Reflections

A/N #1: This story is in response to the Lyattverse website "wedding" challenge on Twitter. I'd also like to give a quick shout out to a couple of my regular readers, guest Shelly and Dardanelle, both of whom always leave such wonderfully supportive reviews of my stories...thank you, dear Timeless friends :)

Palo Alto

June 29, 2019

4:15 p.m.

The Groom

Six long months after Wyatt Logan proposed to Lucy Preston on New Year's Eve 2018, their wedding day finally arrived.

What seemed to be in his (admittedly) masculine opinion an unnecessarily lengthy engagement was apparently essential because according to every female in his life, even a quiet, private wedding like the one they were planning took time to put together. Okay...but was he the only one to see the irony here considering they were retired time travelers? No? Not only that, but to his secret amusement, this feminine explanation was usually accompanied by an exasperated head shake and/or a look of pity. Being a man of simple tastes, he personally had trouble comprehending why women needed all this damn fuss when two people wanted to wed.

Flowers and a cake and music and fancy clothes and reception food and drink...even thinking about a couple of the numerous details involved made his head spin. If it had been up to him, once he popped the question and the second they got the license, Wyatt would've gladly bought a couple of simple wedding bands and dragged Lucy to a Justice of the Peace in San Francisco. Or maybe taken his fiancé on a quick trip to one of those tacky wedding chapels in Las Vegas to get married by a weird Elvis impersonator–anything to speed things up a little. That's how badly he wanted to just get on with the whole process so he could marry Lucy Preston.

Once (possibly twice) during a rare moment of honest self examination, it did occur to Wyatt that maybe a tiny portion of his eagerness to make Lucy his wife stemmed from lingering memories of the nearly unbearable loneliness and intense fear for her safety he'd suffered during their forced six-week separation...but he purposely dismissed the notion because it made him feel uncomfortably needy or insecure or something.

But as his sweet, infinitely patient fiance gently reminded a frustrated Wyatt when he might've foolishly voiced such an opinion out loud–that unlike him-this would be her first, last, and only marriage, and she was just girly enough to want a real ceremony, along with a few 'simple' trimmings (her exact words). Which made him feel like a selfish ass. So wisely resigning himself to an early summer wedding, he did his best to be as helpful and supportive as possible, because if the Professor was happy, then so was he.

In all fairness, despite Wyatt's restlessness, the weeks and months following their engagement in reality had actually gone faster than anticipated while he and the others dealt with life in the real world again. Although greatly relieved to put time travel and dangerous secret organizations behind them and return to living somewhat normal lives, there was no doubt it'd still been a period of adjustment for all of them.

Moving their meager belongings out of the bunker and into a hotel along with Rufus and Jiya on Christmas afternoon, they headed out each morning to spend the day house hunting. Unlike their friends, who invested in a nice condo not far from where Rufus' mom and brother lived, the newly-engaged couple had zero interest in big city living. Fortunately, on the third day of their search, he and Lucy found just what they were looking for in Belmont, a smallish city with quiet, older neighborhoods conveniently located about halfway between Lucy's former home in Palo Alto and downtown San Francisco. Both Wyatt and Lucy were confident it was an ideal place to start married life-and eventually (hopefully) raise a family.

In early January, Wyatt flew to San Diego to formally resign from his Delta Force unit and pack up his long-neglected dinky apartment near Camp Pendleton before reporting for reassignment at the San Francisco Office of Homeland Security as Denise Christopher's second in command. Pleasantly surprised that the administrative position entailed quite a bit more than the usual boring 'desk' duties he'd anticipated, the ex-soldier thrived in his new environment. His fiance had returned to Stanford as an adjunct professor in American Studies for the spring term, and hoped to secure a permanent position by fall term.

He'd be the first to admit their thankfully Rittenhouse-free lives together were predictably hectic, what with starting new jobs and moving into their first home together on top of planning a wedding. Some days Wyatt honestly didn't know if he was coming or going...but damn, if he wasn't more content than any man had a right to be waking up each morning with the smart, funny, beautiful woman he loved in his arms–so ridiculously proud of the delicate vintage ring adorning her small hand. Each day living with the Professor was more wonderful than the one before, but privately, Wyatt couldn't help wishing for the day Lucy officially became his wife.

Standing in front of a full-length mirror in one of Denise and Michelle Christophers' spacious guest rooms, Wyatt deftly shrugged on and buttoned an elegant black tux jacket over his crisp white shirt and black suspenders, all the while eying his reflection critically. Not too bad for a nobody ex-soldier from a little hick town in West Texas, he mused, although he wasn't too sure about the hair. At the somewhat blushing request of his bride to be, instead of being combed neatly back, Wyatt's thick chestnut hair fell rather messily across his forehead. Apparently, Lucy secretly had a thing for this disheveled look on him, and since he was more than willing to let her call the shots, messy it was.

Wyatt's throat tightened slightly when thoughts of his home state naturally led to recollections of his beloved grandfather. He had no doubt whatsoever Grandpa Sherwin would've been utterly charmed by the feisty brunette who would shortly become his grandson's wife. Gone now nearly twenty years, a part of his heart still grieved for the older gentleman–decorated WWII war hero, well-respected horse breeder and rancher, and the only true family a young Wyatt could count on after his mother's untimely death not too many years before his Grandma Sherwin passed away also. Guess a day like today was bound to stir up old memories...

Sighing wistfully, Wyatt turned his attention back to the mirror, once more considering the classic tuxedo he wore. As an active serviceman, he was naturally entitled to wear military dress blues for a formal event such as his wedding, but despite usually feeling ill at ease in a fancy tux, something in him was drawn to recreating his appearance from the momentous night he and Lucy first became lovers. Although he'd consulted her, his fiancé generously left the decision up to him. Gazing at his reflection, Wyatt was rather pleased with the choice he made and hoped Lucy would be, too.

Miraculously, with some much-appreciated help from his boss' wife, he'd managed to find tuxes for himself and Rufus nearly identical to those the guys had "borrowed" from the Paramount Studios wardrobe department in 1941, except that his friend's pocket square matched the dark blue of the bridesmaids' dresses. "The true classics never go out of style, Wyatt," Michelle reassured him with a mischievous wink as they searched vintage formal clothing web sites (because of course Denise had on occasion shared certain things with her wife over the years since the time travel assignment began).

Besides, it wasn't as if his superior was the only one talking about Wyatt and Lucy's personal business. Even before the devastating return of Rittenhouse's newest sleeper agent blew things wide open, thanks to a certain chatty Lifeboat pilot, what happened between the teammates during the Hollywood mission definitely hadn't remained a secret around the bunker for long–if at all, Wyatt conceded ruefully.

Still, cocooned in their own private bubble of happiness, the two of them were decidedly unaware the drastic change in their relationship happened to be instantly noticeable to anyone who even glanced in their direction during those brief, shining hours before he'd received the shocking text from his not-dead-after-all wife. And as for what happened after that? To Wyatt's way of thinking, those anguished days spent torn between Lucy and Jessica-between love and honor-were best forgotten.

No need to go down that miserable rabbit hole again–especially on his wedding day, Wyatt reminded himself firmly, returning his attention to the mirror. A brisk knock on the door was immediately followed by the entrance of his very dapper-looking Best Man. "Hey, man, we're officially at 45 minutes and counting until the ceremony," Rufus announced helpfully, coming to stand beside him. "Just texted the Maid of Honor, and she said the bride's doing great, doesn't seem nervous at all. So, I guess the question now is how's the groom holding up?"

Briefly meeting the other man's gaze in the mirror, Wyatt's lips curved in a fond smile. Over the past couple years, Rufus Carlin had become much more than merely a trusted teammate who always had his back. Aside from his bride-to-be and Denise Christopher, there was no one he trusted more than Rufus. While he still occasionally exchanged texts with a few of the guys from his former Delta Force unit stationed at Pendleton, Wyatt hadn't hesitated a second when it came time to choose someone to stand up with him on one of the most important days of his life.

As unlikely as it might seem to the outside world, every member of the 'time team' would always share a treasured, unshakable bond, one forged in fire during their tumultuous years fighting Rittenhouse. Brought together under extraordinary circumstances, the soldier, historian, tech geniuses, billionaire and government agent had truly become a family–bound not by blood, but mutual affection and respect. On this beautiful summer day, their little bunker family was gathered together to witness the wedding vows he and Lucy would soon be exchanging.

"I'm good," Wyatt answered truthfully, "Not nervous at all." And he meant it. Spending the rest of his life with Lucy as his wife was a future he not only eagerly looked forward to, but was also something to be overwhelming grateful for. Secretly not 100 percent convinced he deserved such happiness, when it came to the incredible woman who'd captured his heart however, Wyatt was just selfish enough not to care.

"Do you have the rings? And how much time did you say we have again?" he asked absently, fussing a little with his bow tie. He could not get the silly thing to look right. Rufus tapped his breast pocket before obligingly checking his phone.

"Yep, got the rings right here, and it's almost twenty after. We're supposed to be in place right before the music starts at 4:30, so less than ten minutes now," he responded, setting the device on silent and slipping it into his jacket pocket. "Quit messing with your bow tie," his friend scolded lightly, "It's fine...you're fine...I'm fine...the girls are fine..." he teased, none-too-gently elbowing Wyatt in the ribs.

Another knock sounded on the door. "Come in," Wyatt called, turning from the mirror with a warning frown at Rufus, who shrugged innocently. It was Captain Spencer, who would be officiating today's ceremony. One of three full-time base pastors, he'd been a godsend to Wyatt during those dark, never-ending months after Jessica's brutal murder, offering the heartbroken widower a sympathetic ear time and again as he worked through his nearly overwhelming twin burdens of grief and guilt.

Older than him by about ten years or so, Jason Spencer was a thin, genial man who took his duties ministering to the thousands of soldiers stationed at Camp Pendleton quite seriously. The chaplain had been delighted when Wyatt called to ask if he was available to officiate his second marriage, even flying up from San Diego a day early to spend some time catching up with the groom-to-be. "All set, gentlemen? I'm told nearly everyone has been seated, and we certainly don't want to keep your lovely bride waiting, do we, Master Sergeant?" beaming at both men before offering each a hearty handshake.

Wyatt winced briefly when Rufus clapped a large hand in the middle of his back and declared cheerfully, "You heard the man, Master Sergeant–time to go," before obediently following the chaplain out of the bedroom. Walking past the mirror, Wyatt hesitated long enough to study his appearance one last time. What a contrast between his first and second weddings, in so many ways...

Flashback

He met his first bride (from the original time line) at the beginning of his senior year of high school when her family moved to the small town in Texas where Wyatt was born and raised. Along with what seemed like half the guys in school, he noticed the pretty blonde with the sunny smile right away. Within a week, he screwed up his courage to ask her out, and it wasn't long before Wyatt knew she was the one. From that day forward, he and 16-year-old Jessica were inseparable for the remainder of the school year (not counting his senior prom) until a couple weeks after graduation when Wyatt flew to Camp Pendleton in San Diego to start basic training. It wasn't easy, but they worked hard to keep their relationship strong and steady during the first two years of his enlistment while Jess finished high school.

Finally, on the day she graduated, Wyatt, who secured a week's military leave, took her to the top of the hill where they'd kissed for the first time under a big, shady oak tree. Just as he'd shared in front of Bonnie and Clyde (and Lucy), Wyatt nervously fumbled the ring box and dropped the tiny solitaire engagement ring in the thick grass before they eventually found it. Bless her, Jessica had cupped his flushed, sweaty cheek and said simply, "Yes." He was 20 and she was 18-just a couple of kids, really.

Young, crazy in love, and wanting desperately to be together, they was married by the Justice of the Peace in the county seat on the next-to-the-last day of Wyatt's leave so the new Mrs. Logan could return to California with him. His new in-laws–already dismayed Jess was moving so far away-were none too pleased at the haste of the bare bones ceremony with no one else present except the friends serving as witnesses, but relented in the face of their only daughter's glowing happiness.

There had been no special music, no fancy wedding dress or tuxedo, no flowers aside from the long-stemmed red rose Jess held, and their reception was held in one of the meeting rooms at the local steakhouse. Definitely a low-key occasion, but yet, at the time, it had been one of the happiest days of Wyatt's life. Unfortunately, those early happy years together were gradually eroded by the stressful physical and mental demands of his Army career-especially after being recruited for Delta Force-and the emotional immaturity of the newlyweds, culminating in the fateful night his wife was murdered...

End Flashback

"The hell, Wyatt?" Standing in the doorway wearing a perplexed expression, Rufus interrupted his dismal thoughts. "What are you still standing in front of the mirror for? I already said you look fine. Listen, your wife-to-be is gonna be pretty damn upset if she starts down the aisle and her groom is missing–and as Best Man, I'm probably the guy who'll get blamed," he grumbled, "So, let's go, now," gesturing impatiently towards the open doorway.

Squaring his shoulders, Wyatt offered his friend an apologetic grin and dutifully headed for the open door. It was time to leave the past where it belonged. Jessica had been a young Wyatt's first love, and while he recognized those years spent as her husband helped mold him into the guy he was today, his feelings for his second bride were those of a mature, seasoned man-deep and strong and forever. Lucy was his future, the woman Wyatt Logan knew in his heart he would love until the end of his days...

Palo Alto

June 29, 2019

4:15 p.m.

The Bride

Her slim hand shook only slightly as she impulsively snatched up the dark blue invitation someone had left lying on top of the dresser before escaping into the bathroom for a few seconds of blessed quiet. Closing the door soundlessly behind her and mindful of wrinkling her elegant dress and thereby risking the wrath of her eagle-eyed Maid of Honor, Lucy carefully lowered herself to perch on the side of the tub with a sigh of relief. While she was naturally thrilled Jiya and young Olivia had agreed to make up her small bridal party, their excited chatter added to the smiling presence of a hovering Denise and Michelle Christopher was just a little overwhelming at the moment.

Gently tracing the tip of her finger over the delicate, silvery scroll work embossed with tiny seed pearls adorning the thick piece of parchment, Lucy stared at the simple but tasteful wedding invitation in awe–even though she'd read it so many times the words were practically burned into her brain...

the honor of your presence

is requested at the marriage of

Lucy

Preston

and

Wyatt

Logan

06.29.2019

5pm

Residence of Denise Christopher

125 Channing Way

Palo Alto, CA 94301

reception to follow

At last...thank God. Six months after Wyatt's sweet, unexpected proposal on New Year's Eve, it was their wedding day...

Flashback

Most of their time since leaving the bunker on Christmas afternoon had been spent house hunting, since by unspoken agreement, she and Wyatt both knew they would never live apart again. Fortunately, after looking at least a dozen houses in the greater San Francisco area, they'd ventured a little farther afield and on day three, found a lovely place in a quiet neighborhood south of the bay located in Belmont. While their friends were moving into a charming condo a few minutes away from Rufus' family, neither she or Wyatt had any desire to live in the big city.

The moment they walked in the front door of the older two-story house with a generously-sized back yard, Lucy knew it was perfect for them. Struggling to rein in her excitement until the realtor left the room, she barely got the words out of her mouth before Wyatt shrugged and flashing her a dimpled grin, said, "Yes." Throwing herself at him, she peppered his face with tiny kisses of gratitude until he growled and wrapping a warm hand around her neck, tugged her close and kissed her very thoroughly–at least until the realtor cleared her throat discreetly behind them. Oops, busted...

"Wyatt?" Lucy called through the open bathroom door as she finished getting ready, "Honey, what time are we meeting Jiya and Rufus downstairs?" It was their first New Year's Eve together, and she was practically giddy at the thought of getting dressed up in modern fancy clothes for the man she loved and going out with their friends for a nice dinner, followed by dancing at a club Rufus highly recommended.

During their very enjoyable 'girls only' shopping spree yesterday, Jiya made Lucy laugh when she pretended to complain about actually paying for stuff instead of just borrowing it like the team used to do. She had to admit, though, the younger woman did have excellent taste. Turning from side to side, Lucy admired the way the short, black velvet dress Jiya insisted she buy hugged her body in all the right places. Swiftly fastening a pair of sparkly dangling earrings first, she applied a generous swipe of dark red lipstick and fluffing her raven curls, gave her reflection a saucy wink. The Master Sergeant wasn't gonna know what hit him, she smirked.

Walking confidently out of the bathroom, Lucy's attention was instantly caught by the sight of Wyatt in front of the full-length mirror by the window deftly tying his striped necktie. Since the day they met, she'd seen him in all manner of costumes from various time eras-the tux he wore in 1941 Hollywood was a particular favorite–but on this last day of 2018, Wyatt was so handsome in a regular suit, shirt and tie, he took her breath away. Coming up behind him, Lucy wrapped her arms around his broad chest and pouted huskily, "It's just so unfair how good you look when it took me twice as long to get ready."

Pleased by the warm blush staining his cheekbones, she giggled when Wyatt turned around and his jaw dropped open almost comically. "Damn, Professor, you look amazing," he stammered, looking her over from head to toe. Her heart raced at the clear admiration for her appearance gleaming in his dark blue eyes before Wyatt abruptly took Lucy's hand and led her to the king-size bed.

Pulling her hand out of his, she scolded with a fond grin, "Sorry, soldier, but I'm already dressed and besides, we don't have time for this or we'll be late to meet Rufus and Jiya..." Her voice trailed away at the sight of a small gray box that magically appeared in Wyatt's hand. Where had that come from? Dropping heavily on the end of the bed, Lucy stared at him wide-eyed when he knelt at her feet.

Clearing his throat, Wyatt said in a low voice, "I bought this ring the day after we moved out of the bunker...planned on waiting until midnight but decided while you were getting ready I didn't wanna waste any more time. I don't have all the fancy words an amazing woman like you deserves, but I'm gonna try. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me, Lucy Preston. You're smart and funny and kind and beautiful and every day with you is better than the one before. I love you with everything I am and want to spend the rest of my life making you happy. Will you marry me? Will you be my wife?" Snapping open the ring box, he watched her intently.

Stunned by both the unexpected proposal and the beautiful vintage engagement ring, it took Lucy a moment to compose herself before gasping, "Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes." All of a sudden, leaving this hotel room for even a few hours was the last thing she wanted. Hurriedly texting their regrets to Rufus and Jiya, she and Wyatt (her new fiance) eagerly stripped off their fancy clothes and spent the rest of the evening celebrating their engagement. In bed. In the shower. On the dresser. Several times, in fact, she'd blushingly recall later...

End Flashback

Lucy inhaled deeply at the sweet, sexy memory, fanning her heated cheeks. No need for blusher today, she thought wryly. Breathing slowly in and out, her nerves started to settle as she deliberately forced herself to relax. Her long-awaited wedding day was finally here, and now it was time to forget the tumultuous feelings plaguing her during their engagement. After all, as she'd rationalized more than once over the past six months, every bride-to-be experienced the same roller coaster of confusing emotions, didn't they?

In Lucy's case, one minute she was irrationally impatient at having to wait so long to marry Wyatt and the next, worried about everything getting done, convinced they were overlooking some vitally important detail for the wedding she wanted so badly. At one point, privately concerned she was turning into some kind of Bridezilla cliche, Lucy swallowed her pride and asked Jiya outright.

After laughing unhelpfully for a couple minutes, her friend sobered and quickly assured Lucy what she was feeling was perfectly normal, especially when–as the other woman kindly pointed out-some feelings of uncertainty about Wyatt and their future were to be expected after the way they'd been kept apart for six long weeks. The remarkably astute observation caught her off guard, but eventually did calm some of her anxiety. Only her fiance knew Lucy continued to suffer from the occasional nightmare about what she experienced as a Rittenhouse captive. Even the therapist paid for by the NSA had only heard part of the story during her weekly sessions.

Still, Lucy wondered if maybe Wyatt had been right after all...maybe they should've saved their money and just gotten the license and headed to City Hall to be married by a Justice of the Peace. Except–and this was a little embarrassing for her to admit–not long after Wyatt gently slid the ring he'd carefully chosen on her trembling finger, she'd started planning their wedding in her head.

In her own defense though, before meeting and falling in love with the brave, intelligent, gorgeous man she was marrying, after celebrating her 30th birthday without having much dating success since graduating from college, Lucy regretfully came to the painful conclusion she'd remain single the rest of her life. This was rather sadly ironic considering her deepest, darkest secret (one she'd never shared with another single person besides her sister years ago) was that awkward, bookish, super nerd Lucy Preston adored simply everything about weddings...

Fragrant flowers softly scenting the air...the sound of classical music...warm, shimmering candlelight...church pews filled with admiring guests...the stunning, many-tiered wedding cake...a beautiful bridal gown...a ruggedly handsome, tux-wearing groom who was naturally head over heels in love with her waiting patiently at the altar...all of it the stuff of her romantic daydreams at one time or another.

As a small child, "wedding day" was Lucy's favorite activity to play with her little friends (who were usually the children of Carol Preston's fellow professors). She could still remember how thrilling it was when it came her turn to be the "bride." Stick thin and a bit awkward as a young girl, nonetheless, for those few glorious moments, Lucy felt like a true princess.

Yes, she'd secretly dreamed of her own wedding day for years, and now, at the ripe old age of 36, was minutes away from achieving her heart's desire. Her radiant happiness dimmed slightly when for an indulgent moment, she thought longingly of her lost sister, who would've been overjoyed to serve as her Maid of Honor. Blinking rapidly to quell a sudden rush of tears, Lucy sniffed quietly. Always in her heart, Amy was definitely here today in spirit, too–she was sure of it. Lucy could almost hear her irrepressible younger sister telling her quite firmly to knock off the sentimental crap and go get her man. I love and miss you, Amy, so much, she murmured under her breath.

Unsurprisingly, Amy would've been right about one thing. It was time to leave her sorrow and regrets in the past and confidently look forward to her future with Wyatt. Lucy never imagined it was possible to love someone as deeply as she loved her husband-to-be. Just thinking of sharing the rest of her life with Wyatt and being his wife, a tremendous wave of love filled her heart. Mrs. Wyatt Logan. Lucy Logan. Lucy Preston-Logan...

A sharp knock abruptly interrupted her wistful daydreaming. "Lucy?" Jiya called through the door, "It's almost 4:30. You ready to go?"

"Just a sec...be right out," she responded, standing and setting aside the invitation before pausing a moment in front of the lighted double mirrors above the twin sinks. Leaning in to examine her reflection, Lucy let out the breath she was holding, relieved she hadn't ruined her makeup-Jiya would've had a fit.

Straightening up, she scanned her appearance closely. The sleeveless, creamy white sheath she'd chosen was made of a stretch crepe that softly draped her body, the hem just skimming the tips of her dark blue velvet peep-toe pumps. Like the tulle fingertip veil Denise had gently fastened with a pearl-encrusted comb just above the low bun at the nape of Lucy's neck, the modest, snug-fitting bodice was embroidered with tiny seed pearls. It was the back (or lack thereof) of the wedding gown that would hopefully catch her groom's attention. Just thinking about his reaction made her cheeks warm delicately in pleasure.

Reaching back just past her bare shoulders, she gingerly brought the wispy veil over the top of her head, careful not to snag it on her pearl drop earrings or muss her dark curls. Stepping back for one last look, Lucy was satisfied at the beautiful bride smiling shyly at her.

No, today certainly wasn't the wedding day Lucy Preston had hoped for since she was a young girl–happily, it was much better. She'd learned life wasn't always a straight line, that it sometimes took mysterious, often painful twists and turns before eventually getting where you were supposed to be. In her heart, she knew without a doubt the man waiting at the altar for her and the beautiful future they were already building together was exactly the life she was meant to have. Turning toward the door, Lucy took a deep breath and held her head high. Now she was ready...

A/N #2: Oddly enough, lol, this is not the story I set out to write. I guess Wyatt and Lucy had some stuff on their minds to work through before getting married-which sounds about right for them. Therefore, we didn't get to the actual ceremony itself here, but that's okay. If you're in the mood for a Lyatt ceremony, I did write one for Guarding My Heart that you might care to check out :) Thanks as always to those readers who favorite, follow, and leave reviews for my Timeless stories-you're the reason I keep on writing! :))