Author's Note: Alan and Shirley were secretly married throughout the majority of the show. After Season 1, but you pick the season this story takes place. It is not related to Christmas Revelations. Enjoy!
It was a beautiful reception and wedding. Everything was perfect for such short notice. It was a great way to celebrate their wedding anniversary. They'd finally told everyone of their marriage. While their friends were shocked and even disappointed Shirley chose Alan, it didn't stop them from creating a lovely celebration for their two friends. Everyone was still inside enjoying the party when Alan escorted Shirley onto the grounds of the Colonial house, where they enjoyed a little solidarity under the stars on a simple white bench under a large oak tree. Alan held her close, gently stroking her arm as she laid her head on his shoulder.
"So what did you think?" Alan asked, breaking their comfortable silence.
"It was wonderful." His bride replied, lifting her head to meet the soft look on his face.
"Yes, it was, and you look absolutely beautiful." He smiled, leaving a trail of feathery kisses on her forehead, cheek, and lips. Shirley closed her eyes, leaning in a little savoring every kiss he placed. He stayed on her lips momentarily, caressing them with his own. His tongue lightly tracing and grazing her teeth once in a while as he tenderly sucked on her bottom lip. Alan's final kiss lingered on her lips, enjoying the taste of the champagne they drank earlier at their wedding toast. Once they broke apart, Shirley brushed against her husband's forehand.
"I love you, Alan." She murmured. Alan opened his eyes and smiled.
"I love you too." He replied.
"Of course, I never thought I'd ever say that at one point." She laughed.
"I never thought I'd hear you say that. Well, without Denny shooting me in the process. Which he did." He grinned.
Shirley lightly rolled her eyes. "Or another wrestling match." Alan grimaced at that lovely memory. They both jumped, hearing a gun go off in the reception hall. Speaking of Denny.
"So I guess that officially makes this a gunshot wedding?" Alan quipped. It would be a miracle if the police didn't show up at this point.
"I noticed they didn't play Unchained Melody." Side eyeing her husband.
Alan furrowed his brow. "Really?"
Shirley gave him a look. "You didn't notice?"
"I was a little distracted." He stated with a twinkle in his eye.
"I'm just a little surprised you didn't request it since that was the song we danced after we got married at the court." Shirley pushed.
"I know it was. Why didn't you request it?" He asked, not taking the bait.
"Because I kept waiting for you to request it." She countered.
"Why me?" He questioned.
"Why not you?" She argued.
"Well, if it was so important that you noticed, why didn't you say anything?"
"Well, why didn't you say anything?" Shirley smirked.
"Because I thought you were going to have them play it." Alan calmly remarked.
"I thought you would."
"Woman, I wrestled for you. I took a bullet for you from Denny. I eloped with you, kept our marriage a secret for a year, and showed up tonight. My job was done. I was never told to be the DJ of this event. Why do you ask so much of me, Shirley?"
Shirley rolled her eyes and gave up. "It was an airsoft gun pellet, and yes, I'm thrilled you decided to join us this evening. I greatly appreciate it, and Denny would most likely have stepped in to take your place; if you hadn't, he would have shot you with a real bullet. Plus, the elopement was your idea. What do you mean to ask so much of you?"
"It was still a bullet for you from Denny. That thing hurt. It left a mark, and I was limping for two days."
"How did you survive basic training for the Coast Guard if an airsoft gun pellet took you out for two days?" Shirley smirked. He bit the corner of his mouth. This wasn't going the way he'd planned. He changed courses.
"You know this is the part of the story where you're supposed to be madly in love with me and overwhelmed by my bravery and devotion to you and throw yourself at me."
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize I was deviating from the script." She dryly replied.
"Well, now you know. This scene doesn't call for improvisation."
"Next time, send me the script ahead of time."
"No, you should know your part ahead of time."
"Alan, shut up." He just laughed. Their banter quieted down, and remained in a comfortable silence as Alan watched her for a moment. Shirley glanced pasted him and spotted a wooden box on a stand not far from them.
"What's that?" She nodded towards the small table. Alan turned around.
"Ah. A wedding present, if you will."
"What is it, a box of cigars?" She smirked.
"Yes, if I married Denny." He joked, standing up and buttoning his suit jacket. He held his hands out for her to join him and escorted her a little from the bench before retreating to the mysterious box. He lifted the lid to reveal its contents—a record player. Alan gently placed the needle on the ebony vinyl, and the sounds of a Spanish guitar began to play. He then pressed a small button he held in his pocket, and white lights illuminated the tree and trim of the house. Shirley was touched by his surprise when suddenly a singular note registered. She closed her eyes, recognizing the familiar sound, and gave him an irritated look. Alan grinned at her annoyance. She wanted to hit him.
"Did you really think I would forget?" He chuckled, wrapping one arm around her waist, bringing her closer until there was almost no space between them. "You know you love me."
"Where's that airsoft gun?" Shirley chuckled. Alan busted out laughing.
"Happy anniversary, dear." He kissed her ear.
"Happy anniversary." She gave him a soft kiss. He held their hands close to his chest, nuzzling his cheek against her temple as they slowly swayed to the song in absolute bliss.