Big Blue Chapter 12

Disclaimer: Joss, Fox, Universal Own em’. (Except for Allan. He's mine) I’m just playing. No money being made.

This story takes place three years after Serenity (BDM) and has the established couples of Simon/Kaylee, Mal/Inara, Zoë/Allan and Jayne/River. Follows immediately after Out to the Blue.

A/N: I write action much better than romance. This chapter seems a little strained to me. I promise more intrigue and action later. But in the meantime I need to hit the plot points of marrying off the couples... So here we go. The wedding of Jayne Cobb and River Tam.

Thanks again Chris for the Beta.

Big Blue

Chapter Twelve – Vows

Allan settled into the hot water and immediately felt his muscles relax. After nearly being blown up, thrown twenty feet and pelted by bits of exploded spaceship. Ne needed a good soak.

Luckily, Vera Cobb had a huge claw footed tub. Taking a breath, Allan slipped his head under the water, trying to wash the grit and sand out. Shaking the water from his eyes, Allan head a soft knock.

“Come in.”

“Feeling better?” Zoë asked as she entered.

Allan smiled, “Getting there.”

Zoë set Allan's change of clothes and a towel on the closed lid of the commode and knelt down beside the tub, “Too bad we ain't got a tub like that one back in the hotel on Londonium...”

“Read my mind baby,” Allan replied.

“I'll fix you up later then,” She grinned, “Now lean forward and I'll get your back.”

XXXXXXXXXX

After Allan soaked for a while, he and Zoë went back downstairs.

“You okay Allan?” Vera Cobb said, looking up from spot in the large armchair in the parlor. Her hands deftly working a pair of knitting needles.

“I'm fine Vera. A little sore but fine. Reggie got the worst of it,” Allan replied as he and Zoë sat on the sofa.

“Alisha seems to be quite taken with the young man,” Vera said in matronly tone.

“He's a good man.... for a fed,” Zoë chuckled.

“Nobody's perfect dear,” Vera chuckled, “Jayne's father, rest his soul, was one himself.”

“A fed?” Zoë asked incredulously.

“At one time. Got tired of the mess on the central planets and headed for the rim. Came here, got elected as sheriff and swept me off my feet,” Vera said, a wistful look in her eye.

“Never would have figured,” Allan said chuckling.

“What are you making Vera?” Zoë asked.

“Booties for Mal and Inara's baby.”

“They're blue... you know something we don't know?”

“Let's just say that my soon to be daughter in law's... abilities, are useful for more than kicking pi-gu and keeping my son in line.”

Allan and Zoë laughed.

XXXXXXXXXX

The next few days went quickly. Allan pitched in around the farm along with a healed Mattie and of course Jayne. Gabriel Tam was even doing the manual labor. River giggling at the sight of her core bred, businessman father wearing overalls and lugging hay bales.

Reagan Tam went over exercises to strengthen River's healing left arm while also conferring on a design for her daughters wedding dress.

The marriage of River Tam to Jayne Cobb would happen in just over a week.

Four days before the impending nuptials, the ladies of Serenity and the Cobb family made a trek into town. The dresses ordered from the local tailor's shop were ready for final fitting.

It was decided that the men in the wedding party would wear matching dark suits. River wanted it to be a simple ceremony. Gabriel had finally relented. Even though he had access to his fortune again, Gabriel wanted to throw the biggest wedding Deadwood had ever seen. It was decided however that only family and friends would attend the ceremony while the entire town was invited to the reception afterward.

An old childhood friend of Jayne's was a musician and had a small band. He graciously agreed to provide the music. Allan was ecstatic that the group was familiar with music from Earth that was. It seemed that Earth that was, country and rock music was fairly popular on the smaller rim worlds.

Upon hearing that, Allan grabbed his guitar and spent the next few evenings jamming and rehearsing with the group. Zoë even joined him for a few sessions. One of her gifts to the new couple was to sing the song for their first dance as a married couple.

River had asked not only for her father to walk her down the aisle but Mal as well. Surprising everyone, Jayne had asked Simon to be his best man. The young doctor was shocked into silence by the offer. After finally finding his voice. Simon agreed. Jayne muttered something about that it made sense, since Kaylee was the maid of honor.

Mattie and Allan were recruited to be the ushers while Zoë and Jayne's sister Fred were additional bridesmaids. Inara, Vera and Reagan ran the whole operation like generals planning a battle. Jenny and Madison would play the parts of flower girl and junior bridesmaid even though they were a both a bit old for the parts.

Alisha took over the catering from Vera. Used to cooking for large crowds from her days working a liner. She jumped in with both feet. Despite also waiting hand a foot on the injured Reggie Michaels.

Unfortunately, being the best man, it fell to Simon to plan the bachelor party. Simon had attended a few in his life. Mostly in his medacad days. However attending one and planing one ... Well, Simon had his work cut out for him.

River noticed her brothers dilemma, “Still can't figure it out ge-ge?”

“I know the basics of a bachelor party,” Simon admitted, “But here on the rim my options are limited.”

“Could always use a whorehouse,” River said giggling.

“What?” Simon said, flabbergasted, “You want me to take Jayne to a whorehouse the night before your wedding?”

“You are such an easy mark,” River said, “You can just take Jayne and the boys to the local tavern.”

“I can do that I suppose...”

“You can ge-ge,” River replied, “Jayne wouldn't expect any more from you anyway.”

“How did you get so smart,” Simon teased.

“Genetics... you were the prototype, mom and dad got it right with me,” she finished with a smirk.

“Brat.”

“That's my job.”

XXXXXXXXXX

At the appointed time, Allan, Jayne, Simon, Mattie, Mal and Gabriel piled into the truck and made their way into town. Allan had agreed to be designated driver for the night. The men arrived outside the local tavern. Quickly the men were led to a back room set aside for such private parties. The drink flowed freely and soon even Gabriel was soused.

“I have to admit, Jayne,” Gabriel said carefully, doing his best not to slur his words, “When I first met you I didn't like you.”

“I's preciate you's sayin that,” Jayne answered, starting to feel the alcohol.

“Hell, iffn Allan there hadn't a stuck his nose in, I'd a shot im first time I caught im kissin on my albatross,” Mal added.

“As I recall, you told me to butt out and you only listened to reason when Zoë threatened to shoot you,” Allan said as he sipped his iced tea.

“Thas okay,” Jayne slurred, “Simon done passed out when I said's I loved his mei-mei.”

“A perfectly app...approp... right... reaction to my mei-mei and Jayne,” Simon spit out after a moment.

“And when he came to, I had to read him the riot act... hard,” Allan chuckled. Remembering how he had to slam Simon against the med table in the infirmary.

“Had ta' beat on him a might?” Mattie chuckled. The younger Cobb was only nursing his second beer. He knew Allan was going to need help later, lugging his brother home.

“Just a little,” Allan replied.

“I was his patient!” Simon squeaked, “violated the hippa... the oath!”

“That's the difference between paramedics and doc's, Simon... medics can thump on their patients a bit to get them to cooperate.”

“Oh,” Simon replied, like he had just learned something profound.

And on it went throughout the evening. About 2 AM, Allan called it a night and he and Mattie took turns dragging a nearly unconscious Simon, Jayne and Mal to the truck. Gabriel had restrained himself a bit so he was able to stagger under his own power to the vehicle. Soon the group made it back to Serenity. Mattie helped Gabriel into the house while Allan half carried Simon to his bunk. Knowing he couldn't get Mal and Jayne to their bunks. Allan dropped Mal on the sofa and Jayne into the recliner in the common area.

Then, Allan made his way into the infirmary and grabbed smothers and water for the three men and left them where the trio would find them in the morning. Exhausted, Allan turned to leave and nearly bumped into Zoë.

“Hey you,” Allan smiled.

“Got em' home safe and sound huh?”

“Safe... yeah. Sound? Well... that's up for debate.”

“Tied it on pretty good then?”

“Ohh yeah,” Allan chuckled, “How did River's party go?”

“Kaylee passed out. Still on the couch in the parlor. Fred, River and Regan started singing... I had to leave,” Zoë finished with a drunken smile.

“Sounds like a fun time.”

“Had it's moment's,” Zoë agreed, “You up fer molestin an inebriated woman?”

Allan laughed, “Sounds like you tied a few on yourself, baby.”

“Jus a couple... You game?”

“I think you need some sleep honey,” Allan chuckled, “Head on up to our bunk and I'll be along in a minute.”

“K sweetie,” Zoë slurred. She carefully turned and with both hands on the railings, slowly climbed the stairs to the top deck. Chuckling, Allan got another dose of smoothers and water for Zoë to use in the morning.

XXXXXXXXXX

Allan suppressed the very strong urge to harass the crew members with hangovers. Instead, he an Inara began making breakfast. Due to her pregnancy, Inara, like Allan had been a chaperone previous night.

First to stumble into the galley was Alisha. She shot a glare at Allan and Inara, “What're you doin in my kitchen?” She growled.

“Didn't think you'd be up to cooking this morning,” Allan smiled.

“Ugh... Think you're right.”

“Sunny side up? Runny yolks?” Inara asked.

Alisha's hand shot over her mouth. With a nasty glare, she ran for the crew head.

“Inara, you are evil,” Allan chuckled.

“It's a gift. Wait till Mal wakes up.”

“That ought to be interesting.”

It was.

XXXXXXXXXX

Just after noon, Allan made one last pass around the Cobb backyard. Sheriff Clancy and a few other friends of the Cobb's had erected a large tent in the back yard for the reception. Jayne's childhood friend, Wade Saylor was setting up with his band. Allan made sure his guitar was where he could get it. Alisha was doing last minute checks on the large barbecue pits where the chicken was cooking. A fellow co-op member and friend of Vera's had volunteered to run the grills during the ceremony.

Chairs were set up in the yard near a hastily built altar. All in all, it looked as if everything was well in hand. A satisfied smile on his face, Allan headed back to Serenity where the men of the bridal party were getting ready.

“You got the rings... right?” a nervous Jayne asked Simon.

“Right here in my pocket,” Simon assured him.

“Relax Jayne,” Mal said, “I seen you calmer facin down reavers.”

“She can still say no,” Jayne mumbled.

Allan chuckled as he entered, “I seriously doubt that Jayne.”

“Relax big brother,” Mattie said as he entered from the dorm room where he had been dressing.

“Jayne, if you don't relax and stop fidgeting, I'm going to give you a smoother,” Simon snarled.

“You got him Doc?” Mal asked.

“Yes.”

“Good, Mattie and Allan gotta start seatin folks and I need to go fetch Gabriel from the house so's we can give the bride away.

“I'll have him ready on time... River will kill me if I don't.”

“That's the spirit doc,” Mal chuckled as he left with Allan and Mattie.

XXXXXXXXXX

“Are you nervous mei-mei?” Inara asked River.

“A little,” she admitted.

“Nothin to it sweetie,” Zoë said, “Take it from someone with experience.”

“Zoë's right dear,” Vera agreed.

Reagan was trying to hold back tears. After loosing her daughter to the Academy, she never thought that she would see this day. River gave her a sweet smile.

“Don't cry mom. All happens for a reason. If I hadn't gone to the Academy, I wouldn't have met Jayne and Simon wouldn't have Kaylee.”

“Damn straight,” Kaylee said, “All worth it in the end.”

“Says the next woman on Serenity to get hitched,” Zoë commented. As soon as the ship left Deadwood, they would be heading to Kelly for Simon and Kaylee's wedding.

“So, when are you an Allan tyin the knot?” Vera asked.

“Ain't sure yet,” We haven't talked on it much.

“Same for me and Mal,” Inara chipped in, “I'd like to do it on Shinon at the training house.”

“That'd be real pretty Inara,” Kaylee gushed.

“We'll see mei-mei.”

XXXXXXXXXX

It was time. The Shepard was waiting at the altar. Jayne in his suit waited next to him. Promptly at 1:00 Inara started the music.

First down the aisle came Jenny and Madison. The two teens spreading flower petals. Next came Mattie with his sister Fred on his arm. All the bridesmaids wore matching bone colored silk dresses with tan trim.

Next down the aisle came Allan and Zoë. They took their places on either side of the altar. Next came Simon and Kaylee in their roles as best man and maid of honor. As soon as they were in place, the moment of truth arrived.

Jayne's eyes popped nearly out of his head when he saw River. Her gown was elegant yet simple. The tight bodice flared into a flowing skirt. A simple veil covered her face. A tiara of blue flowers in her hair.

Glowing with pride, Gabriel Tam took his daughters right arm while Mal took River's left. River had a smile on her face wider than any before. She seemed to move in slow motion to Jayne's eyes.

As they reached the altar, the Shepherd spoke, “Who gives this woman in marriage?”

“We do,” Mal and Gabriel said in unison.

“Very well,” the Shepherd smiled, “Friends and family. We are gathered here today to join River Tam and Jayne Cobb in holy matrimony...”

Throughout the ceremony, River and Jayne's eyes never left each others. They almost missed one of the important parts.

“Do you, River, take Jayne to be your husband? To have and to hold, forsaking all others until death do you part?”

“I do.”

Smiling, the shepherd turned to Jayne, “Jayne, do you take River to be your wife, to have and to hold, forsaking all others until death do you part?”

“I do.”

“Then by the power vested in my by god and unfortunately by the Alliance,” the old shepherd chuckled, “I pronounce you husband and wife... You may kiss the bride.”

Jayne's hands almost trembled as he lifted River's veil. Their lips met to the sound of applause from the gathered family and friends. Jayne swept River into his arms and carried her back up the aisle, heading for the tent set up for the reception.

XXXXXXXXXX

It seemed the whole town turned out for the reception. The crowd overflowed into the yard. As the band tuned up, The wedding party was seated at the head table. Reagan and Vera kept wiping their eyes while Mal, and Gabriel had big smiles on their faces.

Jayne's grin went ear to ear while River couldn't help but giggle. Tapping on his glass for attention, Simon stood up.

“Can I have everyone's attention please?”

When the group settled down, he raised his glass, “Thank all of you for coming. Many of you don't know me. Many don't know my beautiful mei-mei, River. But all of you know Jayne. There were many days I wish I didn't know him,” Simon paused while several chuckles were heard around the room. River shot him one of her boob looks. Simon smiled and continued.

“But those days are few and far between now. I've seen Jayne change from a man I once called a trained ape without the training to a man... I'm proud to call my brother in law. A man who I know will protect my sister. Love her with all his heart and tolerate her... brattyness,” Simon chuckled as River stuck out her tongue.

While Simon was speaking, Allan and Zoë slipped away from the table to the small stage where the band was to geting ready.

As Simon finished, he made eye contact with Allan who nodded.

“Now, may I present for their first dance as husband and wife, Jayne and River Cobb,” Simon finished.

Taking River's hand, Jayne led her to the center of the tent where a dance floor had been laid out. They had no idea what Allan and Zoë had planned. As soon as the couple stood in the center, Allan nodded to the band and the keyboard player started a sweet note while Allan began playing his guitar tuned to sound more like a harp. As the fiddle player started, Zoë began to sing...

“From this moment, life has begun...”

“From this moment, you are the one...” Allan sang back.

“Right beside you...”

“Is where I belong,” They sang together...

Throughout the song Jayne and River slow danced, oblivious to the crowd watching them. As the final notes died, they kissed to the applause from the crowd. A silly grin plastered on River's face.

Allan stepped up to the microphone, Now, I need the rest of the wedding party on the dance floor please.”

As soon as River and Jayne had been joined by the wedding party, Allan and Zoë shared a quick grin and Allan turned to the band, “One, two, three, four... I knew the bride when she used to rock and roll... I knew the bride when she used to rock and roll...”

All in all, the reception was a smashing success. Even though in the back of everyone's mind was the lingering fact that someone was still after River and Allan. And by association, the rest of the crew. But for the moment, there was a shindig to enjoy. The rest of the 'verse would have to wait.

TBC

AN-2: I know the music angle has been used to death in some fics (Although they are a favorite of mine... You reading this Reginaroadie?) Anyway. The two songs referenced are “From this moment on” (duet version) by Shania Twain and also Nick Lowe's, “I knew the Bride When She Used to Rock and Roll.”