Chapter 40
One month later.....
"You know, it's not too late to run," Miguel replied while adjusting his tie.
"Yeah, we'll cover for ya," Tony said.
"The only place to run is SeaQuest. She'll show up there eventually." Lucas snickered, running a finger around the starched collar of his tux.
"I hear the Bermuda Triangle is nice this time of the year," Tim offered with feigned innocence.
Krieg snorted. "If you're going to go there, ya might as well get married. It has the same effect. Everything goes screwy and you lose control of your destiny."
"I'll make sure to tell Katie you said that," Ford chuckled. The rest of the laughter was cut short by a sharp rap on the door. Katie poked her head in the door.
"She's here. Are you guys ready?"
"He's going to the Bermuda Triangle instead," Dagwood replied.
Katie frowned. "Why?"
Dagwood pulled himself up to his full height. "Because it's the same as getting married. Everything goes screwy and you lose control of your destiny."
Katie's lips thinned and her startling blue eyes zeroed in on her squirming husband. "Ben!"
"Honey, it was just a joke!" Ben whined, following her out the door. "As Morale Officer on board SeaQuest, it's my duty to relieve tension in moments such as these!"
"Oh, can it, Ben! I've heard it all before and I'm still not impressed."
"Can someone please tell me why they remarried?" Brody shook his head.
Lucas shrugged. "Insanity, most likely. You've got the ring?"
"Right here!" Brody patted his breast pocket.
"Then it's time," Ford replied with a huge grin.
"You look absolutely beautiful!" Kristen gushed warmly.
"You're glowing, just like all the bridal magazines said!" Wendy wrung her hands with pent up excitement.
Lex fidgeted nervously with her hair, which was piled atop her head in a mass of curls. "You don't think the dress is too much?" she asked, worried over her choice.
Lonnie smiled demurely. "It's absolutely perfect!"
Lex released her pent up breath gratefully. "Okay."
At that moment, Katie stuck her head in the door. "The guys are in place."
"It's show time, ladies!" Kristen cheered.
"And by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
The crew of the SeaQuest cheered loudly as the newly-weds embraced, kissing passionately before the large crowd of their crew mates and friends.
Lucas leaned over and whispered in Lex' ear as they began their march down the aisle. "Did I tell you how beautiful you look?"
Lex raised one brow skeptically. "Lonnie let me pick out her wedding dress because she couldn't decide. But she's the one who picked out the bridesmaids dresses. I look horrible in pink taffeta."
Lucas merely shook his blond head and laughed.
Hours later, Lucas was sitting alone at the table while Lex had raced to the ladies room with Katie and Lonnie. The reception hall was alive with music as various couples danced under the flashing lights.
"It's a hell of an idea," Hudson said as he sat in the chair next to Lucas, handing him a beer.
"Sir?" Lucas frowned.
"A wedding, Ensign. Marriage."
Lucas leaned forward. "Are you trying to tell me something, Captain?"
Hudson looked at the caution and confusion in the younger man's eyes. Then he chuckled. "Marry my daughter. I know you and I don't always see eye to eye, but I know you love Lex, and that she loves you. Don't let me stand in your way."
Lucas began to smile widely. "Thank you."
Hudson merely stood, clapped a hand on Lucas' shoulder and then left. Lucas turned to find Wendy grinning in approval.
"What was that about?" Lex asked as she took the seat her father had vacated.
"Guy stuff." Lucas shrugged nonchalantly, choosing to ignore her dubious look.
"Do you think it's safe to leave now?" Lex asked, tugging at the binding bodice of her dress. "I'm dying in this thing."
Lucas took one last, long draw on his beer. "Then let's get out of here."
"Ugh!" Lex cried as she preceded Lucas into her room, yanking pins from her hair. "I don't know what to take off first. These itchy pins or the itchy dress."
Lucas grabbed her hands with a chuckle. "The dress first, or your hair will tangle in the zipper."
"Right." Lex spun around giving Lucas access to the back of her dress.
Lucas carefully lowered the zipper, his palms dampening and heart pounding as the creamy skin beneath the material was revealed.
Lex frowned when she heard his sharp intake of breath. "What's wrong?" she asked, turning to look at him. Her own pulse began to race when she saw the desire in his blue eyes. "Lucas?"
He reached out and pulled her to him, his full lips crushing down upon hers. She yielded when his tongue probed, allowing it to plunge into her warm, moist mouth.
Without thought, her arms wound around his neck, her hands coursing through his silken hair, holding him, caressing him.
Lucas brought his own hands upward, pressing her body into his as they ran up her back, tangling in her hair. Pins flew in every direction as his fingers massaged and entangled her tresses.
Suddenly, Lucas pulled away, panting. "We can't."
"No," Lex growled. "I'm not letting you go tonight. We've both waited too long for this."
Lucas groaned as Lex grabbed his head and pulled his mouth back to hers. Once again he wound his arms around her slender waist, crushing their bodies together. Their tongues danced in a centuries old ballet, their breathing rapid, heart beats frantic.
This time it was Lex who pulled away, letting the dress fall to the floor in a pink mound. Stepping away, Lex raised her eyes to look at Lucas.
Blue eyes were on fire with growing heat as he took in the creamy skin, the firm mounds of her breast partially hidden beneath a pink lace bra, the matching scrap of lace at the apex of her thighs. "You're so beautiful," he murmured, his voice raw with desire.
Lex said nothing, instead reaching out, slipping her hands under the lapels of his jacket, and sliding it off of his broad shoulders. It hit the floor next to her abandoned dress.
Lucas kissed her deeply, reaching around to unclasp her bra. It popped open and he brought his hands around, reaching under the loose material to cup her breasts.
Lex's gasp of pleasure was swallowed by Lucas, as she arched her back, pressing herself more firmly into his palms. Never breaking the contact of their mouths, Lucas slid the straps of her bra down her arms, tossing the garment away carelessly.
Lex leaned into him, reveling in the feel of his crisp shirt, the heat of his body, against her naked flesh. But she wanted more.
Frantic, she reached up and yanked away the tie, and then began working on the tiny buttons. Quick kisses throughout, Lucas removed the cuff links and tugged the shirt from the waistband of his pants, trying to ignore the growing ache between his legs.
Lex almost purred in pleasure when Lucas' chest was revealed. A light scattering of golden hair graced soft skin over taut muscle. She'd felt the change in his mature body before now, but the sight made her knees weak.
Lucas closed his eyes and let his head fall back as Lex ran her hands over his chest and the planes of his exposed abdomen. Unable to resist, Lex lightly raked her nails along his skin, smiling slightly when the muscles beneath contracted. She looked up to find him watching her with heavy lids.
He reached out and pulled her to him, his dark lashes falling as his lips met hers. Again he swallowed her gasp as she felt the press of his arousal against her core. A rush of need so strong coursed through her, and she was vaguely thankful for his strong arms that tightened when her knees threatened to give way.
Her hands roamed his hard back, nails lightly scoring the soft skin. Lucas groaned deeply within his throat when her hands dropped to his buttocks, firmly cupping the taut mounds, crushing his desire to her more intimately.
Lex wrenched away, her hands fumbling with the clasp of his waistband. She needed him naked. Now.
Lucas kept his hands wound in her soft hair while she carefully lowered the zipper and slowly slid his pants and shorts down his thighs. Lex looked up into his eyes as she slowly stood, running her hands leisurely up the back of his calves, thighs. She paused briefly above his thrusting manhood, placing a gentle kiss just below his navel.
"Lex!" Lucas gasped, pulling her upright quickly. "I'll lose it if you do that."
She nuzzled his neck. "I want you to lose it. I want you. Inside me. Please, Lucas."
He groaned once again as he kissed her deeply, guiding her to the bed. They only broke the kiss long enough for him to slide down the tiny lace panties. And then he was laying next to her.
Lex writhed as strong desire flooded her at the touch of Lucas' warm, heavy body so close to hers. She could feel his manhood pressing, throbbing against her hip.
She bucked against him insistently, until he complied and shifted his weight, cradling himself in her soft thighs. Lex pressed her palms down on his lower back, urging him entry as she drew up her knees, wrapping her long legs around his narrow waist.
Lucas carefully balanced his weight on his arms and knees, gently probing her damp core with his manhood. She whimpered softly and he slowly entered her, pausing to allow her body to adjust to his invasion.
Lex cried out in passion when Lucas finally filled her fully. Leaning down, he kissed her tenderly before slowly drawing out. She struggled to open her eyes against the overwhelming sensation of their union as Lucas began to thrust rhythmically.
Beads of sweat glistened on their damp skin as the rapid tempo increased. Lex rocked her hips in time with each of Lucas' thrusts, until they both crashed over the edge.
His deep, guttural cry of release mingled with her scream. Heart pounding, Lucas carefully lowered himself onto a panting Lex, carrying most of his weight on his arms. Lex buried her face in his neck, her arms wrapped tightly about his back, her legs tangled with his.
When their vital signs had somewhat recovered, Lucas rolled onto his back, pulling Lex with him so she rested on his stomach.
Lex lifted her head and gave him a lazy smile. "Wow."
Lucas chuckled. "Yeah, not bad for our first time."
"If it gets any better, kid, I'll die." Lex rested her chin on his chest, her eyes twinkling with laughter.
"Well, in that case, I better make us official."
Lex raised her head, tipping it to one side. "Is that a marriage proposal, Wolenczek?"
Lucas grinned. "The unofficial one. You got a problem with that?"
"No. It just took you long enough."
He laughed as he pulled her up, kissing her soundly.
"They left over an hour ago," Hudson muttered with a frown.
"Oliver, would you please relax?" Wendy sighed. "I'm sure everything is fine."
"It would be much easier to relax if I knew what was going on."
Wendy smirked. "We both know what's going on."
Hudson fought to hide his grin. Wendy laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"One quick peek," he begged her, trying to look pathetic.
"You know how I feel about invading people's privacy!" she cried.
"There are not 'people', Wendy. It's my daughter!"
"Oliver!"
"Please. For me."
Wendy sighed, knowing in the end she could deny him nothing. Pulling out of his arms, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Hudson watched her anxiously.
"Well?" he asked impatiently when she started to smile.
Opening her eyes, she contemplated teasing him, but dropped the thought quickly when she saw the apprehension in his dark eyes.
"Looks like we won't be the only ones exchanging vows in the near future," she replied with a grin.
With a shout of delight, he swept her into his arms and kissed her.
One month later.....
"You know, it's not too late to run," Miguel replied while adjusting his tie.
"Yeah, we'll cover for ya," Tony said.
"The only place to run is SeaQuest. She'll show up there eventually." Lucas snickered, running a finger around the starched collar of his tux.
"I hear the Bermuda Triangle is nice this time of the year," Tim offered with feigned innocence.
Krieg snorted. "If you're going to go there, ya might as well get married. It has the same effect. Everything goes screwy and you lose control of your destiny."
"I'll make sure to tell Katie you said that," Ford chuckled. The rest of the laughter was cut short by a sharp rap on the door. Katie poked her head in the door.
"She's here. Are you guys ready?"
"He's going to the Bermuda Triangle instead," Dagwood replied.
Katie frowned. "Why?"
Dagwood pulled himself up to his full height. "Because it's the same as getting married. Everything goes screwy and you lose control of your destiny."
Katie's lips thinned and her startling blue eyes zeroed in on her squirming husband. "Ben!"
"Honey, it was just a joke!" Ben whined, following her out the door. "As Morale Officer on board SeaQuest, it's my duty to relieve tension in moments such as these!"
"Oh, can it, Ben! I've heard it all before and I'm still not impressed."
"Can someone please tell me why they remarried?" Brody shook his head.
Lucas shrugged. "Insanity, most likely. You've got the ring?"
"Right here!" Brody patted his breast pocket.
"Then it's time," Ford replied with a huge grin.
"You look absolutely beautiful!" Kristen gushed warmly.
"You're glowing, just like all the bridal magazines said!" Wendy wrung her hands with pent up excitement.
Lex fidgeted nervously with her hair, which was piled atop her head in a mass of curls. "You don't think the dress is too much?" she asked, worried over her choice.
Lonnie smiled demurely. "It's absolutely perfect!"
Lex released her pent up breath gratefully. "Okay."
At that moment, Katie stuck her head in the door. "The guys are in place."
"It's show time, ladies!" Kristen cheered.
"And by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
The crew of the SeaQuest cheered loudly as the newly-weds embraced, kissing passionately before the large crowd of their crew mates and friends.
Lucas leaned over and whispered in Lex' ear as they began their march down the aisle. "Did I tell you how beautiful you look?"
Lex raised one brow skeptically. "Lonnie let me pick out her wedding dress because she couldn't decide. But she's the one who picked out the bridesmaids dresses. I look horrible in pink taffeta."
Lucas merely shook his blond head and laughed.
Hours later, Lucas was sitting alone at the table while Lex had raced to the ladies room with Katie and Lonnie. The reception hall was alive with music as various couples danced under the flashing lights.
"It's a hell of an idea," Hudson said as he sat in the chair next to Lucas, handing him a beer.
"Sir?" Lucas frowned.
"A wedding, Ensign. Marriage."
Lucas leaned forward. "Are you trying to tell me something, Captain?"
Hudson looked at the caution and confusion in the younger man's eyes. Then he chuckled. "Marry my daughter. I know you and I don't always see eye to eye, but I know you love Lex, and that she loves you. Don't let me stand in your way."
Lucas began to smile widely. "Thank you."
Hudson merely stood, clapped a hand on Lucas' shoulder and then left. Lucas turned to find Wendy grinning in approval.
"What was that about?" Lex asked as she took the seat her father had vacated.
"Guy stuff." Lucas shrugged nonchalantly, choosing to ignore her dubious look.
"Do you think it's safe to leave now?" Lex asked, tugging at the binding bodice of her dress. "I'm dying in this thing."
Lucas took one last, long draw on his beer. "Then let's get out of here."
"Ugh!" Lex cried as she preceded Lucas into her room, yanking pins from her hair. "I don't know what to take off first. These itchy pins or the itchy dress."
Lucas grabbed her hands with a chuckle. "The dress first, or your hair will tangle in the zipper."
"Right." Lex spun around giving Lucas access to the back of her dress.
Lucas carefully lowered the zipper, his palms dampening and heart pounding as the creamy skin beneath the material was revealed.
Lex frowned when she heard his sharp intake of breath. "What's wrong?" she asked, turning to look at him. Her own pulse began to race when she saw the desire in his blue eyes. "Lucas?"
He reached out and pulled her to him, his full lips crushing down upon hers. She yielded when his tongue probed, allowing it to plunge into her warm, moist mouth.
Without thought, her arms wound around his neck, her hands coursing through his silken hair, holding him, caressing him.
Lucas brought his own hands upward, pressing her body into his as they ran up her back, tangling in her hair. Pins flew in every direction as his fingers massaged and entangled her tresses.
Suddenly, Lucas pulled away, panting. "We can't."
"No," Lex growled. "I'm not letting you go tonight. We've both waited too long for this."
Lucas groaned as Lex grabbed his head and pulled his mouth back to hers. Once again he wound his arms around her slender waist, crushing their bodies together. Their tongues danced in a centuries old ballet, their breathing rapid, heart beats frantic.
This time it was Lex who pulled away, letting the dress fall to the floor in a pink mound. Stepping away, Lex raised her eyes to look at Lucas.
Blue eyes were on fire with growing heat as he took in the creamy skin, the firm mounds of her breast partially hidden beneath a pink lace bra, the matching scrap of lace at the apex of her thighs. "You're so beautiful," he murmured, his voice raw with desire.
Lex said nothing, instead reaching out, slipping her hands under the lapels of his jacket, and sliding it off of his broad shoulders. It hit the floor next to her abandoned dress.
Lucas kissed her deeply, reaching around to unclasp her bra. It popped open and he brought his hands around, reaching under the loose material to cup her breasts.
Lex's gasp of pleasure was swallowed by Lucas, as she arched her back, pressing herself more firmly into his palms. Never breaking the contact of their mouths, Lucas slid the straps of her bra down her arms, tossing the garment away carelessly.
Lex leaned into him, reveling in the feel of his crisp shirt, the heat of his body, against her naked flesh. But she wanted more.
Frantic, she reached up and yanked away the tie, and then began working on the tiny buttons. Quick kisses throughout, Lucas removed the cuff links and tugged the shirt from the waistband of his pants, trying to ignore the growing ache between his legs.
Lex almost purred in pleasure when Lucas' chest was revealed. A light scattering of golden hair graced soft skin over taut muscle. She'd felt the change in his mature body before now, but the sight made her knees weak.
Lucas closed his eyes and let his head fall back as Lex ran her hands over his chest and the planes of his exposed abdomen. Unable to resist, Lex lightly raked her nails along his skin, smiling slightly when the muscles beneath contracted. She looked up to find him watching her with heavy lids.
He reached out and pulled her to him, his dark lashes falling as his lips met hers. Again he swallowed her gasp as she felt the press of his arousal against her core. A rush of need so strong coursed through her, and she was vaguely thankful for his strong arms that tightened when her knees threatened to give way.
Her hands roamed his hard back, nails lightly scoring the soft skin. Lucas groaned deeply within his throat when her hands dropped to his buttocks, firmly cupping the taut mounds, crushing his desire to her more intimately.
Lex wrenched away, her hands fumbling with the clasp of his waistband. She needed him naked. Now.
Lucas kept his hands wound in her soft hair while she carefully lowered the zipper and slowly slid his pants and shorts down his thighs. Lex looked up into his eyes as she slowly stood, running her hands leisurely up the back of his calves, thighs. She paused briefly above his thrusting manhood, placing a gentle kiss just below his navel.
"Lex!" Lucas gasped, pulling her upright quickly. "I'll lose it if you do that."
She nuzzled his neck. "I want you to lose it. I want you. Inside me. Please, Lucas."
He groaned once again as he kissed her deeply, guiding her to the bed. They only broke the kiss long enough for him to slide down the tiny lace panties. And then he was laying next to her.
Lex writhed as strong desire flooded her at the touch of Lucas' warm, heavy body so close to hers. She could feel his manhood pressing, throbbing against her hip.
She bucked against him insistently, until he complied and shifted his weight, cradling himself in her soft thighs. Lex pressed her palms down on his lower back, urging him entry as she drew up her knees, wrapping her long legs around his narrow waist.
Lucas carefully balanced his weight on his arms and knees, gently probing her damp core with his manhood. She whimpered softly and he slowly entered her, pausing to allow her body to adjust to his invasion.
Lex cried out in passion when Lucas finally filled her fully. Leaning down, he kissed her tenderly before slowly drawing out. She struggled to open her eyes against the overwhelming sensation of their union as Lucas began to thrust rhythmically.
Beads of sweat glistened on their damp skin as the rapid tempo increased. Lex rocked her hips in time with each of Lucas' thrusts, until they both crashed over the edge.
His deep, guttural cry of release mingled with her scream. Heart pounding, Lucas carefully lowered himself onto a panting Lex, carrying most of his weight on his arms. Lex buried her face in his neck, her arms wrapped tightly about his back, her legs tangled with his.
When their vital signs had somewhat recovered, Lucas rolled onto his back, pulling Lex with him so she rested on his stomach.
Lex lifted her head and gave him a lazy smile. "Wow."
Lucas chuckled. "Yeah, not bad for our first time."
"If it gets any better, kid, I'll die." Lex rested her chin on his chest, her eyes twinkling with laughter.
"Well, in that case, I better make us official."
Lex raised her head, tipping it to one side. "Is that a marriage proposal, Wolenczek?"
Lucas grinned. "The unofficial one. You got a problem with that?"
"No. It just took you long enough."
He laughed as he pulled her up, kissing her soundly.
"They left over an hour ago," Hudson muttered with a frown.
"Oliver, would you please relax?" Wendy sighed. "I'm sure everything is fine."
"It would be much easier to relax if I knew what was going on."
Wendy smirked. "We both know what's going on."
Hudson fought to hide his grin. Wendy laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"One quick peek," he begged her, trying to look pathetic.
"You know how I feel about invading people's privacy!" she cried.
"There are not 'people', Wendy. It's my daughter!"
"Oliver!"
"Please. For me."
Wendy sighed, knowing in the end she could deny him nothing. Pulling out of his arms, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Hudson watched her anxiously.
"Well?" he asked impatiently when she started to smile.
Opening her eyes, she contemplated teasing him, but dropped the thought quickly when she saw the apprehension in his dark eyes.
"Looks like we won't be the only ones exchanging vows in the near future," she replied with a grin.
With a shout of delight, he swept her into his arms and kissed her.