Chapter 7 –

Disclaimer: Don't own TSCC

Entering the house, Sarah set her Glock in the family gun cabinet and hung her jacket up. Looking at the couch, she noticed John had fallen asleep. Moving closer to watch her son for a moment, Sarah felt conflicted for a moment.

Soon, she would not be able to walk into her son's room to watch him sleep. The fact he was growing up saddened her. On the other hand, John would be married soon. He would be happier and that was important to Sarah.

Looking down at John, Sarah failed to resist the urge to run her fingers through his hair. John moved and the book he had been reading fell to the floor.

"Cameron, not now."

Unable to resist, Sarah spoke.

"John. It's me. Mom."

Jumping to his feet, John ran his hands through his hair and wiped them on his pants. Wide awake, he glanced at Sarah to make certain it was she and not Cameron playing a joke on him.

"Mom, you startled me."

"You were expecting someone else?"

"Yeah, Cameron is out patrolling. I thought you wouldn't be home tonight."

"Derek stayed to do the surveillance. What are you reading?"

"Uh, this book, The Cross and Salvation by Bruce Demarest. I have to read it for me sessions with Father Delgado."

"Any good?"

"To be honest, it's thought provoking. Cameron read it in about ten minutes then started pestering me with questions. I have to read it a page at a time and think about things. Not the kind of stuff you can just breeze through like Cameron can."

"How are the sessions going?"

"Cameron likes going. Doesn't matter if it's the two of us or just her."

"What about you?"

"Father Delgado has been good when we both go. He brought up some stuff that led to Cameron and me having a couple of disagreements but he was really good at helping us work through things. I feel sort of uncomfortable going by myself. We talk about some pretty deep theological stuff, ethics, meaning of life, creation, that sort of thing. Cameron loves it. I find it interesting but Father Delgado is so serious about it."

"So it has been helpful?"

"Yeah. I even told Cameron I was glad she insisted we meet with Father Delgado. He's covered a lot of teachings of the Church about what it means to be a good husband and I've realized I had a lot too learn."

"Why don't you go to bed and get some sleep. I've got some things I need to get done and I want to talk to Cameron about a few things when she gets back."

Picking up his book, John kissed Sarah good night and headed up the stairs.

Feeling tired, Sarah headed into the kitchen and checked the time. Cameron would be back in half an hour. Needing to stay awake, Sarah decided to make some coffee. She got the coffee maker going and sat down to wait.

Zeira Corp…

Adjusting his scope, Derek had a better view inside of Weaver's office. He gave the directional microphone a final adjustment and settled in for the long haul. It was still early in the night and Weaver, being a T-1000, did not need sleep. He and Sarah had learned the T-1000 often returned to the office to work impossibly late hours.

Of the things they had learned, what surprised them most was Weaver actually did take the responsibility of raising Savannah seriously. She'd never win a prize as the most loving mother but she constantly monitored Savannah throughout the day. The young girl attended the best private school in Los Angeles. and had private lessons for piano, dance and art. Academic tutors visited their home frequently.

Each day Savannah visited Catherine in her office and the T-1000 took at least half an hour every evening to spend time with Savannah. It was not uncommon for Weaver to walk with Savannah to a nearby restaurant and have dinner with her adopted daughter.

Derek even had a recording of Weaver questioning Ellison about the pros and cons of an Ivy League education as opposed to attending elite non-Ivy League schools.

Ellison was indeed retired from the FBI. While Derek was not into deep philosophical, meaning of life, types of discussions, he found the discussions Ellison had with John Henry to be interesting. The pair was currently working their way through the Old Testament and Summa Theologica, the works of Thomas Aquinas.

If Weaver were human, Derek would have been more inclined to form an alliance with her. John Henry was an acquired taste, just like Cameron. Ellison, Derek had decided, had been wasting his time in the Bureau. He should have been a professor. If anyone could teach a Terminator to have a conscience, it was that man.

Thinking about John Henry made Derek realize some of the struggles Cameron had gone through were not any different from issues humans deal with. Over a beer at Derek's local bar, John had been telling him how fascinated Cameron was with their counseling sessions with the priest.

Weaver, though, she was different. She was a liquid metal and he just felt ill at ease about her. Derek had learned to respect Cameron and she was good for John, not to mention she'd prevented his death from food poisoning by taking over Sarah's job of cooking.

John Henry had proved to be interesting. The times Derek had been able to observe him at length, usually with Ellison, the Terminator was consumed with learning as much as possible about ethics, morality and the value of life. Theology, of all things, consumed a great deal of time in the two's discussions.

Still, Weaver was a liquid and she was up to something. Derek couldn't decide if she could be trusted.

Movement in the office caught Derek's attention and he shook himself gently to restore his alertness. The young girl entered with John Henry who was carrying a large, thin, square shaped object wrapped in brown paper. Savannah ran to Weaver and hugged her, something else Derek couldn't get used to.

John Henry was smiling as he carried the object over to Weaver. Savannah had turned and was tearing the paper off to reveal a framed portrait of the three of them. Weaver clapped her hands once and brought them to her face as she admired the painting.

Listening to the audio feed, Derek heard Savannah describe the techniques she had used to paint the portrait. John Henry commented several times on Savannah's skill. To Derek's surprise, Weaver had walked around the office, having John Henry hold up the painting in different locations so she could decide where to hang it. Zooming in with his scope, Derek noted the portrait was indeed worthy of being displayed in a CEO's office.

To his amusement, the portrait caused a disagreement between Weaver and Savannah. Within minutes the two were bickering like Sarah and John. Weaver wanted Savannah to attend a high school noted for the arts to develop her talents as a musician and artist. Savannah wanted to attend a school with a reputation for the sciences and preparing students to be engineers and doctors. It was clear the topic was an ongoing source of conflict between the two.

Muttering to himself, Derek said, "Well I'll be. If I didn't know she was a metal, I'd swear Savannah was her flesh and blood daughter the way those two are going at it."

The Connor House…

The sound of the backdoor closing broke Sarah's concentration. Watching Cameron store her weapons and hang up her jacket, she waved to get the Terminator's attention.

Patting the couch next to her, Sarah spoke softly, "Come sit. John's asleep. I need to go over some things with you."

Without a word, Cameron sat down, her face blank and her gaze unblinking.

"I can't make up my mind about this Weaver. If she can be trusted, the alliance she is proposing on face value has merit. I just cannot bring myself to trust her. Derek has reservations as well."

"She is an advanced infiltrator. T-1000s are not only excellent at infiltration but are among the most lethal of all models of Terminators. It is a good thing the resources required to create one are so extensive Skynet is unable to mass produce them. You are wise to not trust her easily."

"Derek and I have about a week's worth of surveillance on her. I want you to go over everything and see if you can get a feel for what's going on."

"I would feel more comfortable with John Henry. His infiltration skills and programming are not as advanced. Weaver will be difficult for me to read."

"Very well. Study them both, Ellison and Savannah too. I want you to give me as much feedback as you can."

"I sensed no deception in Agent Ellison when we met at Zeira Corp. He was genuinely annoyed by both Weaver and with how we entered the facility. Agent Ellison was correct that he should have been in control over arranging the meeting and handling all preliminary disclosures of information."

"What's your read on Ellison?"

"Based on all of my interactions with him, which are more limited than yours, I find him to be open and honest. Deception is not something he engages in regularly. The information John was able to gather when he hacked into Ellison's files at the FBI revealed an exemplary career until he had the misfortune of handling cases related to us. I find him to be the most trustworthy person we have met at Zeira Corp."

"John Henry?"

"I think it might be wise for us to contact Weaver and ask for Agent Ellison to arrange a meeting between John Henry and myself. Ellison may attend and I will bring Mueller. I would be able to learn more in that manner. It would help to provide data to create a baseline for me to evaluate John Henry."

Sarah hugged Cameron briefly.

"Who'd have ever thought I'd be glad to have an infiltrator model Terminator in the family? I'll contact Weaver and have Ellison set things up. Neutral site. I'll send Derek along as backup just in case. I'm sure Weaver will do the same."

"No, I trust Ellison. Mueller is skilled enough to handle Ellison. John Henry has no weapons modifications and is no match for me. It will be safe. Make it clear if I detect any presence of a threat, the meeting is off and the alliance is dead before it is formed."

"Make the call yourself Cameron," Sarah said evenly. "You don't need me to do this."

Cameron promptly tilted her head in puzzlement.

"You are the matriarch. You make these decisions. You should arrange the meeting."

"Tin Miss, you're going to be one of the leaders of the Resistance. It's time for you to start handling things like this. I'll be with you when you call. You'll do fine."

Weaver's office…

"Savannah Weaver, you are a wonderfully gifted, creative person. How many times do I have to tell you how fortunate you are to have the artistic ability you have! I would give anything to be able to create art like you can. At best, I can only enjoy the beauty other's create. Never will I create art like you are able. It is beyond any ability I have."

"Mom, how many times do I have to tell you? I love painting and playing the piano, but those are hobbies. I do them for fun. Science. That's what I love. I can help more people through science or engineering. Why can't you see that?"

"Savannah, scientists and engineers are indeed important. I should know, I have hundreds who work for me. They are all very intelligent individuals who studied hard in school and worked diligently to get where they are professionally today. None of them have your gift. Not a one. I know this for a fact because I had Mr. Ellison check. You have a gift. You must not waste it!"

Savannah folded her arms and scowled at her mother.

"I listen to Mr. Ellison and John Henry talk, you know when Mr. Ellison tutors him. I've listened to all those theological talks about free will and the importance of choice. I like to talk to John Henry about the things Mr. Ellison teaches him."

"That is wonderful Savannah. What Mr. Ellison is teaching to John Henry is important. Would you like for me to arrange for him to tutor you as well?"

"You're missing the point MOM! Like always. I should have a say in the matter. It's my life. I have free will."

"I am your mother. I know what is best for you."

"Mom! I get I have to follow the rules, study hard, do my best, all that STUFF. I am well aware you spend a small fortune on my education and all the other stuff I get to do. But we are talking about my life, my future. Since I'm the one who has to live my life, I ought to have a say in how I live it."

"Do not address me in that manner. You are being rude, Savannah."

"Mom, if you would listen, actually listen, you'd understand. I know you provide me with opportunities. Most of the time I appreciate them. But I want to choose my own path. Mom, you've given me plenty of advantages. I'm not making a blind choice. I go to a great school and I have good private tutors. It's not like I don't have a basis for my choice."

"Catherine, Savannah, if I may. This discussion will not be resolved at this time. Perhaps I might suggest a compromise. Catherine, perhaps Savannah could attend the school of her choice to study science in preparation for future studies in medicine or engineering. Savannah, you should use your elective courses to continue your study of art and music."

John Henry's words had silenced the two bickering females.

With hands folded across their chests, the two looked at each other with a degree of stubbornness that would have made Sarah Connor proud.

"We will discuss this again in the near future Savannah. John Henry, thank you for your suggestion. Savannah, you need to go home, it is late. John Henry, would you drive Savannah home and call me when she is in bed?"

The Connor Family Kitchen…

"No. Do not ask me again."

"Cameron, you're being unreasonable. I agreed to everything you asked."

"You refused to look at bridesmaid dresses."

"No self-respecting male would agree to do that."

"John, no."

"You had a wild night out with your bridesmaids, one of whom was my mother don't forget. Let's see, barroom brawl, came home with everyone plastered, anything else I don't know about that happened that night?"

"It's not the same and you know it."

"Why isn't it the same?"

"The last time Derek took you out the prime attraction was a strip club if I recall."

"And who did not set foot inside? Hmmmm? I didn't and Charlie was my witness."

"I have researched American bachelor parties. Mass consumption of alcohol and strippers are the main activities. This is one tradition we are not having in association with our wedding."

"Cameron, it's my last night of freedom as a bachelor."

"Fine. If you want to go that bad John, go. Just understand this, if your bachelor party means more to you than respecting my wishes in regards to drunkenness and strippers, it will be the first of many nights of freedom for you."

"Cameron," John whined, "what about the guys?"

"If they want to get drunk and watch naked sluts dance, I am okay with that. Sarah might be a bit perturbed at Derek, but he is her problem. You, John Connor, are not going."

Cameron stood on her toes and kissed John's cheek.

"I have to leave for rehearsal. Love you John."

The door slammed as Cameron left, marking the end of the argument.

"How does she win these arguments? I'm doing something wrong here," he muttered to himself.

Lunch…

"Good day, Miss Phillips," Ellison said politely in greeting Cameron.

"Hello Mr. Ellison, John Henry. Thank you for meeting me here."

"Where is Mr. Mueller?" Ellison asked.

"Inside. Where he can see both of you."

"Miss Phillips, that is not what we agreed on." Ellison stated gruffly.

"Neither was you bringing two additional men outside. The man over in the corner near the salad bar was not part of the agreement either."

Ellison shot an alarmed glance at John Henry, his face asking a question.

"Miss Phillips, my apologies. My mother means well. She truly wants this alliance. How shall I say this tactfully? When it comes to my safety and the safety of Savannah, she is a bit zealous at times. Mr. Ellison, I assure you, had nothing to do with this, nor did I."

Shaking her head no to the waiter offering her a menu, Cameron glared at the two representatives of Zeira Corp.

"You will not be upset then to know your men outside are now in restraints and will require your help to release them once I depart. Also, if you look over at the salad bar now, you will notice your man is gone. He, like the other two will require your aid when this meeting is over."

"You are so like Sarah Connor. It had been my hope we would be able to establish trust at this meeting," Ellison stated with sadness.

"Trust has to be earned. You work for a liquid metal, a T-1000, and you expect us to trust anything you say or do on face value? That will not happen."

"Please, I agree. Trust must be earned. I apologize for this display of poor judgment on the part of my employer."

"Tell Weaver this. This is the second time she has failed to treat the Connor family with the respect we deserve. There will not be a third time. By her actions Weaver has proven to be untrustworthy."

A quick scan of the restaurant indicated Cameron was searching for additional threats and was about to leave.

Desiring to stop Cameron's quick exit, John Henry pleaded, "Cameron, stay. I am asking you to give me ten minutes, no more."

"Five minutes. Then I leave."

"You have come from the future just as Catherine has. You know what the resistance is up against. How can you expect to win the war with Skynet without an alliance with the machines?"

"John Henry, I do not have an issue with you. Mr. Ellison, Sarah holds a begrudging respect for you. That tells me you are an honorable man. What Weave does not understand John Henry, is she has proven to be untrustworthy now. Why should we trust her in the future?"

"An alliance will be key in defeating Skynet? Can't you see that Cameron?"

"Indeed, John Henry, I can. What your mother does not understand is the future is not set. An alliance with Terminators is necessary. The question is, which group of Terminators?"

Before John Henry or Ellison could stop her, Cameron was gone.

"James, we must determine a way to rectify this! We need to form an alliance with the Connors."

"John Henry, you and I are going to have a long talk with Catherine," a disgusted Ellison said. "As smart as Catherine is, she does not understand people like Sarah and John Connor. Her lack of trust destroyed any hope of a possible alliance."

"But there is no possible way to defeat Skynet without a human and machine alliance."

"I don't doubt you. What you and your mother have not considered is this simple fact. The Connors may already have plans for an alliance and do not need one with Catherine."

The Connor house…

"They did what?"

"Weaver sent three unagreed upon armed men. Two were armed and stationed outside. The third was inside. Derek and I subdued the two outside and Mueller took care of the inside man."

"Please tell me you left."

"I made it clear to John Henry and Agent Ellison there would be no alliance between us and Weaver. The next move is theirs Sarah. If they reach out to us again, we dictate the terms. If we do not hear from Weaver, nothing lost. John has plans to form an alliance without Weaver."

"Well, I was a little nervous, but you handled the situation well, Cameron."

Pleased with Sarah's praise, Cameron rose to go to the kitchen to start cooking dinner.

"Before you go Cameron, I have one last question."

"Yes, Sarah."

"Forget Weaver. Do you think we can trust John Henry and Ellison?"

Cameron paused for a moment to consider and process her data.

"Yes. I do. Both were surprised when I informed them of the presence of the extra guards. Ellison was annoyed that Weaver has embarrassed him professionally twice. John Henry genuinely seems to desire the alliance. I do believe my assessment of Weaver is correct. I do believe she wants to defeat Skynet, but she has a hidden agenda. We cannot trust her at this time."

The Church Office…

Father Delgado looked at the young couple sitting across from him. Cameron seemed quite content to be there and John, while more relaxed than when they first met, still seemed tense.

"Do either of you have any questions?"

"No, Father. Well, not questions concerning marriage," Cameron said. "I have many questions I would like to discuss with you, but I am not certain our counseling sessions are the appropriate time and place."

The priest chuckled. Cameron was one of the most spiritually inquisitive young persons he had ever run across in his tenure as a priest. He had genuinely looked forward to her counseling sessions and the time he spent with her.

"John?"

"No Father. I'm still struggling with the last book you gave me to read. I've had a few headaches as a result, but I have learned a great deal. I have to admit, this has been time well spent and I have told Cameron I'm glad she insisted on this. My perspective on several things has changed, particularly the value of life in the eyes of the Creator. I can't say if I understand it, well I know I don't, but you've helped me appreciate many things, particularly my role as the leader in our marriage and my responsibilities as a husband."

"Well, John, I am very pleased to hear you say that."

He watched as the young couple looked at each other hopefully. John took Cameron's hand in his and squeezed gently, smiling at her reassuringly.

"Father?"

"Yes, Cameron?"

"Will you agree to perform our wedding ceremony?"

The priest looked at the couple long and hard. He still had reservations but could not put his finger on what was different about the young lovers.

"You have done everything I asked. You have even attended services from time to time and I have seen Cameron at Adult Sunday School. I am going to be honest. There is something that makes me fill ill at ease about this, but there is no obvious reason for me to deny your request."

"You will marry us?" Cameron pleaded softly.

"Yes. Let's look at the Church calendar and set an official date."

Chapter 8 – Cameron's Special Day

At the church on time…

Even with his hands in his pockets he could feel them shake from nerves. One final time John went to the mirror in the small room and checked his appearance.

"You look the same you did the last time you checked John."

"Derek, I'd like to see how you act the day you get married."

The entrance to the waiting room burst open and Father Delgado entered, dressed in his robes to perform the ceremony.

"Well, gentlemen, I see everyone is ready. How are you holding up John? Good? We'll be getting the show on the road here in just a few minutes."

He smiled broadly, nodded to everyone, and was gone just as quickly as he entered.

"Even the Father seems a bit nervous," Charlie laughed.

The Women's dressing room…

Cameron sat quietly, watching Sarah and her two friends, Mary and Grace, jockey for position in front of the mirror to check their hair and make-up. Looking down at her feet, she processed everything on final time. Mainly concerned with the little traditions she had learned about weddings, Cameron went down her checklist.

It had not been until two days earlier that she had finalized the last item to make sure her wedding went well. Mary's mother had loaned her a blue garter, allowing Cameron to wear something old, something borrowed and something blue.

Sarah had dealt with the other issue of primary concern for Cameron. The matron of honor had threatened both John and Derek to within an inch of their lives, letting them now exactly what would happen to them if Derek allowed John to catch a glimpse of Cameron in her wedding dress.

In planning her ceremony, Cameron had decided simple was better. With only a few guests invited, she had decided there was no reason for a lot of pomp and circumstance despite the protestations of all three of her bridesmaids.

A final check of her internal chronometer indicated it was time for Cameron and her bridesmaids to move to the Narthex of the church. Standing up she walked over the mirror and gently tugged on all three. Turning around they stepped aside and let Cameron check her hair and make-up on final time.

"You look wonderful Cameron," Sarah whispered as she hugged Cameron gently. "You are going to take my son's breath away when he sees you."

Cameron nodded solemnly. "The hairdresser earned every dime you paid her today Sarah. We all look wonderful."

Mary and Grace hugged Cameron and wiped the tears from their eyes. Each of them collected their flowers and lined up to head into the Narthex.

Kacey stuck her head through the door and smiled.

"Showtime girls! The men are waiting and they look scrumptious!"

The party moved to the entrance of the sanctuary and each groomsman took the arm of the bridesmaid he was to escort. Derek led the way, escorting Sarah to the front of the sanctuary. Cameron watched as the pair disappeared from her view as she waited around the corner of the entrance.

Mary and Grace followed, escorted by Charlie and Mueller.

Cameron waited, conscious of the rapid glitching of her left hand. She tried to calm herself and hid her hand as best as possible with the bouquet of flowers. A final adjustment of her veil and Cameron was ready to go.

Derek reappeared and paused to take a good look at Cameron, seeing her for the first time in her gown. Despite it being Derek, her fulltime family nemesis, both in jest and in earnest, Cameron felt a sudden sense of panic. Derek was the first male to see her dressed for the wedding.

Smiling, Derek offered Cameron his arm.

"Derek, please," Cameron whispered, "tell me if I look okay."

"Cameron, you look beautiful. Relax. It's going to be fine."

As the pair stopped to wait for the music to mark the moment for Cameron to make her entrance, she squeezed Derek's arm gently to get his attention.

"Thank you for giving me away."

Chuckling, Derek smiled as he responded, "Yeah, somebody had to do it. If only I was actually getting rid of you."

Giving him a playful tug in response, Cameron smiled at Derek. It had taken her several years, but she had finally come to understand some of Derek's humor.

The music keyed the moment for her entrance and Derek led her into the aisle of the sanctuary. The twenty or so guests gasped as one when they saw Cameron.

Her form-fitting gown gracefully displayed her feminine curves. The front of the dress plunged to a modest depth, showing just enough of Cameron's chest to entice but not in an inappropriate manner. The entire gown was covered in lace, sequins and seed pearls to complete the decoration of the gown. Wearing a simple veil, Cameron's beautiful eyes dominated her face.

The only jewelry she wore was a single strand of pearls and after lengthy arguing with Sarah, her purple amethyst earrings. She wore her hair braided and up, with ringlets of her brown hair framing her face.

She was truly stunning.

For Cameron, the only thing that mattered at that moment was the groom's reaction. John's expression said it all. Just as Sarah had promised Cameron time after time, she had taken her John's breath away. She smiled in happiness as Derek led her slowly towards the altar and John. As Cameron neared, John finally realized his mouth was open and closed it, smiling broadly at Cameron.

Derek stopped and waited for the priest.

"Who gives this woman to this man?" asked Father Delgado.

"I do," Derek said. He smiled at Cameron and gave her arm a final gentle squeeze as he moved to stand next to Sarah.

Cameron moved a few steps to stand next to John. The flowers of her bouquet trembled as Cameron's nervousness made her left hand tremble more. John took her arm and the pair stood together as Father Delgado began the wedding ceremony.

Her nervousness reached such a pitch, Cameron went through the performance of her wedding rites on autopilot. It was not until later when Cameron was able to replay her recording of the ceremony that she was able to enjoy the marriage rites. Hearing the vows being exchanged would become one of Cameron's favorite files to review.

It was not until John had slipped the simple gold wedding band on her finger and said the words "I do" that Cameron had been able to process in real time. A smiling Father Delgado granted John permission to kiss Cameron. To her surprise, Cameron felt her steel frame trembling in anticipation as John lifted her veil and took her face gently in his hands and kissed her.

Turning to face their friends and family in attendance, such as they were, Cameron felt what she could only describe later as a thrill run through her CPU as Father Delgado introduced them as husband and wife, John and Cameron Connor.

The Connor SUV…

John looked over at his wife as he drove. His wife. The mere thought that Cameron was his wife now, sent an electric sensation down his spine. He smiled, watching his new bride as the SUV sped down the road, wiggling the toes of her bare feet in the wind of her open window.

"Enjoying the ride?"

"Yes."

He watched as Cameron placed her hand in the wind and turned her fingers about, sensing the feedback her sensors sent to her CPU.

"Are you all right Cameron? You've been quiet sense we left our reception."

"I am fine. I am still a little nervous."

"Why? I feel relieved now that the ceremony is over."

"We still have to consummate our marriage."

The sudden rush of stomach acid coming up his throat at her words made John cough.

"Do you have to put it like that?"

"Well, it is the last part of the marriage process."

"Do you have to put it like that?"

"John, I have researched this. Until you consummate with me, we are not completely married."

Despite his sudden nervousness, John reached over and took Cameron by the hand, smiling with affection at his bride.

"Don't worry Cameron. You have teased me for so long, I have every intention of consummating our marriage just as soon as we get to our room."

She smiled back at John before returning her attention to her fingers and toes as she drank in the wind.

Derek's Truck…

"Well, my baby boy is all grown up."

"Sarah, it's all right. They'll be back before we get back. Charlie and Mueller promised they'd keep an eye on them for you."

Sara sighed and looked out at the countryside flashing by as Derek drove south to the long awaited beach vacation he had promised Sarah.

"He'll be moved into her room. I won't be able to check him when he sleeps anymore."

"Sarah, it was time. Would you rather he run off with some girl and turned his back on his responsibilities?"

"No. I just feel a sense of loss."

"C'mon, even I thought it was a beautiful wedding. The expression on John's face was priceless when he saw Cameron. She promised me a recording of when they get back. I plan to tease him without mercy," Derek said, smiling at the idea of the fun he would have at John's expense.

"It was a beautiful wedding. John looked so handsome and Cameron was stunning."

"Then why so sad? I'm happy for both of them, can't believe I just said that. But it was nice. Even Father Delgado was happy watching them."

"John's grown up. Strange as it may seem, Cameron has grown too. She's not just a creepy TOK-715 infiltrator anymore."

"Well, I thought it was a nice wedding. You did a wonderful job of acting as Cameron as mother of the bride for Cameron. She looked beautiful. She didn't do any weird Terminator stuff. Did you notice how bad her hand was glitching? I have never seen her that anxious before. If I didn't know better, I would have thought she was human."

Chuckling at the thought of a human Cameron, Sarah absentmindedly reached over to run her fingers through Derek's hair.

"I had a nice time."

"What? You, Mr. I hate metal, I hate anything formal and traditional, had a nice time?"

"How could I not? Cameron was beautiful, but I got to escort and dance with the most beautiful woman there," a smiling Derek softly said.

"Keep that up and you just might get lucky tonight," the Connor matriarch said as she smiled back.

Zeira Corp…

"So, they are married."

"Yes, John and Cameron Connor have left for their honeymoon."

"You are sure of this James?"

"Yes. They are married."

"With that little matter out of the way, perhaps Sarah will be more receptive to my proposed alliance."

"Catherine, I believe that ship has sailed. You repeatedly ignored my advice on how to deal with the Connor family."

Annoyed with the truth of Ellison's words, Catherine looked up at her Chief of Security and John Henry's mentor.

"Well, if you are right, then we must ready ourselves for an opportunity of chance with the Connors."

"Is there anything else you need at the moment Mrs. Weaver?"

"Yes, make sure we send a present to the newlyweds. I will trust you to pick something appropriate and nonthreatening."

The Hotel…

John paced nervously. Cameron had been in the bathroom for nearly a half an hour. After checking in and bringing everything to their room, it had taken him all of three minutes to freshen up. Not a sound had come from the bathroom sense Cameron had vanished into its interior.

Sitting on the bed, John tapped his feet on the floor in an effort to calm his nerves. He had imagined this moment thousands of times and now he was finally going to be with Cameron. John smiled as he thought of his wife and how beautiful she was. Even when Cameron had driven him mad with desire with her teasing, John had known she was worth waiting for.

Checking his new boxers again, John looked at his fingernails, checked his breath and tried to slow down his pounding heart. One final time he checked the dimming on the light to the room and made sure the blankets were turned back.

Light from the opening door to the bathroom caught John's attention. Cameron stepped out into the room, the light silhouetting her shape. A lump formed in his throat as John drank her in.

She reached back into the bathroom and turned the light off. Dressed in an all white men's dress shirt, Cameron had rolled the sleeves up to just above her wrists. The lone button fastened was just below her sternum. She had combed out the braids from her hair and wore it down, cascading over her shoulders and down her back.

Holding her arms out from her body, Cameron slowly twirled so John could take all of her in. As she reached for the button, the faint trace of strawberry scent reached John's nose, making his heart race even faster. With the lone button unfastened, Cameron let the shirt fall to the floor around her bare feet.

Again, she turned for John. Moving close to her husband, Cameron looked up at him expectantly.

"You are amazing. Every minute I waited until this moment was worth it."

"You are glad?"

"Cameron, I couldn't be happier."

Slipping his arms around Cameron, John pulled his wife close to him and kissed her gently. Pulling away to look at her expectant and loving eyes, John felt himself falling into an abyss of passion he kissed his new bride again, letting the passion grow.

Reaching down, John reached under Cameron's legs and lifted her as a groom would to carry his new bride across the threshold. Cameron slipped her arm around his neck and smiled. Two steps later, John had nearly dropped her on the bed and the pair lay laughing as they hugged one another.

Their laughter fell silent and the pair looked each other in the eyes for a moment. Cameron reached for John's face and kissed him gently. Unable to control his passion, John turned Cameron on her back and moved over her, searching her eyes for permission. Reaching up around her husband's neck, Cameron pulled him down to share her burning passion for him with a lustful kiss.

On the beach…

The sound of waves crashing against the beach drowned out every sound except the gulls as they paced about on the beach. Facing the ocean to watch the sunrise, Sarah let the wind wash over her, blowing away the years of stress and anger as it tossed her black tresses playful, leaving the features of her face open and inviting.

Derek stood on the edge of the wooden stairs that led down the cliff to the beach. Watching Sarah sitting in her black two-piece bathing suit, he felt relieved. Sensing the time alone would do her good, Derek knew he had been right to keep his promise to Sarah. For ten days he planned for her to do nothing but rest, enjoy the beach and if she wanted, venture out and experience the local nightlife.

Grimacing as the sand squeezed between his toes, Derek slowly walked over and sat down behind Sarah. Extending a leg to each side of her, he scooted close to her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. As he kissed her on the back of her head, Sarah reached up with her right hand to gently stroke his arm. Leaning back as she turned her head, Sarah kissed Derek on his cheek.

"Nice sunrise?"

"Beautiful."

"When ever you're ready, let me know and I will take you for breakfast."

Leaning back into Derek, Sarah watched the gulls on the beach.

"If life could be as easy for us as it is them."

"Yeah," Derek sighed, "but then you wouldn't be Sarah Connor. I would never want that."

"Thank you, Derek."

"For what? I mean it. There's only one or two things I would change about you."

"Only one or two? Wow, you must really love me then," Sarah laughed.

"Seriously Derek, thank you for helping me save my sanity. For being there with John and Cameron. For becoming part of our family. We're not the easiest bunch to live with."

"Why do you think I fit in so well?"

John and Cameron's hotel room….

John opened his eyes. Slowly he checked his limbs and assorted body parts. Everything was still attached despite how sore he felt. Rolling to his left he gave a sudden start. Cameron was lying on her side, her head propped up with her right arm, watching him.

Smiling at John, Cameron leaned over to kiss her sleepy husband. Her tousled hair and the bed sheet were the only covering she wore.

"Good morning sleepy head."

"Good morning Mrs. Connor."

"I like the sound of that, Mr. Connor."

Cameron held up her left hand and turned it to admire. She never tired of looking at her engagement ring with its purple diamond, nor would she ever tire of looking at her wedding band nestled behind it.

Smiling again at John she leaned over a second time to kiss him.

"Your little sexbot wants to play again before we go eat breakfast!"

Rolling back on his back, John stared up at the ceiling.

"Cameron, you're killing meeeeeeee."

A week later…

Pulling up into the driveway of the Connor home, John watched his bride as Cameron scanned the entire area for threats. Turning off the engine he waited for the few seconds it would take her to finish.

"It's safe."

"Glad to be home?"

"Yes, Mr. Connor, I am glad to be home."

Reviews are always appreciated. If you liked this story, you might want to consider my other TSCC stories:

Cameron Grows Up

The Future Cameron

Who's the Boss?

The Storm Before the Calm