This is what has been awaited for so long... Enjoy! And if you're wondering what TMCOH means in the title, it stands for "The Magnificent City of Hillwood", an alternate title. Anyhow, enjoy!
Outside, sirens stopped wailing as the SUV tires screeched to a stop near the fire trucks outside the church.
Many police units arrived, all the vehicles screeching to a halt.
Inside, Theodore would end up grabbing Arnold as his hostage.
Cautiously approaching the breached entrance, Tanner peeked inside, only to see TJ had a hostage shield.
POW
A bullet was fired in their direction.
"5725 to dispatch! We have a hostage situation at 2938 Northeast Street! We need backup!" Tanner radioed on his vest.
"BACK UP OR I'LL BLOW HIS BRAINS OUT!" TJ yelled from inside.
"Copy, 5725. The FBI and HRT units are being dispatched to your location." Dispatch answered. "So much for their day…" Tanner couldn't help but feel bad for them.
"How are we going to apprehend Detweiler?" Herrera asked. Tanner barely shook his head. "No idea… All I hope is that this doesn't last long."
Soon…
FBI SUVs and trucks were outside the church for the hostage situation.
"Sergeant! What do we have?" The head of the FBI asked.
"Suspect has a hostage human shield and possibly a hundred hostages or more inside the church. No way we go head-on." Tanner explained.
"What about snipers?"
"Probably a long stretch, snipers wouldn't see through those tinted windows." Tanner sighed. "Tray, we have to do something soon."
"I'll see what we can do, Tanner." Tray answered and soon walked away.
Meanwhile, inside…
"Not… how this was… was supposed to go!" Arnold grunted as TJ choked him. He only tightened his grip around his throat.
"Why, dammit!" Spinelli started. "Why- how'd you even know where I lived?! How'd you know I was even getting married!?" Spinelli had so many questions running through her mind.
TJ kept the stolen AR at Arnold's head. "I admit, it wasn't easy finding out where you were until I saw the news…" He proceeded to point out the specific time and date, and the specific callout Firehouse 55 got.
Warren and Spinelli looked at each other for a moment, and back at TJ. "That building collapse? And on the news?" They both vividly remembered that day, including the aftermath after saving many lives. "You sick son of a bitch…" Spinelli started. "You tracked down my job too!?"
TJ merely laughed. "It's funny how things work… Lieutenant." He started. "Now you're getting married to another Lieutenant? Huh…" He shook his head slowly. "We knew each other way longer before this moron was in the picture!" He deliberately pushed the gun against Arnold's head. "ALL THIS… should've been for us…"
Spinelli stood there with a grossed-out face. "Are you kidding!?" Arnold looked at Spinelli, who was held back by Ben. "What… the hell… is he on about?!…" He gasped for air between words.
"I vividly remember those times… Oh, we were young, but I had a small feeling about us…" TJ shook his head. "And it all collapsed when you moved away, and I had no clue about you since… But you know what?" He pointed the rifle at her. "I can easily take away everything you love! Your boyfriend! Your friends! Your career! EVERYTHING!"
Arnold grunted, trying to loosen TJ's grip. "Leave… her out of this!"
"SHUT UP!" TJ yelled and looked back at Spinelli. "This hurts me more than it hurts you…" He jittered. "But… It's only right I make you PAY for how hurt you left me…"
"I stand by what I did." Spinelli fiercely answered. "Why would I consider someone as psychotic and immature as you? You sick twisted son of bitch…"
Ten Minutes Later…
During those ten minutes, TJ had fired many warning shots out of the front entrance, but what he hadn't realized was that his clip was running low…
"Any plans yet?" Tanner came over to several FBI agents. They shook their heads.
POW
Another warning shot was fired.
TJ had pulled the trigger twice, but only one bullet fired. He only assumed it jammed for a moment.
Standing at the entrance, an FBI agent peered in. Detweiler noticed and aimed his rifle at the entrance, only to notice his gun wouldn't fire.
"DAMMIT! YOU STUPID THING!" TJ whacked it several times. He took out the clip and noticed there were no bullets left.
"Sergeant!" The FBI agent came up to Tanner. "Suspect is out of ammo!"
Tanner looked in surprise. "What are we waiting for? Move it!"
A minute later, FBI units were armed with their bulletproof gear, ready to enter the church.
Soon, they got the go-ahead to enter. The HRT (Hostage Rescue Team) would enter with the FBI.
"HPD! DROP THE WEAPON!"
"HILLWOOD PD! DROP IT!"
"DROP THE FUCKIN' GUN!"
"DROP THE GUN, ASSHOLE!"
"HANDS IN THE AIR!"
"LOWER THE WEAPON!"
"DROP ON YOUR FUCKING KNEES AND SURRENDER!"
As the yelling ensued, TJ threw Arnold aside along with his empty AR and was about to reach for his hidden revolver, but...
POW
POW
Tanner had fired two bullets at his shin area.
FBI units cautiously approached the suspect.
"DON'T FUCKING MOVE!" The FBI surrounded TJ to apprehend him.
Tanner walked up to them. "You're lucky I didn't go for your head…" He sternly said.
As they cuffed TJ, he looked at Spinelli. "This isn't the end… I still have one reliable resource left! My man Vince and I may be locked up, but I promise, you'll have one more thorn up your ass!" He mocked. "My source is the reason I was able to track you down and he told me all about your firehouse and your Chief dismissing him!" FBI Agents stood him up aggressively.
The FBI units soon brought him out of the church. Everyone inside let out a sigh of relief as they took a moment to regain their breath. Some also sat down while others stood, others also feeling nauseous.
Dismissing what TJ said for now, Spinelli embraced Arnold in a tight and warm hug. "Oh, thank God…" Arnold returned the tight hug. "I'm just glad you're alright, Spinelli…" Arnold said.
"I can definitely say the same for you… You ok?" Spinelli replied.
He nodded. Arnold yelped as he noticed… "Oh my God, ANDY!" He looked at the crowd, but didn't see the Lloyds anywhere. "Wait, where are they?"
Outside, a white Mercedes SUV arrived to find a bunch of police units walking around, many FBI SUVs, squad cars, siren lights flashing, and the four fire trucks out front of the church.
"Oh, my goodness, what happened here?" Brooke asked as she had her granddaughter in her arms. Both Diesel and Bandit were in the backseat.
After getting out, Buckley went to ask the nearest officer.
"Excuse me, Sir? What's going on here?" Buckley asked a Sergeant. "'Scuse me, Sir. No one's allowed in right now." The Sergeant answered.
"But what happened here?" Buckley asked again.
Back inside…
While everyone was still catching their breath, Arnold and Spinelli went up to Tanner.
"Hey, Dave, you got a second?" Arnold asked.
"Sure." He turned around.
"Listen… Firstly, how soon can we resume the ceremony?" Arnold asked.
"I'd say ten minutes or so, mostly recommended though." Tanner shrugged.
Spinelli rubbed her arm for a moment. "Listen, uh, Tanner… I, uh… I wanna say… I just wanna say I'm sorry… If it weren't for you and your team showing up, I have no clue what could've happened… Thanks."
Tanner lightly nodded. "Of course." They shook hands after.
"How'd you know how to find us anyhow?" Arnold asked.
"Look, I'd say that's a story for another time. For now, I'll let you two be." Tanner patted Arnold's shoulder.
"Wait!" Spinelli started. "Don't you at least want to stick around? The least we can offer you for now." She offered.
"Woah, wait. You guys want me to stay for your wedding?" Tanner questioned.
"Of course!" Arnold smiled.
"Sure- Sure! I think I'll be able to stick around! But I have to step outside now, if you don't mind." Tanner soon walked outside to his fellow officers.
Arnold then looked at Spinelli. "You ok? You don't need any makeup or anything?" He asked. Spinelli shook her head. "No, I'm- I'm ok." They both went to check on their parents.
"Mom, you okay?" Arnold hugged Stella. "I should be asking you that, sweetie… But I'm okay. You?" She answered.
"I'm alright, just relieved everyone is fine." Arnold rubbed her back for a moment. "I'm glad you're okay…"
Stella only kissed his cheek as she rubbed his back in a comforting motion. Arnold looked at Phoebe, who was with Teddy and Bailey since Catherine was with Donovan.
"Sweetheart, are you okay?" Flo asked her daughter. "I'm alright, Mom, I should be asking you two that, especially Dad… I'm just relieved everything is alright…" Spinelli replied while hugging her parents.
"I can't believe that Detweiler even came back to hunt you down. Sickening…" Bob started, but then sighed. "Look, sweetheart, we'll resolve that conflict later with the police. Right now, just take some time to relax and calm down so your wedding can resume. Okay?" Bob suggested.
Spinelli nodded. "I will…" She looked at Vic, who was behind the row where her parents were sitting. "Vic, do me a favor, please. Get me my water bottle from the dressing room."
"Sure. Yeah." Vic soon walked off after taking another deep breath.
Spinell exhaled. "I love you guys…" Spinelli hugged her parents again. Flo and Bob returned the hug. "Oh, we love you too, Pookie…" Flo warmly smiled.
"We're just glad we can put this TJ controversy behind us and watch you get married. We love you, pumpkin." Bob also smiled.
Seven Minutes Later…
After a long excruciating seven minutes, it was time to resume the wedding and unite the special couple.
After everyone sat down, Warren came back up to the podium stand. "Alrighty… I say we resume this wedding. What do all of you say?" He chuckled as Arnold and Spinelli faced each other. "Right then… Let's resume this ceremony by exchanging our vows. Mr. Shortman? Care to start us off?" Warren told Arnold.
Arnold took a deep breath and exhaled, looking down nervously. He cleared his throat. "Ashley Spinelli… from the day I met you at the Fire Academy… The minute I laid eyes on you, I always found you to be beautiful and unique. Who am I lying to? I wondered to myself during that time if I was worthy of being your partner one day, but those thoughts slowly died down during the rough start of our friendship. But throughout the years, you've been the best friend I could always count on, someone I could lean on, someone I can goof off with, relate to, and overall just be myself. But during those years, I often wondered if I ever was enough for you, I wondered 'Do I have what it takes to be Spinelli's partner?'. The truth is… I did all I could to prove I was worthy of you. When my ex died, you were there for me at my lowest. When I needed someone, you were there, just like when you felt low at the Academy, I was there for you, and you were there for me when I needed someone… Crazy how things actually work. And to be honest, I was shocked to know you had a crush on me when we discussed it one night, but all that matters now is that I'm by your side, and I'm never leaving. Not for anything. Every kiss I share with you, I just want it to last forever, because that's how much I love and appreciate you. I love you, Spinelli… Ashley Spinelli, I vow to stay by your side every step of the way, because we found out not long ago that our life can be cut short. I will love and cherish you every day, every second I get with you. You are the only person that matters to me, Spinelli… You are the light that led me to the right path. The beautiful sparkle in your eyes led the way. I'll be by your side every step, I'll always love and cherish you, and treat you like the beautiful and unique queen you are… I love you now, and forever more, Ashley Funicello Spinelli…" Arnold ended his sentence with a warm smile while they held hands.
Warren smiled. "Very touching and special exchange… Now, Ms. Spinelli?" He looked over to Spinelli.
Spinelli cleared her throat as she lightly sniffled. "Wow… Um… I'm truly touched by it… But Arnold, ever since we started this journey together, I honestly didn't have a clue if we would last as a couple, because of our differences, but I can see we have so much in common, and there is so much I love about you. And if there's one thing I want to say, is that I always had a crush on you, the second I saw you, I immediately felt my heart jump. I had such an unimaginable crush on you but I never bothered to mention it because, well, I wanted to make a name for myself, rather than look weak… I was a new girl coming from a different place, and I wanted to prove I belonged with the HFD, but I wouldn't let that get in the way of my relationship with you, Arnold, you're the only one more for me." Spinelli warmly smiled. "Every time I hug you, I just want that hug to last forever. The charm in your eyes is something I find enchanting of you. Throughout these years, you helped me in so many ways that I don't even know how to thank you, but I know a simple kiss can do the trick." Spinelli chuckled softly. "You were the friend I could rely on when I needed anything, whether that'd be going out for drinks, playing hoops, or anything at all! You were the person I could and always lean on. When I need a hug, I can easily turn to you. When I need help, I can turn to you. I'm grateful and blessed to have been your friend even if we got off on the wrong foot, and I'm extremely blessed to have been your girlfriend, and to now be your wife in marrying you… I love you, Arnold… I vow to be by your side every step of the way, because like you mentioned, life is short, and we never know what day will be our last, which is why I spend every minute of my life with you. I will always love you now, and forever more… I love you, Arnold Shortman… And I can't wait to see where our journey continues…" Spinelli finished with a warm smile. Arnold smiled warmly when she mentioned their journey.
A few girls in the crowd wiped a tear from their faces. Others somewhat sniffled. But mostly smiles all around.
Catherine looked at Donovan with a cheeky and soft smile, wondering when they would experience this.
In the back, Tanner and Herrera softly smiled at one another before looking back.
"Two beautiful exchanges…" Warren warmly smiled. "Alright, so… With your vows exchanged, it's time to make our decision. Arnold Philip Shortman, do you take, Ashley Funicello Spinelli, as your lawfully wedded wife?" Warren asked.
Arnold beamed a warm smile at Spinelli. "I definitely do."
"And do you, Ashley Funicello Spinelli, take, Arnold Philip Shortman, as your lawfully wedded husband?" Warren turned to Spinelli.
Spinelli warmly smiled while looking at Arnold. "I certainly and definitely do." They squeezed each other's hands.
"Then it's time to exchange rings with one another. May we have the rings?" Warren mentioned with a smile.
Soon, a little girl around seven years old walked down the aisle carrying a small white pillow, which carried the rings.
"That's my niece!" Cruz smiled warmly.
Cruz's niece approached the couple with a smile. They smiled back.
"Oh, you're so cute! Thanks, sweetie." Arnold lightly pinched her cheek before taking Spinelli's ring. Spinelli caressed her cheek before grabbing Arnold's ring.
Arnold exhaled, somewhat nervous but smiled at Spinelli. "Spinelli, this ring is a symbol of my everlasting love toward you, a sign of our unbreakable bond, and our sign of this hard-fought journey we've been through together. Spinelli, I want to spend my life with you, I want to have kids with you, raise a family, and we're already in the process of that with our little Andy." Arnold smiled. "I promise to be beside you no matter what, I'll be there to take care of you when you fall ill or get injured. I'll always be holding your hand through anything no matter what. I'll love you unconditionally, I'll always be with you as we go through the next chapter in our lives together. I love you." Arnold ended his sentence with a smile. He slipped the ring onto Spinelli's ring finger.
Spinelli lightly sniffled as she held Arnold's ring. "Arnold, this ring is a symbol of my everlasting love for you, a symbol of our unbreakable bond, our symbol of the journey we embarked on, and this journey is only the beginning. I want to spend my life with you, love you every moment of my life, I want to be there for you no matter what. Raising a family with you… it would mean the world to me because I know I'm raising kids with a loving, caring husband and father. I promise to be beside you at all times, I'll take care of you when you're sick or injured, and most importantly… I'll be loving you unconditionally as we go through a new chapter in our lives. I love you with everything I have..." Spinelli ended her sentence with a warm smile at Arnold. She slipped his ring onto his ring finger after.
Warren cleared his throat and smiled warmly. "Truly amazing and touching exchanges… Well, without further delay, I think it's time. By the authority invested in me, I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." He smiled.
With a smile at each other, Arnold held Spinelli's waist while she wrapped her arms around his neck.
The two started kissing as everyone started clapping, cheering, and whistling for the two.
After a few long seconds of kissing while their friends and family cheered, they separated and looked at the crowd. Arnold wrapped his arm around Spinelli's waist while she had her arm around his neck. As they smiled, Spinelli kissed Arnold's cheek twice and smiled at him joyfully and warm-heartedly.
Later That Night…
At the wedding reception, the party was rocking the hotel with how much fun everyone was currently having.
Currently, the song 'Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars' was playing as everyone was dancing and having fun with one another.
"Girls, hit your hallelujah (ooh)
Girls, hit your hallelujah (ooh)
Girls, hit your hallelujah (ooh)
'Cause uptown funk gon' give it to you (ooh)
('Cause uptown funk gon' give it to you)
'Cause uptown funk gon' give it to you
Saturday night, and we in the spot
Don't believe me, just watch, come on!"
As the song kept going, Arnold danced with Spinelli in the background as it transitioned to the others dancing along and vibing, Gibson, Travis, Michelle, Pep, Cruz, and Donavan with Catherine. Phoebe and Teddy along with Bailey and Warren and others.
As the song started fading out, everyone slowly stopped dancing and laughing together. Arnold held Spinelli by her waist from behind as they laughed.
Soon, a different song started to play. At Last by Elta James.
As many party guests, including the newlyweds, started slow dancing, others decided to sit it out and drink some champagne.
Spinelli rubbed her hand at the back of Arnold's neck as they slowly danced, with her husband holding her close. Spinelli's hand slid down to Arnold's back as she rested against him and closed her eyes. Arnold held her close as their cheeks barely rubbed against one another while they slowly danced.
"You have no idea how much I needed this…" Michelle exhaled after telling Scott while they danced.
"Pleasure's all mine." Gibson cleared his throat. "You okay?"
Michelle shrugged. "Yeah… Well… Just- I guess I feel somewhat stressed yet I don't know… But it's nothing, really…" Michelle briefly eyed the newlyweds.
Over with others, Watkins drank one last sip of champagne as he took in his final day in the magnificent city of Hillwood. He exhaled with satisfaction, taking in the moment. Murray came over and patted his shoulder. Without saying a word, but only gave a warm smile.
But soon… "Congrats on a great career. We'll miss you, bro." Murray soon walked away.
"When are we going to have a party like this? Heck. How is our wedding going to look like?" Catherine asked Donovan with a curious and precious smile. "Why spoil the surprise?" Donovan chuckled as they held each other close. After a small kiss on the Italian woman's head…
It transitioned outside the hotel, where it was just about nighttime, most of the trucks were back home except Truck 55. One last special surprise was still ahead.
One Hour Later…
After the party, Truck 55's siren lights were on, the headlights flashing with the engine purring as the white flag at the rear waved in the wind.
The party had just about ended, Spinelli had a change of clothing thanks to Pep, her Maid of Honor. She changed from her wedding dress to simple black jeans, her red shirt, and a black hoodie.
On the turntable ladder of Truck 55, Arnold and Spinelli were standing together, Arnold holding Spinelli from behind. Soon, Truck started driving off at a careful speed since it was nighttime and had two people at the turntable.
Siren lights flashing as it passed by buildings, the nighttime stars glowing in the sky, and the newlyweds soaked in their special moment as they rode on Truck.
They both merely laughed together as they smiled with the rear red siren light beacons reflecting off them.
Soon, a brief view at the front of the ladder was seen as Truck drove through the streets of Hillwood while red and white reflected off the ladder.
As the red and white sirens flashed in the dark night, after passing by, the view soon tilted up to show the stars in the nighttime sky with a brief siren yelp.
Soon…
After their ride-around, Truck 55 left the newlyweds at their home.
"Thanks a lot for this, Mitch." Arnold fist-bumped the driver. "It was an honor, Lieutenant. Take care, you two." Mitchell replied and turned off the siren lights.
Soon, Truck 55 started driving away as the newlyweds put an arm over each other.
"It's been a long day, Spinelli. What do you say we unwind and have a tiny bit of fun?" Arnold smirked. Spinelli smirked back. "I love the sound of that… but what about Andy and our dogs?" She asked.
"Ah, don't worry about them. They're in great hands of the Lloyds. Besides, Andy hasn't seen her grandparents in a while. Now come on!" Arnold smiled.
Swooping Spinelli off her feet to carry her, both Arnold and Spinelli laughed together as they went inside. Spinelli wrapped her arms around Arnold's neck while they laughed.
And just like that, as the view slowly tilted up to the sky, showing the nighttime stars glowing, a new chapter has begun for the newlywed Lieutenants…
I was originally going to do "Talking in Your Sleep" from the FNaF movie, but after a while I felt like it wouldn't fit despite it being a good song. I was also thinking "Sweet Dreams by Eurythmics", but I ended up going with Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars for the reception. Anyhow, I hope you've enjoyed this chapter, and I'll be seeing you in the next!