutes!"
Devon wearily reinforced Ellie. "So not awesome!"
Sarah's eyes widened in horror, then turned to her fellow CATs. "Alright, Carina, go find Morgan! Stay with him and make sure he doesn't move a muscle! Chuck and I are getting married in five minutes! Zondra, tell Casey we are Oscar Mike, then find Jeff and Lester! Tell those two perverts to start the music in two minutes! Nothing, and I mean NOTHING is standing in the way of this wedding!"
The two women blinked. Sarah boomed, "MOVE!"
Carina and Zondra bolted from the tent as though they were running from a bomb.
Sarah growled, placing a finger under her nose and whimpered.
Emma quickly approached her daughter. "Sweetheart, everything will be fine. You know weather reports are not always accurate."
The sound of thunder could be heard in the distance.
Emma grimaced. "Well...most of the time."
Sarah was now crying full force. "Why does this always have to happen to me and Chuck….AAAAHHAAAAA!"
Ellie started crying. "It's just not fair!" Then, immediately stopped crying and turned to Devon. "Devon! Let's get everyone in position! Chuck and Sarah are getting married today, or so help me, I'll hurt someone!"
Ellie crammed the spoon into the tub of ice cream and stuffed a large helping of rocky road in her mouth before waddling away.
Molly, with eyes widened in horror, yelped "Yikes," and ran from the tent, guarding her basket of flower pedals.
Ellie marched to the seating area, took a deep breath, and declared, "Alright everyone, sit your butts down and don't move a freaking muscle!"
The guests scrambled to find a seat. Ellie flung her hair over her shoulder and waddled towards Chuck, who was frozen in place, wide-eyed.
"Chuck, you are getting married in 4 minutes and 21 seconds." Ellie looked at Devon. "Devon, do you have the ring?"
Devon held up the ring with a grin on his face. "On top of it, babe."
Ellie smiled sweetly. "I love you, Devon." Then turned serious. "NowgostandbyChuck!"
Devon ran to his position. Chuck turned and patted Devon on the back. Devon gave a thumbs up. "Awesome!"
Ellie turned to Casey. "Alright, John. If any of these knuckleheads move, you have my permission to plant your foot in their..."
Casey finished the sentence for Ellie. "Asses?"
Ellie scowled. "John Casey! Do not use that kind of language in front of Baby Clara! She can hear you!" Ellie rubbed her bulging stomach and leaned down. "I'm sorry, baby girl. Mean old Uncle John has a potty mouth."
Casey muttered. "Jesus H. Christ. She's gone way off the reservation."
Devon stared at Casey with a look of horror on his face. "Ssssh! Are you nuts? She'll hear you! Trust me, bro. You don't want her to hear you."
Casey growled lowly. "No, shit, Sherlock. She tore me a new one last night for calling Bartowski a candyass." Casey grunted annoyingly.
Ellie turned to investigate the commotion near the sound system. Jeff and Lester were arguing over a CD.
Ellie marched over to the two "BuyMorons." Zondra stood off to the side, shaking her head in frustration.
Lester pleaded, "Come on, Jeffrey! This is the moment for Jeffster to make our debut!"
Jeff wasn't budging. "No way, Jose'! Sarah threatened to castrate me if I didn't play what she wanted!"
Ellie paused in front of the two and placed a hand on on her hip. Just then, Ellie felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Big Mike coming to the rescue.
"I got this, Ellie."
Big Mike bellowed. "Will you two poster kids for a prophylactic commercial stop screwing around?! Jesus weeps, this is Bartowski's wedding for crying out loud, not some freak sideshow! I waited a long time to see Chuck marry Sarah, now get it together before I plant my..." Big Mike paused and glanced at Ellie. "foot in your corn holes!" Elle smiled bright at Big Mike. Big Mike nodded to Ellie, then turned back to Jeff and Lester. "Now play the...darn CD!"
Ellie handed the tub of rocky road ice cream to Big Mike. Big Mike licked his lips. "Rocky road...hello beautiful."
Jeff yanked the CD from Lester. Zondra force-marched Lester to his seat. Ellie thought about giving Jeff a kiss on his cheek for doing the right thing, but thought better of it.
Ellie gave Casey a hand signal.
Casey walked over behind Chuck. "If you move, Bartowski, I am going to nail your nuts to a wall and use you for a punching bag." Casey grunted angrily.
Chuck grimaced. "Cas..seriously!?"
Casey growled. "Like I said. To. A. Wall."
Casey headed for the tent, taking Molly's hand in his along the way. Sarah exited and looped her arm in Casey's. Molly stood in front with her basket of gardenia pedals.
Suddenly, the speakers came to life. Sarah selected a song Chuck shared with her long ago for her wedding processional. The Editors "Weight of the World."
With Molly leading the way, tossing flowers as she walked, the trio walked slowly to the edge of the aisle. Sarah cast her eyes on Chuck, and smiled bright. Emma stood at the end of the aisle to give her daughter away in marriage.
The look on Chuck's face reflected the love in his heart. He wore a soft smile, and his eyes were practically shining. A bright smile adorned Sarah's face. Her blue eyes sparkled. To onlookers, Sarah was glowing with happiness.
Sarah wore her hair in an elegant French bun. Her dress was a simple strapless gown made of satin and lace. Chuck whispered to himself in awe, "She looks like an angel." Everyone in the crowd silently thought the same.
Ellie grabbed a tissue to wipe away happy tears as she followed Chuck and Sarah's eyes. She realized she was witnessing unconditional love. It was the most beautiful thing Ellie had ever seen.
As the lyrics "Love replaces fear" softly echoed through the speakers, Sarah and Casey walked slowly down the aisle. Sarah and Chuck never took their eyes off one another. Casey and Sarah paused next to Emma.
Morgan cleared his throat. "Who gives this woman to be wed?"
Casey and Emma spoke in unison, "We do."
Emma and Casey took Sarah's hands, and placed them in Chuck's.
Casey placed a hand on Chuck and Sarah, whispering, "I'm proud of you both." Casey took his place.
Emma gave Sarah and Chuck a kiss on the cheek, then took Molly's hand and sat next to Stephen.
Morgan proceeded to carry out his duties and perform the ceremony. The couple exchanged rings.
When it came time for Chuck and Sarah to recite their vows, Sarah spoke first.
"Chuck, you are a gift. You are the most kind, caring, and compassionate man I have ever known. You have so much love in your amazing heart. I will spend the rest of my life being the woman deserving of that love. I will always be by your side, through anything that life sends our way. You never gave up on me, and I am so be grateful for that. All that I am, and all I ever hope to be, will be yours for the rest of our lives. I will always love you. You are my heart, Chuck." Sarah ended the last part with a whimper.
Chuck released Sarah's hands and gently wiped her tears with his thumbs. He held her face as he spoke his vows, Sarah resting her hands on top of his.
"Sarah, you are the woman of my dreams. All that I am, is because of you. Years ago, before you came into my life, I was lost. I drifted with no direction or purpose. But you found me, took my hand, and served as my guide. You are the star that guides me. You are the love that fills my heart with so much happiness. Words can't express how much I love you. You are my life, Sarah. My everything." Chuck paused and winked. "Thank you for saving me."
Sarah laughed happily at the dual meaning in the last part. Chuck took Sarah's hands in his own and stared into her eyes. Sarah took their hands and kissed them. Sarah's eyes memorized Chuck's face. She wanted to remember this moment for the rest of her life.
Morgan bit his bottom lip to keep from crying. Casey reached around Devon and smacked him. Morgan yelped, then continued with the ceremony.
"By the power of Greyskull, I know pronounce you, husband and wife."
Soft laughter filled the crowd. Casey grunted, "Idiot."
Morgan closed his book. A few seconds passed in awkward silence. Morgan glanced around wondering why everyone was looking at him.
Casey muttered, "Good grief, little bearded bastard would screw up a one car pileup."
Devon shook his head. "I got this, John. Uh, Morgan, bro, this is the part where they play tonsil-hockey."
Morgan palmed his forehead. "Oh, sorry. You may now kiss the bride."
Sarah leaped into Chuck's arms, anchoring her arms around his neck. Chuck wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her in the air, Sarah curling her legs behind her. Chuck spun Sarah around as they kissed. As Sarah broke the kiss, she leaned her head back laughing happily, while Chuck peppered her neck with kisses.
The crowd clapped happily for the couple.
Off in the distance, dark clouds settled over the coast. The light rumble of thunder signaled the storm over the horizon. Through the clouds, the sun broke through, casting its rays on the very spot where Chuck and Sarah exchanged their vows. It was a befitting scene. Through the turmoil of the past few years, their love for each other weathered the storm.
Sarah Walker officially died that day on the beach in Malibu. Sarah Bartowski was born.
A/N: "Oscar Mike" is a military term for "On Mission" or "On the Move." "By the power of Greyskull" is a He-Man reference. Yeah, I was an 80s kid.
The Editors "Weight of the World " is from Chuck Verses the Sandworm. This song was played when Chuck asked Sarah to stay in his room for "42 minutes and 15 seconds," to make Ellie and Awesome think he was "getting lucky." The look on Sarah's face was priceless! As for Arcade Fire being an "auditory aphrodisiac?" Ummm...no. I almost used Jonsi's "Sinking Friendships," which was the soundtrack song played during Chuck and Sarah's wedding in Chuck Verses the Last Details. "Weight of the World" had befitting lyrics, in my opinion. "Love replaces fear" is a good expression of Chuck and Sarah's journey.