Author's Note: It's here! The end! I hope you all enjoy this chapter. I'll be honest. I was a little intimidated with the thought of writing it but I pieced together what I hope will be a worthwhile, sweet read and end to this story. As always...thank you to all who've read this story and hung on to the end. I felt challenged as I wrote this fic, but the inspiration kept coming, and so did the encouragement! I'd love to continue their story after this...and fill in the pieces before...so someday, more will come. As I noted the other day, a fic about the early days of Jim & Carol is on its way!

I have to give a shout out to HappytheExceed who knew my plan for this chapter and kindly helped me by offering ideas, a couple of which I used! Thanks so much!

DLB48- you're a miracle-working beta reader. ;)

"You're not supposed to be up here, Captain!" Christine barely cracked the door to reply in irritation.

"I know, but...can't I see her? Just for one minute," Jim pleaded. Carol shook her head at Christine from the mirror. It was the third time he'd tried to see her before the ceremony. "I promise."

"One minute is one minute," hissed Christine. "Now, go! Captain or not, we're not bending the rules for you today."

"Please, I...just...wait...Christine!" Jim groaned as Christine frantically shut the door. She leaned against it, laughing. "I hear you laughing, Nurse Chapel!"

"He's crazy in love with you," she whispered to Carol. "He can't stand being apart like this."

"Can I just talk with her?" Her husband was exasperated by ceremony- this particular custom drove him crazy. She made him promise last night to leave the room before she awakened. Surprisingly, he obeyed. The first time they were married, Jim actually snuck a kiss on her cheek one hour before the wedding. How he had managed, Carol still did not know. By the time she realized what happened, he was gone.

Christine rolled her eyes at Jim's request. Carol sighed. He was not going to leave until he got his way.

"Maybe I should," she whispered to her friend.

"I knew you were going to give in," Christine's eyes twinkled. She spoke louder through the door. "Captain, I'm coming out to leave you two lovebirds to talk. Don't you go sneaking in though. I will not open this door until you have promised."

"Oh, for crying out loud," Jim groaned again.

"Will you promise?" Christine teased.

"I...fine. I promise."

"Now, if you would so kindly move away from the door, Captain," she ordered.

"I'm moving, I'm moving," Jim called out.

Christine opened the door hesitantly. Her head disappeared as she peered behind the door to find Jim.

"He's listening," Christine said disbelievingly as she glanced back at Carol. "He's actually listening. I'll be back in five minutes."

Christine closed the door as she left. Carol walked over and turned the lock. She gently leaned against the door. Jim was on the other side, doing the same, she supposed. He was subdued. She hoped his quietness reflected contentment on this wedding day rather than his conversation with Mitchell the night before.

"Are you there?" Jim whispered loudly.

"I am. How's Lucy?"

"Uhura will bring her back up to you soon. She's winning over hearts as we speak," Jim's smile came through his proudly spoken words. "Including the ambassador. I didn't know you invited him."

"I figured this was important," Carol said. "It was a surprise."

"Thank you, Bria'lel. It means a lot," Jim softly said. "Does he know? I couldn't tell."

"He does. He is very happy for you, for both of us."

"I love you."

"I know. I love you, too. I'm proud of you, James," she whispered, thinking of his momental effort of self-control the night before. "I know it was hard."

An enormous sighed drifted from behind the door. Carol imagined him in his dress uniform, hat in hand, perhaps tugging at his sleeves nervously. To think she was getting married twice- to the same reckless and handsome man.

"I can't believe you actually met Mitchell at a cafe, of all places. You didn't mention that last night. Sam said you got drunk on coffee," she teased. "What's happening to you?"

"Well, I figured it would be better for us all," he admitted. "Knowing my track record."

"Thank you, James."

"You're welcome. I love you so much. Can I have a kiss?" The three sentences were practically strung together. Carol smirked at his attempt to get her to relent to see him.

"You know the rules," she scolded.

"You know you want to break them," he replied smugly. "I don't see the warden around anywhere. The coast is clear."

"You're despicable!" She couldn't let on she wanted to break the rule. She'd never live it down.

"Right. Despicable me!" Jim retorted. "But you love it. So open the door, already."

"You cheated last time, remember? You don't get to do that again."

"Please?" The doorknob jiggled. Carol stared at it, half-wanting to cheat, too. "I've picked this old lock before, you know."

"Captain Kirk, you are incorrigible." Christine had returned. Carol despairingly realized she should have allowed for that kiss. She could not wait.

"We need another minute," Jim ordered.

"Oh, no," Christine snorted. "Bria'lel, I'm ready."

Biting her lip, Carol hesitantly opened the door to let her friend back in. Surprising Christine but delighting her husband, Carol rushed out of the room. Before Jim could recognize the blur of white, she reached up to kiss him and raced back into her room, door now shut behind her firmly. Carol's chest heaved at her decision to break the rules on such a sacred day.

"I can't believe you just did that." Christine stared at her openmouthed.

"I can't believe I just did that," Carol said breathlessly.

"Did you just bend a rule? You rule breaker!" She couldn't contain her laughter as Jim's excited and still-smug voice carried through the door. "Let's do that again!"

"What are you looking all smug about?" Bones asked suspiciously. Jim shrugged in an attempt to appear nonchalant, especially since Spock and his counterpart stood there with him.

"Nothing," he chirped, looking at the sky, whistling, and resisting the urge to smirk. It was his wedding day, and so far, things were going his way.

"You snuck in to see her, didn't you? Don't you ever learn?" Bones rolled his eyes.

"I did not sneak in," he said truthfully. "I remained in the hallway. Honest, Bones."

"But you cheated."

"Nope." The smirk came out then, full-fledged. Only Ambassador Spock looked amused.

"If you didn't cheat to see her, than why are you so happy?"

"We kissed."

"Then you did cheat."

"Nope."

"I assume, Captain, since you did not cheat, that Bria'lel allowed you to see her," Spock's logic was impeccable. "She was the one to cheat."

"Yup. She ran out of her room to kiss me."

"Unbelievable," Bones muttered. "Have you no shame?"

"And then she did it again," Jim chuckled, smacking his hat against his thigh. It truly had shocked him. He barely got a glimpse of her, she was so fast.

"Dr. Marcus would not have acted as such." Spock commented with nothing less than two arched eyebrows.

"No, she wouldn't have," Jim grinned even more at Spock's logic- and surprise.

"Fascinating," Ambassador Spock mouth turned up in a soft smile.

"I know, right?" Jim smiled back and walked away, content to leave the men wonder about his amazing wife.

"Did you have to give in to him like that?" McCoy muttered in Carol's ear as they walked down the farmhouse steps, prelude music ushered in by the opening front door. It was Uhura with Lucy. "It just feeds his ego. He's impossible."

"Maybe his ego deserves to be fed right now, Leonard," she whispered. "He's had it rough lately."

"You're good for him," McCoy's seriousness caused her foot to falter on the next step. He gripped her elbow as she wavered. "You always have been."

"So are you, all of you." It took great willpower to not cry as she spoke. After all this time, Jim's had not lost the circle of friends life had given him.

"Bria'lel, you're breathtaking," Uhura gasped upon her first glimpse of the bride. Blushing, Carol barely caught herself before she misstepped once more.

"Steady," McCoy drawled in her ear as he held her elbow.

"Tha..thank you, Nyota." The gown was incredibly simple, no frills, only a simple cut in the bodice and slight drape as it reached her ankles. She hadn't wanted to gain any extra attention by wearing this gown. After the lieutenant's reaction, Carol doubted her decision. "It's too much."

"It's perfect," Uhura exclaimed. "Utilitarian but elegant. The captain won't be able to say his vows, he'll be so captivated."

"If he does that mixing up his words thing again," Christine huffed behind her, "it'll ruin the moment. Bria'lel, maybe you shouldn't have found a dress that fits you so perfectly."

"Aurelan found it." She gathered the small bit of extra fabric even more, her anxiety rising as they reached the bottom of the stairs. Her sister-in-law was remarkable to have done so, not to mention the other preparations. The last-minute wedding was brought about by the whim of both Carol and Jim. However, their family brought about details beyond Carol's expectations- the dress being one of them.

"Mama." Lucy brought her back to the present. Thinking nothing of Christine's earlier instructions to stay unwrinkled, Carol swept her daughter into her arms.

"You, sweet Lucy, are going to steal the show tonight," she whispered.

"She will, indeed," Uhura's face gazed on Lucy with adoration. "Look at her in that dress, those shoes, that cape, her hair...She's a doll."

"Thank you for helping her down the aisle, Nytoa. I..I wish," Carol drew in a ragged breath before continuing. "...she could walk..all on her own."

Jim hadn't mentioned that- he was too broken up about his daughter to discuss it. It hadn't even been noticed by Carol until the situation revealed itself when she had cared for her on the Enterprise.

At two years old, their daughter struggled with her tiny steps.

"It is my pleasure," said Uhura gently. "She'll get there, Bria'lel."

"I know," she replied swiftly, almost tritely, needing to keep her emotions at bay. Although Captain Mitchell's deception had been great, he'd been true to his word with at least one thing. The information he'd given them would help Lucy.

Jim told her he'd willingly be betrayed a thousand times over if it meant Lucy could be cured.

Jim told her he'd die if it meant Lucy could be cured.

Carol covered her mouth in an attempt to suppress a sob. She failed, even as she held her precious daughter. McCoy came behind her and laid his hand on her shoulder, squeezing it gently. Uhura gracefully took Lucy back into her own arms, despite Lucy's flailing.

"I don't know what's wrong with me," she gasped. "I can't do this right now."

"It's perfectly natural to experience nerves," Christine reassured her and handed Carol a tissue. She then softly added, "Even when it's not nerves."

The door opened as Aurelan smiled at them all. "It's time," she said. "Wait until you see, Bria'lel."

She could not wait. This fall wedding would be a dream- a candlelight ceremony, outdoors, with a simple- but surprising- guest list, but friends and family aplenty. It was from a fairytale, she mused, and like nothing they'd had before.

It was fitting.

"Are you ready?" McCoy tucked her arm in his. It had only made sense to Carol to have him walk her down the aisle. In mere minutes, she'd see her husband and their family would be together, as before. As it should have been before.

"I'm ready."

"Breathe, Jimmy." Sam clasped his shoulder. "You can't pass out in front of your guests."

His throat tight, Jim could only nod. His peripheral vision had vanished. He kept careful watch down the aisle, following the narrow, white carpeting on the grass. The music, played by the very band from the bar, beckoned for the ceremony to begin.

Lucy would be coming down the aisle first with Uhura. Lucy, in all her princess attire and with the traditional basket of petals. Jim had never seen such a precious sight in all his life when he first caught a glimpse of her before the ceremony. His daughter, adorned with layers of puffiness, as he mistakingly called it, was beautiful. It made him nervous, like before.

"The music changed, Jimmy," Sam whispered. "It's time."

Jim blinked and turned his head discretely to find Spock. He was behind Jim, ready to officiate. He stood, focused on the ceremony but nodded in acknowledgement.

Jim breathed. He blinked again. The music faded away as he waited. He thought he saw Christine make her way down. He swallowed though his throat was tight and he could not see anything but the white space before him. He heard nothing but his own breathing.

Then he saw them. Uhura held Lucy's hand and the two ventured tentatively down the aisle. In all of his exploring, this by far was the most remarkable thing he'd ever seen. Jim's face grew wet as his daughter managed, with the lieutenant's help, to come to him.

With Uhura's assistance, Lucy threw out one, then two tiny handfuls of gently squashed, red and pink fragrant petals.

That was all.

That was more than enough.

Jim was so very proud of his daughter.

Gloriously, Bria'lel appeared at the start of the now petaled path, her face shining with love. His best friend accompanied her, but Jim's vision narrowed even more.

Bria'lel. His wife. She'd returned to him. Warmth coursed through Jim's heart. She loved him, after all this time. She loved him, still.

Then, for a moment, Jim saw Carol as he remembered the first time.

Her blonde hair was expertly swept up, with a few wisps curling down. Her smile was knowing, as if she could see what he was imagining. Her smile was affirming, as if she was telling Jim it was okay. Her smile was confident of his love for her.

The vision disappeared and Jim still watched the woman he loved. Her smile was still all these things.

His love poured out from his soul. He couldn't stop it. Bria'lel had stolen his heart, even though it had always belonged to her.

She beamed, the candles surrounding them now dimming in comparison.

Bones respectfully slipped from her side as Jim took his rightful place. Jim clutched Bri'alel's hand with the promise to never let her go.

Her delightful brown eyes latched onto his blue ones. Her eyes were all Jim saw as they repeated their vows for the second time.

Lucy's head rested on Jim's shoulder. Moments earlier, Jim had picked up a guitar at his daughter's distress. It was unplanned and without ceremony but it was perfect. He played a song which he dedicated to his wife and daughter. At the soothing vocals and light guitar strumming from her father, Lucy sat calmly on Carol's lap. Not even the guests went untouched by the music, so few were the dry eyes remaining.

Guests still mingled, now with refreshments, but Carol stood with her husband and daughter on the outskirts. Soon, they'd depart for the Enterprise and leave Riverside behind them.

"You're so beautiful," Jim whispered. "You took my breath away- again."

Instinctively, she rested her head on his arm. His masculine scent washed over her. She couldn't even respond in kind, she was so very, very happy.

"Captain."

Carol lifted her head and watched a trio of Jim's crew nearing.

"Scotty," Jim said with surprise. "Chekov! Sulu. Where've you been the past few days?"

"Keptain, eh..." Chekov stammered. "Congratulations, Keptain."

"Thank you, Mr. Chekov." Jim smiled.

"Captain," Sulu cleared his throat, "We have a gift for you..a wedding gift."

Before Jim could decline, Chekov handed him a small box. Sulu shifted his feet, looking nervous. Mr. Scott followed suit. Chekov, however, gave Jim one of the largest grins Carol had ever seen.

"A gift?" Jim said slowly, turning the package around in his hands. He glanced at Carol, brow furrowed. She gave him a look she hoped he still understood. "Thank you. All of you."

She sighed with relief at his acceptance. It broke the ice.

"You're welcome, Keptain," Chekov hesitated. "Eh...you may open it whenever you wish, Keptain."

"We're glad you are back, Captain Kirk," said Sulu with a wide grin.

"It's good to be back," Jim beamed at his helmsman than turned to Mr. Scott. "Scotty, how's she doing?"

"Ready when you are, Captain," the grin Scott gave Jim was charming.

"Can't wait," Jim clapped the men on the back.

"I've missed you all," Jim said, then embraced each of them. "Thank you for coming."

"It was our pleasure, sir," Sulu replied. The three men saluted and left. Carol noted their departure was as abrupt as their arrival.

"Did you ever see Sulu so anxious? Or Scotty?" Jim shook his head. "That was very odd."

"They were nervous yet happy to see you." She took Lucy from his arms. "Are you going to open it?"

"Now? Should I?" He frowned. "They shouldn't have given us anything."

"James, thank you for accepting their gift. I do think they want you to open it, and we have somehow found ourselves a moment alone for you to do so," she said.

"I just...I don't get many gifts." He examined the wrapped gift reluctantly. "Opening a gift...is...hard."

His crew knew this about their captain. Carol's stomach fluttered at the compassion they had just showed Jim.

"I know," she softly encouraged him. "Go ahead."

Jim fumbled with the wrapping. Carol's heart broke at his awkward movements. Eventually, the paper was off and he pried the lid open. In the dark, she could not see its contents but the candlelight illuminated his slack features.

He looked confusingly at the box and then up to the mingling guests, his eyes even more brilliant blue as they searched.

"What is it?"

Jim looked at her with disbelief.

"Brial'lel, it's..I don't know how, or even when..." Jim stared back down to the box in his hands. With a trembling hand, he lifted the gift out of its box. Carol's breath caught.

"They found it," she whispered in awe, overcome by the selflessness of his crew.

His father's medal dangled from Jim's fingers.

The wedding was over. Sam escorted their mother back in the house. His brother hesitated at the door, looked back at Jim, and winked. The medal was theirs now. Jim had taken it away from them long enough.

A warm, petite hand nestled into his own. He held his daughter with his other arm. Jim had been given a second chance before at life but he never imagined he'd get another chance at love. He never imagined his family would be returned to him.

Jim made a silent vow as they stood one last time outside the farmhouse. He would do whatever he had to do to keep them together. He would never, ever let them go.

"You're happy," observed Carol. "I love when you are this happy."

"You married me...again." Jim grinned. "Who does that?"

"The woman who loves you with her whole heart."

Her words were so sincerely spoken that they reminded him of what he had lost and the two years he mourned. His smiled faltered, then disappeared altogether. He couldn't pull her close enough.

"You'll be okay, James." Carol said confidently.

"I know," he said. He would, too. He had his wife, his daughter, and his beloved ship and crew. He breathed the evening air, relishing the moment one last time before they closed this chapter and began another. It invigorated him. It reminded him of all the things he loved about life.

Now he could smile at her.

"Let's go home."