Chapter XIX
Shepard had not been this nervous since her first day at the academy. She was wearing once again her dress blues, though this time, she got her hair done and even put on some makeup. She looked good, but inside, she was all butterflies.
She anxiously reread the text she had prepared for the occasion, trying to memorize every word. It was all happening so fast, but Daniels was right-life was too short. Moments like the one that was about to take place were precious and she was ecstatic to be part of it.
"You nervous?" inquired Kaidan, who just finished getting ready.
"I can't memorize this damn speech I wrote," replied Shepard, rereading her text for the umpteenth time.
"Well, you don't look it," said Kaidan knowing that she was needlessly over preparing.
He approached Shepard from the back, grabbing her from the waist and kissing her neck just behind the ear. At the touch of his lips on her skin, she froze, savouring the moment and slowly turning around. Shepard was pleasantly surprised at what she saw. Kaidan was not wearing his formal uniform. He had instead opted for a tailored three piece grey suit he had made for the event. He looked like he came right out of those early spy vids-elegant and sexy.
"Love your civies," exclaimed Shepard once she took a step back for a better view.
"Thanks, I saw an old vid of my dad when he was young. He was wearing a similar suit, and I felt like changing it up," explained Kaidan. "You look hot. New hairdo?"
"Nah, just took a bit of your gel," said Shepard, passing her hands through her hair as if she was putting it on again. Kaidan nodded lightly, showing his approval.
"So, ready?" continued Shepard, putting her speech in her pocket even though she had just decided to improvise her speech after all.
"Yes, after you my lady!" returned Kaidan, regretting his corny comeback as soon as he said it. His embarrassed expression made Shepard chuckle, and Kaidan didn't feel as foolish.
They stepped out of the observatory into the hallway-Shepard had given the Normandy's Captain's quarters to the bride-where the groom was pacing. He was pale and hadn't even noticed either Spectres until they were right in front of him.
"Oh, Rear Admiral, General," blurted Donnelly saluting them instinctively.
"At ease, Chief," replied Shepard. "We're here as friends, not as your commanding officers. Feeling a little restless, Donnelly?"
"Hmm, well, yes ma'am, I mean Shepard. Whoa, that's weird. Ma'am, if you don't mind, I will keep calling you ma'am," rumbled Donnelly.
"Yes, of course," responded Shepard. "Do you need anything? Are you OK?"
"Just got the jitters, I guess," replied Donnelly while taking a big breath. "But actually could you..." he continued, "could you possibly check up on Gabby to make sure she's still...coming?"
"Yes, Donnelly. I can definitely do that," answered Shepard reassuringly.
"Thank you, ma'am, Thank you for everything," said Donnelly taking a hold of Shepard's hand and shaking it vigorously.
"I think I better stay here with him in case he passes out," whispered Kaidan amusingly to Shepard before she stepped away toward the elevator.
In front of the door of her quarters, Shepard compulsively tugged on her suit before knocking on it. A woman in her fifties in a maroon satin gown opened the door. She was a slightly older version of Daniels-presumably her mother.
"Miss Shepard, please come in. You shouldn't have to knock on your own door. My Gabby has told me so much about you. I wanted to personally thank you for sticking up for those two and getting them back on the Air Force. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. My name is Stella, but everyone calls me Ella," said the woman in one swift breath as half a dozen of Daniels' relatives huddled up behind her.
"Mom! The Rear Admiral didn't come here to be accosted by my family," said Daniels.
"Nonsense, she doesn't mind, don't you my dear," retorted Ella. "I'm sure she appreciates a little praise once in awhile. Who wouldn't? I know I would never stop anyone from giving me compliments. People shouldn't refrain from sharing their love and admiration for one another. Don't you think so, my dear?"
"Yes, absolutely! Please call me Liv. It's a pleasure to meet you all," answered Shepard.
"The pleasure is all ours, I assure you! It's real nice of you to lend us your ship for the wedding. I even got to see where my baby spent all her time with Kenny. Not much of a view, but they sure love it down there, working on those engines," said Ella.
"We were lucky to have them on board. They really are a good team," declared Shepard.
"Ok, say bye for now," exclaimed Daniels to her family while taking Shepard into the hall.
"I'm sorry ma'am, my mom gets chatty when she's nervous. Did Kenneth ask you to check up on me?" she asked rhetorically. "Silly man, I bet he thinks I'll change my mind. What does he think? Anyways, I'm rambling on. Thank you, Shepard. We're almost ready here. Everything is on schedule."
"I wouldn't have expected anything less," replied Shepard. "Don't worry about Kenneth. I'll make sure he doesn't lose it," she concluded with a wink. Daniels retreated to the chaos of the bridal party, thanking Shepard once again.
Growing up without siblings or other relatives never bothered Shepard; it never even crossed her mind. She learned and excelled at being self sufficient. When her mother couldn't be around, Shepard took care of herself. It was nice to see a big family like the Daniels being supportive and helping one another.
The crew's deck was delicately decorated with flowers and ribbons. The furniture had been reorganized for the ceremony, and the guests were already in their seats. The ship was quite convenient in its design: the rooms could be disassembled and reassembled in a matter of minutes. Shepard checked up on Kenneth as promised and gave him Daniels' message. He was feeling much better than earlier; still a nervous wreck, but he was smiling now at least. Minutes later, the bride came down; the wedding had begun.
Shepard took a few moments before the couple's i-do's to share with the attendees her impressions of Gabriella and Kenneth. Shepard recounted some of her visits to the engineering deck, describing the pair with uncanny detail and enumerated all the ways they were made for each other. By the end of her speech, the room had gone silent, except for some sniffles and tear wiping coming from the guests. Even Kenneth had to cough out the ball of emotion he had in his throat before he could say his vows.
The ceremony over, Shepard slipped out of sight while everyone else was visiting the other decks of the ship. She sent a message to Kaidan so he wouldn't worry. When she got to the docking station, she felt a presence nearby.
"Leaving already, Shepard?" spoke out a man from behind her.
Disappointed she got caught leaving early, Shepard was equally happy to hear the voice of the soon to be N7 soldier.
"Vega!" said Shepard as she turned around. "So this is it? Your last day of freedom. Off to be the soldier you always wanted to be."
"That's the plan!" replied James. "Is the party not up to your standards?" James asked jokingly.
"I got loads of work to do, that's all!" answered Shepard.
"Work, huh," replied James pensively. "You'll find her. You must know that?! It's only a matter of time."
"Time she might not have," responded Shepard, dejected. "Yeah, I know you're right. My mom's though. I saw her once negotiate her way out of a contract with a Volus. It was fascinating. I'm just tired of waiting around."
"Yeah, I hear ya!" said James. "So Edi's back. She seems herself. I wish I could have seen Joker's face when she showed up. Must have been priceless."
"It was," giggled Shepard. "Listen, James, I'm glad I got to see you before you left. I wish you all the best. I know you'll make me proud." Shepard went in for a hug which James returned affectionately. She felt small in his massive arms, like a little sister saying goodbye to her big brother. She knew he would be alright no matter where he was.
"Take care of yourself," wished Shepard.
"Sure thing, Lola," replied James as they parted ways. "Catch you later!"