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Only You - Part 9

Author - Athena
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Only You


By Athena

Rating: R
Disclaimer: Star Trek: Enterprise is the property of Paramount
Summary: As Pon Farr approaches for T’Pol she has to make some choices regarding her relationship with Trip. Of course nothing goes as expected and Trip and T’Pol must decide how to proceed with their relationship.
Spoilers: all the way through the end of “Daedalus” and AU after that.

Authors Note: First off, a great big thanks to Boushh and Jenna for all their help with this story. Also be warned, although the beginning of the story contains some angst, the majority of the story is pure sap and fluff. If you not like sappiness you may not want to read the entire story. :-)


Part 9

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 14

Trip was holding his bond-mate’s hand, hoping to sooth her. They were in a transport on their way back to his parent’s home. Their romantic dinner out had not gone as planned. They had been recognized by the patrons at the restaurant. Once someone noticed T’Pol’s condition they had been mobbed with questions and comments, both positive and negative. T’Pol had felt overwhelmed by the ordeal. Even now, Trip could sense that she was still unnerved by the incident. Not that he could blame her. He had also felt overwhelmed by the attention and he wasn’t Vulcan.

The manger of the restaurant had allowed them to “escape” out the back and he had insisted on picking up the bill. He had even arranged the transportation for them. Trip was grateful that they had been able to slip away although now he was worried that he and T’Pol would become a media spectacle. Guess it’s a good thing we’re going back to Enterprise tomorrow, he thought.

As the transport approached the house, Trip noticed that there was a Starfleet transport parked outside. He groaned. “Don’t tell me Starfleet’s already heard about this.”

He helped T’Pol out of the transport and thanked the driver. Then he led T’Pol toward the house, steeling himself for whatever awaited them inside.

When they entered the house Trip was surprised by the scene inside. His parents were sitting in the living room, talking and entertaining two guests. What surprised Trip the most was that the two guests were Captain Archer and Ambassador Soval. Both men appeared to be quite comfortably situated.

“Well, you kids weren’t gone very long. We weren’t expectin’ ya back fer another hour at least!” Trip’s father exclaimed, somewhat surprised to see them.

Trip nodded to his Captain and then held up his hand to greet Soval, who returned the gesture solemnly. “Yeah, well, we ran into a little trouble. Seems a pregnant Vulcan in the company of a human creates quite a spectacle.” He was still holding T’Pol’s hand and he felt her hand tighten on his.

Archer chuckled softly and shot a look of amusement over at Soval, who merely nodded.

“Somethin’ funny about that, Captain?” Trip’s voice held a tinge of annoyance.

“That couldn’t have worked out better if we’d planned it,” he said still looking at Soval. Then he turned to Trip. “I’m sorry your romantic dinner didn’t work out but now that you’re both here we need to discuss wedding plans.” Archer was grinning mischievously.

“Scuse me?” Trip wasn’t sure he’d heard his friend right.

Soval answered him instead. “Starfleet believes that it will reflect better on all involved if the two of you marry quickly. Although you are not the first human-Vulcan couple, you are the first to produce a child. A situation that will draw much public interest.”

Trip frowned. “They’re worried about their image. They want us ta hurry up and get married so this whole pregnancy thing doesn’t look like such a big deal.”

Archer stood and placed a hand on Trip’s shoulder. “I didn’t think you would have a problem with getting married. I recall you were pretty excited when T’Pol said ‘yes’.” He was still smiling at his friend.

“I don’t have a problem gettin’ married.” He smiled over at T’Pol. “I just don’t like Starfleet gettin’ involved.”

“If you wish to remain on Enterprise, you will need to make some concessions to Starfleet,” Soval supplied.

“Starfleet has agreed to allow us to remain aboard?” T’Pol asked cautiously.

“Not exactly,” Archer jumped in, “but it looks like it’s not out of the realm of possibility either. Starfleet doesn’t want to have to replace Trip right now and Soval’s got them convinced that the Vulcans will take offense if the two of you aren’t married in a traditional Vulcan ceremony and allowed to live together for at least one standard year following the ceremony.” He cast another amused glance at Soval.

T’Pol raised an eyebrow as she regarded Soval. “Indeed?” she sounded intrigued.

“So yer here ta help us plan a traditional Vulcan wedding?” Trip asked, looking between his captain and Soval.

“Not exactly,” Archer repeated, still wearing his amusement openly.

Trip furrowed his brow and Archer chuckled in response. “We think holding off on the Vulcan ceremony will buy you guys more time to prove to Starfleet you can make parenting on a starship work. That standard year won’t start until the Vulcan ceremony is held. We’re here to help with the arrangements for the human ceremony Starfleet is pressing for. They want to be able to announce that the two of you are here working out the details for a long anticipated wedding.”

Although, he was excited about the idea of marrying T’Pol sooner rather than later, Trip was annoyed that Starfleet thought they had the right to dictate the terms of his own wedding to him. He was about to say just that when he felt T’Pol’s hand on his arm.

“Trip, if Starfleet is willing to consider allowing us to stay on Enterprise, it is of little consequence that they request our union be made official earlier than we anticipated. The result will simply be that our bonding will be recognized and Starfleet will be placated. Neither outcome should be unwelcome.”

He grinned at her and felt his irritation subsiding. “Well, can’t argue with Vulcan logic.”

“I still can’t believe Starfleet would consider letting you raise a baby on Enterprise.” Kathryn chimed in.

Charles began to chuckle in response. “I’m bettin’ it was hard to deny a request from the man who saved the planet.”

“Captain Archer’s actions during the Xindi conflict have allowed him to gain influence with Starfleet Command,” Soval explained. “However, I believe it was the actions of Commander Tucker and Commander T’Pol that ultimately allowed Starfleet to entertain the possibility.”

Archer laughed softly as if he was recalling an event. “Once Soval and I reminded them that I only took out the weapon, and it was Trip and T’Pol who ended threat for good, they were a lot more open to the idea.”

“So yer sayin’ we’re getting special treatment because we blew up the spheres.” Trip wasn’t sure how to feel about that.

“It’s not a done deal yet Trip,” Archer cautioned. “Starfleet could still say no and reassign you both to Earth. But the general consensus was that Earth owes you two a great deal and that it wouldn’t hurt to give more thought to the matter.” Archer paused and broke into a wide grin. “I think those specs you sent to Starfleet Engineering made quite an impression as well.”

T’Pol turned to him. “To what is the Captain referring?”

Trip shook his head. “I sent Commodore Jefferies some specs for a safety pod for the baby. I was hopin’ he would help me requisition the parts so I could build it. I never intended for Starfleet Command ta get ahold of em.”

“Well, Jefferies was very impressed with the specs. So impressed that he’s got teams looking into making modification to the lifepods on board Starfleet vessels,” Archer was grinning at him.

“I spent some time looking over the problems and weaknesses in the current models and made some adjustments.” Trip turned to his dad. “Ya see, the way I’ve designed this thing, it can take a real beatin’, even survive a warp breach. It gets its information about the ship’s status right from Enterprise’s main computer but it’s got its own sensors so it can know what to do if the ship’s computer goes off-line. Fer instance, say there’s a hull breach but the ship’s sensors don’t detect it. This puppy will sense the hull breach and seal the baby in safely. It’s geared for two things, extended life support and structural integrity. Plus it’s got a long range distress beacon. The only thing I need ta figure out now is how ta put the baby into suspended animation once it separates from the ship. I need Phlox’s help with that.”

Once he finished his explanation, Trip realized the three humans were chuckling at him. “What? It’s a good design!” He was a bit flustered.

“And Starfleet agrees with you,” Archer said with amusement.

“I think we’re all amused that you put so much effort into this thing when you may not be able to build or use it,” Kathryn suggested kindly.

“Well, excuse me for tryin’ ta look after the safety of my kid.” Trip wasn’t really annoyed, just a bit embarrassed that Starfleet had found out about his little project.

“It is wise to begin considering such precautions.” T’Pol interjected. “Where would this device be located?”

Trip rubbed his neck. “Well, it would be too big to lug around so I thought maybe we should have two of them. One for each place the baby is likely to spend most of his or her time. So one in our quarters and one in Sickbay.”

“Yer gonna raise yer kid in the Sickbay?” Charles sounded disapproving.

“Hey, our doctor makes on hellofa good nanny. Plus, he’s raised lots of his own kids.” Trip decided to try to change the conversation. “So, ya think Starfleet’ll let us stay?”

“Once they hear about your little dinner adventure I’m sure they’ll give it serious consideration,” Archer said.

Trip didn’t quite follow that train of logic. “What’d ya mean?”

Soval answered instead, “There was a great deal of discussion on how best to raise a child that is both human and Vulcan. Given the extreme cultural differences, the simple task of childrearing becomes challenging enough. Adding intense public scrutiny into the equation increases the difficulty of the task.”

“So, Starfleet is concerned how we’ll raise the kid?”

Archer answered him, “They’re not concerned that you’ll be bad parents. They’re concerned that the two cultures are so different that the child won’t fit comfortably into either one. It’s going to be tricky no matter how you look at it and there was the additional concern that the baby will be raised under constant public attention. I think you proved that to be a valid concern today.”

“The environment on Enterprise would allow the child to be shielded from public scrutiny and surrounded by caregivers who embrace cultural differences,” T’Pol suggested.

Archer was nodding. “That was the angle we were pushing. I’m not saying that Starfleet will cave and let you stay, but I think they’re open to the possibility now.”

“Then we should endeavor to comply with their wishes regarding the marriage,” T’Pol said evenly.

Archer was beaming now. “Great, here’s what we had in mind…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Trip was a bit nervous about talking to his brother. A lot had happened very quickly. T’Pol had packed and left with the Captain and Soval. Jon had promised to have Hoshi help her find a suitable wedding dress. Enterprise was scheduled to leave port the following day and the wedding would be taking place shortly thereafter. After the ceremony a shuttle would return Soval, Gardner, Trip’s family, and various other Starfleet representatives back to Earth. Then Enterprise would continue on her way.

It all sounded good in theory. Still, Trip was nervous that something would go wrong. The first hurdle to overcome was the upcoming talk with his brother. He cleared his throat before speaking.

“Um, okay, here’s the thing. I’m asking Malcolm ta be the best man.” He paused to gage Jamie’s response.

His younger brother nodded. “Yeah, I mean it’s not like we’re all that close these days…”

“That’s not the reason,” Trip insisted sternly. “Malcolm isn’t all that close to his family. Enterprise and her crew are his family. Plus, he’s been there for me through everything with T’Pol so it just feels like the right thing ta do.” He put his hand on Jamie’s shoulder. “Yer family so we’re stuck with each other no matter what. I just want Malcolm ta feel that way too.”

Jamie looked up and shot him a small smile. “Yeah, I can see that I guess.” Jamie paused and shuffled his feet for a moment, making Trip feel uneasy. Finally he continued, “Nathan is real excited. Not only does he get to fly on a warp-5 starship and participate in the media event of the year, but he also gets to cut classes for a few days.”

Trip grinned at that. “Well a boy’s gotta have priorities.” Then he continued in a more serious tone. “You don’t really think it’ll be the media event of the year?”

“Well, no, since Starfleet isn’t allowing any media to attend, but I’m sure the images that are released will be all over the news for days. It’s not like you guys are unknown or anything. How many interviews did ya do after ya got back from the Expanse? Plus there’s the fact that she’s pregnant with the first ever human-alien baby.”

Trip frowned at his brother’s use of the term alien. “She’s Vulcan okay. Try ta remember that.”

“Okay, sorry. Sheesh. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

The two stood in awkward silence for a few beats. Then Jamie added, “So Carol called a bit ago. She said her dress just arrived and it’s real nice, not at all like some of those bride’s maids dresses that are supposed ta make the other girls look worse than the bride.”

Trip chuckled. “Well, Hoshi picked ‘em out and since she’s the other bride’s maid I’m sure she made sure they were nice dresses.” He contemplated what Malcolm would think of Hoshi’s dress and smiled to himself. Maybe this would be the event that would lead to Malcolm finally making his feelings known. Trip was pretty sure Malcolm had a crush on Hoshi, the way his eyes tended to follow the pretty Ensign wherever she went.

“So are ya nervous? I mean, I was pretty nervous before my wedding.”

“You were barely old enough ta drink when you got married! I have ta say, at the time I didn’t think you and Carol would last.” Trip lowered his voice a bit and continued his confession, “I mean you were both so young and she seemed so much more mature and all. I’m glad it worked out though. Carol and Nathan are great.”

“Hey, I knew she was the one the moment I laid eyes on her. Sometimes ya just know when it’s right.”

“And sometimes ya have ta go through a series of heart breaks and marriages ta other people and misunderstandings before you figure it out. I have ta say, I like yer way better.”

Both men laughed at that. Then Jamie pressed, “So, are ya nervous?”

Trip pressed his tongue into the side of his cheek before answering, “Ya know, I’m not nervous about being married to T’Pol. I kinda feel like we’re already married as it is. I’m nervous about how Starfleet and the rest of the world is going to react. I never wanted to be a media spectacle and I know T’Pol isn’t gonna like the attention.”

“Then it’s a darn good thing there won’t be anyone there other than Starfleet and us. Then, off you go away from Earth and everyone. Hey, are you guys gonna have a honeymoon?”

Trip grinned at his brother. “Well, the Captain decided the crew could use a bit of R and R, so we’re gonna stop over at Risa in a few weeks. T’Pol doesn’t know it yet, but I’m gonna steal her away for a romantic get-a-way.”

“Just make sure it’s better than her last honeymoon and you’ll be fine,” Jamie teased.

“Two weeks of meditation in solitude? I think I can do better than that.” He gripped his brother’s shoulder.

“Yer kidding? That’s what she did for her last honeymoon?”

“Well, she didn’t really like that guy remember. I just wish I’d know before hand that she wasn’t gonna be with him after the wedding. That was three weeks of total hell thinking about her with someone else, even if they were legally married.”

“What a messed up courtship the two of you had.” Jamie was shaking his head.

“and you don’t know the half of it,” Trip said chuckling in return.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

T’Pol was kneeling on the floor, dressed in white and gold Vulcan robes. Vulcans did not normally wear white for marriage ceremonies but she had chosen to do so because it was an Earth custom. She was pleased that her attire was more alluring than the wedding robes Trip had seen her in last. She wanted to replace those memories with more agreeable ones.

Then she felt Trip’s presence in her mind. I am meditating. Please return to your own preparations.

Oh, come on. Just one peak at yer dress? Then I’ll leave ya alone.

No! You are not to view my attire until the appropriate time. She blocked him from seeing her in her mind.

Aw, yer no fun. What do you care about silly old Earth superstitions anyway?

The practice may have been superstitious at one time, but it is now part of human marriage custom and I wish to observe those customs in this ceremony.

Suit yerself, I’ll be seeing it in less than an hour anyway.

Indeed. She felt her bond-mate’s amusement as he withdrew from her mind and left her to her meditation.

It wasn’t long before the door to her quarters chimed.

“Enter,” she called out.

Kathryn, Carol, and Hoshi stepped into the room. She rose to greet them.

“You are a vision of loveliness my dear,” Kathryn said. Her eyes were moist.

“Ensign Sato insisted that I wear cosmetics.” T’Pol was a bit uneasy about her appearance since Vulcans did not normally indulge it such things.

“Really?” Carol stepped forward to scrutinize her face. “Oh, yes, I can tell now. Still, it looks pretty natural. I’m not sure many people will notice.”

Hoshi smiled. “That’s what I was going for. The make-up accentuates the features but it’s subtle. It’s not like T’Pol needs make-up like most of us girls,” she teased.

T’Pol nodded to both Carol and Hoshi. “You are both very becoming in your attire as well.” Hoshi had chosen emerald green silk dresses that were simple, yet very elegant. They had a long slit up the side on one leg that drew attention when they took a step. T’Pol was certain the males in attendance would appreciate Hoshi’s choice.

“Best bride’s maids dress I’ve ever seen. ‘Course it helps when the bride is so beautiful that the bride’s maids can wear anything without fear of detracting from her.” Carol said and gave her a friendly smile.

“Thank you,” T’Pol responded, not sure what else to say.

“Well, I guess I’ll go find Charles and get seated,” Kathryn stated. “T’Pol, I’m so happy you are marrying Trip.” She reached out for T’Pol’s hand. T’Pol grasped her hand and held it for a few moments before releasing it. Kathryn smiled and nodded before leaving.

Hoshi was giving T’Pol’s robes one final appraisal when the door chime sounded again. T’Pol called to her visitor to enter and Soval strode in. He was dressed in formal robes and held a small box.

“I believe it is an Earth custom for a bride to be presented with a gift that is aged.” He handed her the box.

“That would be the ‘something old’,” Carol supplied.

T’Pol opened the box and lifted out a jeweled necklace. The craftsmanship was very fine and the jewels sparkled as she moved it.

“It was given to my family during our earliest trades with the Andorians. Since you and Commander Tucker had a great deal to do with the current peace between our people, I thought it fitting that you should have it.”

“I am honored, Ambassador.”

Hoshi quickly moved to help her put it on. She adjusted the fit three times before she was satisfied. “There, you look even lovelier. I can’t wait for Trip to see you.” She smiled and turned to Carol. “He’s going to pass out when he sees her.”

“That would be unfortunate, as the ceremony would have to be postponed,” Soval said dryly.

“And they say Vulcans don’t have a sense of humor,” Hoshi said wryly as she cast a faint smile at Soval.

“Shall we proceed?” Soval offered his arm to T’Pol. She was uncertain what to do but Carol gently placed her arm on top of Soval’s.

“That will do. Then you just let him guide you down the aisle to Trip.”

T’Pol nodded to Carol. “My thanks.” The other woman smiled at her. Then the small group left the room to begin the ceremony.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Will you stop fidgeting!” Malcolm hissed.

Trip was never comfortable in dress uniform and, with all eyes on him, he felt even less comfortable now. He glanced over at Travis, who was working the controls for the two recorders and frowned. He hoped Travis would edit out some of his fidgeting. It’s not like he was nervous. Well, not about getting married anyway. Maybe a bit nervous that he’d forget his lines. They’d opted to simple state their vows, rather than have the Captain read them first and then ask them to repeat them.

Trip looked over at his nephew. “Ya got the rings right?”

Nathan rolled his eyes and glanced up at his father before looking back at Trip. “No I misplaced them since the last time you asked me two minutes ago.” But he held up the box for Trip to see.

“Sorry, Nathan, guess I’m getting’ a bit punchy.”

“S’okay, Uncle Trip. I bet dad was the same way at his wedding.”

Trip chuckled as Jamie swatted at his son who pretended to duck away.

Then the music started and everyone turned towards the entrance to the bay. Carol entered first and glided down the aisle, followed by Hoshi. Trip turned to observe Malcolm’s breath catch when he saw the young Ensign. Whenever he might have thought was lost in the next second as his eyes fell on T’Pol.

She was absolutely stunning. It took him several moments to realize that Soval was with her. He had expected to her to be wearing an outfit similar to the one she’d worn on Vulcan, but this outfit was more luxurious looking and cut a bit lower, giving it a more sensual look. He was so mesmerized by her that he was almost physically shaken when she reached out to his mind.

I will assume by your expression that you find the attire pleasing.

Trip nodded and almost spoke aloud before he caught himself.

You look even more amazing than ever.

I find you pleasing as well.

You didn’t kiss anyone on yer way did ya. He couldn’t resist teasing her.

That kiss was to represent that I would have preferred a joining with you. Since that is now about to occur, I would have no cause for such an action.

Trip smiled widely at her. She was standing before him now. He reached out and took her hands in his. They hadn’t planned to do that, but it just felt like the right thing to do.

Then the Captain began to speak. “One of the greatest joys of being a Starship Captain is the ability to officiate on occasions such as these. I have to say, when I first introduced the two standing before me now, I never thought I’d be performing their wedding. I was just hoping their interactions wouldn’t end in homicide.” He paused as the crowd chuckled. “Remind me to tell you all about their first extended away mission planetside if you think I’m joking.”

Both Trip and T’Pol turned to look at Archer, who was grinning at them.

“But over the years, I’ve watched as Trip and T’Pol learned to trust, then respect, then care for each other. I can honestly say that they’ve found their match in each other. Trip, T’Pol, you made now exchange vows.”

A moment of panic hit Trip as he realized this was it, the moment he’d recite his vows to his bond-mate. Then he felt T’Pol’s calming presence in his mind and he smiled at her as he gripped her hands more firmly and pulled her a few inches closer.

“T’Pol, I take thee as my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward. To love, honor and cherish, in good times and in bad, and forsaking all others until death parts us. I never thought we’d actually get here. There’s been so many obstacles and so much stacked against us. But I wouldn’t change it for anything. Yer my everything T’Pol, and I’m honored that you’ve chosen ta spend yer life with me.”

T’Pol nodded slightly and then began her vows. “Trip, I take thee as my lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold from this day forward. To love, honor and cherish, in good times and in bad, and forsaking all others until death parts us. I also held doubts that we would be together, but I am extremely pleased to have been wrong. I can no longer imagine a life without you. I am grateful that you did not give up on us and I am deeply honored that you have chosen to remain by my side always.”

Trip was trying not to tear up as he looked into T’Pol’s eyes. Through the bond he could feel the strength of her love for him, even if it wasn’t betrayed in her voice. Then he heard the Captain ask for the rings and Nathan stepped forward and presented them each with a ring to place on the other’s finger.

They exchanged rings and the final part of their vows. They were still facing each other and were holding hands again when Trip heard the Captain speak again.

“I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Tucker.” He turned to Trip. “Trip, if your wife is agreeable, you may now kiss the bride.”

Trip grinned at his Captain and pulled T’Pol closer and placed a loving kiss on her forehead.

The audience cheered and Trip took T’Pol’s hand and led her down the aisle. They were bombarded with white confetti as they made their way to the mess hall for the reception.

Trip held on to T’Pol’s hand as they accepted congratulations from the Starfleet Admiralty and then a large portion of the Enterprise crew. Commodore Jefferies was present as well and pulled Trip aside once the initial wave of congratulatory handshaking was over.

“I have to say, I’m very impressed, Trip. That lifepod you’ve designed is a thing of beauty.”

“Ah, thanks Sir. Now the real question is can we build it and will it live up to the design specifications.”

Jefferies chuckled. “Why don’t you find out for yourself? We’ve built two models, just like you suggested. They’re waiting in Engineering for you to inspect. I had to get some help with the life-support from your Dr. Phlox and some of the medical staff at Starfleet but I think you’ll find they are everything you hoped for.”

Trip was stunned. “Yer kiddin’. You really built the thing? Two of ‘em?”

Jefferies put his arm around Trip and gave him an affectionate shake. “Think of it as a wedding gift, or as an early baby gift.”

Just then Admiral Gardner joined them. “You haven’t given away my good news have you?”

“Not yet,” Jefferies answered.

Trip felt his heart beginning to beat faster and T’Pol moved to his side.

“Well, Commanders Tucker, it looks like you’ll be staying on Enterprise, at least for the time being. With the attention you’re situation has drawn on Earth, we’ve decided that your baby stands a better chance at being acclimated to a normal life in the structured environment here on Enterprise. This keeps Tucker here in Engineering and T’Pol on board as science advisor. It also keeps the Vulcans happy. They were insistent that once you two are married, or re-married as the case may be, in a Vulcan ceremony, you must be allowed to stay together for one standard year. Since the discovery of the Kir’Shara, the Vulcans are taking their culture very seriously.” He paused and offered Trip his hand. “Congratulations, Mr. Tucker.”

Trip shook his hand vigorously. “Thank you, Admiral.”

Then Gardner nodded to T’Pol, “Mrs. Tucker.”

“My thanks as well Admiral Gardner,” she responded.

Captain Archer joined them. “I take it you’ve given them their wedding present from Starfleet.”

Gardner nodded to Archer. “Remember Captain, you’ve stated that you’d make this work. I’m’ holding you to that.”

Archer laughed and nodded. “Don’t worry Admiral, I plan to see that the addition of another Tucker to the crew won’t disrupt the ship’s functioning.” He guided the Admiral off as they continued to talk about ship’s business. Jefferies also drifted off, leaving Trip and T’Pol alone for the first time since the wedding.

Trip turned back to T’Pol. “Well, whadya think of the wedding? Better than the last one?”

“After my wedding to Koss I felt a sense of loss and despair. Fortunately, those are not emotions I have associated with this joining, my husband.”

Trip felt himself grow flush as T’Pol spoke the word husband to him. He smiled shyly at her. “I felt the same way after a watched you get married ta Koss. Part of me wanted ta stop the wedding all the way up ‘till the end. That was about the hardest thing I’ve ever had ta witness. My heart was breakin’ the entire time. I never thought I’d feel like I do now.”

T’Pol raised her hand to his face. “To answer your question, I cannot recall a time of greater joy than this, except, of course, the day that Phlox informed us the baby had survived the corrective procedure.”

Trip nodded. “Yeah, that day, this day, and the day the baby’s born will no doubt be the best days of my life. I just can’t believe it. Yer my wife now. My wife.” He pulled her to him.

“A very agreeable situation.”

Trip laughed at her even tone. “Have I told you lately how much I love ya?”

She tilted her head to look up at him. “Words are unnecessary when your mind is open to mine. However, hearing them spoken aloud is also pleasing.” She allowed her arms to slip around him. “I return your affection.” He could see the emotion in her eyes and feel it thought the bond.

Yep, one of the happiest days of my life. Only thing better will be the day the baby is born.


Epilogue

Trip gave his wife a look of annoyance. “Ya said 15 minutes ago that I could hold her in 15 minutes. So it’s my turn.”

T’Pol continued to hold their baby girl and showed no sign of any intention to relinquish her. Her eyes never left her daughter as she replied, “You said you were going to record a message to your family. I suggest you do so now. Once the message is complete you may hold the baby.”

“I was under the impression that in Vulcan couples the wife has to obey the wishes of her husband,” Trip’s tone was sardonic but his annoyance was starting to grow.

“You are not Vulcan, therefore, that custom does not apply.”

“Okay, how about the fact that I’m acting first officer now?”

“I doubt Starfleet would consider your request to hold the baby a matter of ship’s business.”

“T’Pol!”

“Record the message and you may hold her.”

“Yeah, and by then she’ll be hungry again and I’ll have ta give her back.” Trip knew he sounded whiny. How could one tiny baby have turned two rational, mature, intelligent adults into people acting like kids fighting over a toy? “I’m on to you, you know.”

T’Pol merely regarded him silently for a moment before returning her attention to their sleeping child.

Trip shrugged his shoulders and gave up. He went to the desk and picked up a PADD to begin recording the message.

“Hey Mom and Dad. Your granddaughter was born last night. She was born at 21:42 and she weighed seven pounds and one ounce. Since she’s a girl ya already know we named her T’Mir Elizabeth Tucker. The Vulcans’ll call her T’Mir but ta us she’ll be Lizzie. She’s beautiful, just like her mom. She’s got a lot of dark hair, unlike her namesake, who was bald for a year if I remember correctly. She’s also got blue eyes. I know they might not stay blue but T’Pol says Vulcan babies are born with their permanent eye color so I’m hoping they’ll stay blue. I’m sendin’ ya some pictures. The first few are close-ups of Lizzie and the last two are of Lizzie and T’Pol sleeping.” He paused as T’Pol shot him a disapproving look. He just smiled at her as he continued, “T’Pol got ta hold her for a while until Phlox took her to clean her up and check her vitals and all. I did get ta cut the cord but after Phlox was done examining her and wrapping her up, Jon came in and Phlox handed Lizzie ta him. So I didn’t get ta hold her until Jon decided ta giver her ta me. I mean, I’m only her father after all and I’m the fourth person ta get ta hold my own child.”

He was shaking his head at the recollection. “Anyway, she’s got a real good set of lungs on her. She’s strong too. I’ll have ta tell ya about my first attempt ta change her when we see ya next. It’s not like I’ve never changed a baby before, but I had both Phlox and Jon laughing at me. Phlox says she’s not old enough to control her responses ta stimulus but I swear she kicks when I sing ta her. I used ta play this game with her where I’d tickle her feet through T’Pol’s belly and she’d kick my hand. Well, I’d sing ta her while we played like that and now when I sing ta her she kicks her feet. I know Phlox thinks I’m crazy but I know she remembers me playin’ with her.”

He walked over and ran a hand through T’Pol’s hair before continuing, “we can’t wait for you ta meet Lizzie. We’ll be returning ta Earth in just over a month and the Captain is givin’ us a few weeks leave so we’ll get ta spend some time with you all. By then I’m sure I’ll have the whole changing thing down. I’m an engineer after all.” He chuckled as he recalled his first attempt. “Give our love ta the rest of the family. Take care and we’ll see ya soon.” He stopped the recording and put the pad down.

“Now can I hold her?” His exasperation must have won her over because T’Pol lifted the baby so Trip could take her.

He’d only been holding her for a few moments when the door chimed. Trip walked to the door and opened it to allow Hoshi and Malcolm to enter. As soon as Trip turned to greet his guests, Hoshi scooped Lizzie right out of his arms.

Trip scowled at her. “Hey, aren’t ya supposed ta ask before stealing someone’s baby?”

Hoshi shot him a mischievous grin. “Is that any way to talk to someone offering free baby sitting anytime you ask?” She then turned her attention back to Lizzie and began humming softly to the sleeping child.

“Well, I guess I could charge a babysitting toll for anyone that wants ta hold Lizzie.” He smiled at Malcolm.

“I’d love to be able to oblige you Trip, but I don’t have any real experience taking care of babies,” his friend stated regretfully.

Hoshi moved closer to Malcolm and held Lizzie up, indicating he should take her. She helped to gently transfer the sleeping baby into Malcolm’s arms. “Don’t worry, Lieutenant, we can babysit together.” She smiled up at Malcolm, who blushed slightly.

“Yes, that would be okay I suppose.”

Trip chuckled under his breath, drawing a stern look from Malcolm. Trip wiped his hand over his mouth in an attempted to hide his smile. Malcolm took an interest in the recently installed baby bassinette, which also doubled as a lifepod for little Lizzie.

“So this is the design that has Starfleet Engineering so excited?” Malcolm asked.

Trip proudly patted the lifepod. “Yep, Commodore Jefferies had them whip this up from the schematics I sent him. It’s designed ta keep Lizzie safe from just about anything, including the ship blowing up.” He grinned widely.

“I guess it pays to be the child of the ship’s Chief Engineer. I assume they’ll be making a slightly larger version for use by Starfleet personnel.”

Trip shrugged his shoulders. “I suppose. I don’t really care what they do with the schematics as long as I get ta keep Lizzie safe.”

Malcolm chuckled softly. “A bet Starfleet is just waiting for your next miraculous feat of engineering. Now that you’re a father you’ll likely be coming up with all sorts of gadgets for Lizzie that Starfleet can capitalize on.”

“Maybe that’s one of the reasons Starfleet is letting Lizzie stay,” Hoshi said as she moved to take Lizzie back from Malcolm.

The baby was starting to stir but Hoshi rocked her and hummed to her softly and she quieted down.

“You appear to be quite skilled with children,” T’Pol remarked to Hoshi.

“Well, I love kids, especially babies. I hope to have a few of my own someday,” she replied wistfully.

Trip shot an impish grin at Malcolm and raised an eyebrow. Malcolm frowned at him in response.

“You two should definitely babysit for us real soon. That way Lizzie will get used to ya and you’ll both get ta see what havin’ a baby is like.” He kept is tone casual but he couldn’t hide a smirk from Malcolm when Hoshi was turned away.

“How often does she eat?” Hoshi asked T’Pol.

“At the moment she appears to wish to feed every three hours. In fact I believe that she is hungry now.” Lizzie had started to cry when T’Pol began to speak.

Trip rolled his eyes. “Yep, I knew it. Now she’s hungry again and I only got to hold her for a few seconds.”

Hoshi handed Lizzie to T’Pol and helped her arrange the pillows for feeding.

Trip glanced over at Malcolm. “Ya staying?”

Malcolm seemed to realize that Hoshi and T’Pol were about to start feeding Lizzie and he started for the door. “No, I think I’ll take my leave for now. Congratulations on a very lovely daughter.”

“Wait, I’ll go with you,” Hoshi called to Malcolm and stood up to leave. “Congratulations both of you. She’s beautiful. Just like her parents.” Then she smiled down at Lizzie one last time before joining Malcolm and leaving.

T’Pol then began to feed Lizzie and Trip sat down on the bed and gently stroked the top of his daughter’s head as she ate.

“She really is beautiful,” he said and then lifted his eyes to meet T’Pol’s. “Yer both beautiful.”

“A fact you must remember when we are both suffering from lack of sleep and she persists in crying.”

“Hey, I remember when my sister Lizzie was a baby. I knew what we were in for the day you told me you were pregnant. I’m still thrilled ta have her.” He leaned forward and kissed T’Pol’s forehead tenderly. “Thanks darlin’, she’s the greatest gift you could have given me.”

“Actually, if you review the mechanics involved in her conception, it is you who gave the gift to me.”

Trip chuckled. “Well I had the easy part. You carried her for nearly ten months and you endured half a day of labor on top of that.”

“Indeed.”

Trip smiled at his wife. “So that’s why I said thanks.”

Lizzie finished eating and made a small noise before nuzzling into her mother and drifting off to sleep. T’Pol laid back and closed her eyes and soon she was asleep as well.

Trip contemplated picking up his daughter, but he reached for the camera instead. He snapped a few pictures then pulled the cover over his sleeping family. He knew he should probably get some rest himself but he couldn’t tear his eyes away from T’Pol and Lizzie. They’d been through a lot and to make it this far and there were times he still couldn’t believe that T’Pol was his wife and they had a beautiful daughter together. If there was anything better in life Trip couldn’t imagine what that might be as he sat there admiring the two most precious things in his life and thanking what powers that be that all the twists and turns in his life had lead him to this moment.

Fins.




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A whole mess of folks have made comments

OHMYGAWD!! i get to be first!! I absolutely loved loved loved this fic. Problem is I don't want it to be over, and especially considering the timing of this to the airing of the last episodes.

This is how it should be for TNT. For the life of me I can't figure out why the writers couldn't come up with something similar! I know you said "Fins", but please please consider continuing it.

I know we would love to see fics on Lizzie growing up and how she would fit into Enterprise!

Very satisfying, Athena. Thank you so much.

i loved it and it made me cry thanks i needed it after the smables of a finale please contiue it i love the story and want more

Great! I have to agree with the first post. It was great to read this after what happened on TV. I hope you consider a sequel.

That was great! Thanks!

Thanks! Makes me feel better. I taped the two last episodes but didn't watch. My family told me the details. I will shelve it and watch it in the future when I'm less tramatized.

Perfect endin Athena.
Glad Lizzie lived, especialy after watchin TnTs heartache last night. I hope Ya continue this story,,;) after all T'pol wants a Lorian.

Wow, this was so wonderful. This is how the finale should be.

I'm losing my teeth, that was so sweet! Awwwwww! Loved it, thank you! :)

I just loved this fic so much!!

Why not continue the story? We would love to read more about Lizzy growing up on Enterprise!

And would love to read more about Lizzy's life pods, do we ever get to read a story w/ them in action. Oh this was so good.

I'll agree with everything that's been posted before... Great story! And I would love to see what life is like for Lizzie growing up on Enterprise! :-)

I finished watching the last two episodes a couple of hours before reading your fic. Your story was the way it should have been. Thank you for making me feel better about the whole mess of an ending.

Bloody Great!!! Very realistic. Can't wait to read more of your writing.

I have to admit, I cringe when I read T'Pol referred to as 'Mrs Tucker' in fanfic. Somehow I just don't see her doing that. Loved the wedding and baby scenes! Nice to have a happy ending for them.

Absolutely beautiful, loved it! And I am so glad Trip and T'Pol were able to stay on Enterprise with little Lizzie. Poor Trip having to queue to hold his own baby girl, that made me chuckle. Bless them all and you for writing this. Ali D :~)

hope you write a sequal.

Adored this! Thank you!

I loved this story all the way through...poor Trip not being able to hold the baby for more than a few minutes, but cute scene, perfect ending. (Unless of course you want to continue ;o) )
On a side note, I've never been fond of the idea of turning Phlox into a full time babysitter (what if there's a sudden crisis?) but I know full well it's a sticky point when trying to come up with a baby story on Enterprise
Anyway, well done!

I got to it way too late, but absolutely fantastic conclusion.

the final scene was very appropriately mild and relaxed, had a really calming and ending tone to it, sort of like the feeling one gets when the camera pans out from a mama feeding her baby in a rocking chair...

Anyway, fantastic!

This is definitely THE BEST Trip/ TPol /baby I have ever read. So bravo! Story is funny, cute, litlle dramatic when it has to be... just perfect.

That was just wonderful, thankyou so much for writing such a beautifully crafted story. Managed to read it all on and off in just over 24hrs!

Throughout reading it the haunting song "Only You" by Praise went round and round my head, have you heard it?

This is one of those stories I've read and kept meaning to give feedback on and always forgot to. Well done! I enjoyed the whole thing all the way through and really liked your characterization. I can totally buy Trip in this and your T'Pol seemed pretty spot on too. And I loved the epilogue...

I know I'm exceptionally late with this, but I don't care, because that was truly awesome!!!!!! I always read fanfics but I never made a comment cos I was too busy, but this deserves a comment 1000%. This is the one of the most sensitive and moving pieces I have ever read, I think that your are great and maybe a sequel huh? *hint hint* Thanks again for that, you made my day.

I just read this and it is sooo good. I loved reading it. I'm just sad that it's over!!

I'm pretty bad about not leaving comments on stories but I need to say this has become my favorite story on the site. I read it at least once or twice a month and still enjoy it greatly.

I hope you come back and write some more. I would love to read something new from you!