“Do I really have to wear this?”

Finley looked over to Zara spinning in a frothy concoction of a gown that was alternating strips of pink lace with short puffy shoulders. The skirt was at least five feet wide and the hoop underneath it made it swing like a bell.

“Yes, you have to wear it or the cosplay doesn’t work. You’re Malcolm Reynolds, captain of Serenity. You’re an outlaw smuggler and I’m your mechanic, Kaylee.”

“This character of yours fixes engines on a spacecraft in this dress?”

“No, she wears super cute overalls most of the time. I have that cosplay, but Nani has been working on this for a long time. I’m dying to wear it.”

“And I’m a space cowboy. Where did you find a bolo tie?”

“I can do anything when it comes to dressing for cons. And when people stop us for pictures you have to play along.”

“Pictures?”

“Yes! That’s the whole point. People will want to talk to you and take pictures. It’s super fun and you’ll love it. Hey, I didn’t make you wear the Star Trek uniforms so be nice.”

“Anything for my wife,” he sighed.

“You like saying that don’t you?”

“Not any more than saying my mate, but it’s more accepted.”

“Well, husband, this is the last fun I get for a while until after medical school so let’s live it up.”

“Hey don’t forget, we have tickets to see Whiskey Bend, next week. If we miss Angel’s band, Becca will have a fit.”

“Their last concert was amazing. I can’t believe they’re selling out arenas now, It’s crazy!”

Finley was able to show off his mate to all of his family, including his best friend. They all clicked back together like they hadn’t spent over a year apart. His friends were back, his life was golden, and he owed it all to his mate.

Zara had finished school and aced her interview with the University of Washington Medical School. She was starting in the fall. They had married in the spring in a number of ceremonies, including a traditional Indian ceremony that lasted three days, and Finley did have to ride in on a horse to her family’s home. They had a number of different ceremonies with her temple coming to each one. There were blessings and dancing night after night.

When it came time for their western ceremony, Fin’s parents had generously offered a huge budget for their wedding. They used the money to have a big reception and practically invited the whole town of Apex. The ceremony was at the chapel in the woods near Fin’s home. Since the twins couldn’t attend, they had pictures beforehand with the babies dressed in the finest toddler apparel. Axel was rocking the smallest tux that Zara could find and she’d managed to get an exact replica of her full skirted tulle ball gown made for Jetty. The little girl had twirled and tripped over her puffy skirt countless times, happy as could be.

After the reception in town, the family, minus her side, gathered back at Cash and Cassie’s home to celebrate late into the night. Enjoying watching the children running around wrapped in tulle with punch stained mouths.

“What are you smiling about?” Zara asked.

“Thinking about our weddings. Most people get one, I feel like we covered every single base by having so many. Nobody can doubt that we are truly together.”

“Hah, I think the bite mark on my neck says enough,” she said sarcastically.

Fin tugged at the collar of his shirt. He’d didn’t mind dressing up. His mate was so giddy with excitement; he would have worn a Princess Leia costume if it made her happy.

“You know, even though our next few years will be busy, we’ll still have fun. Just a little closer to home.”

They had moved into their new condo soon after the brunch with her parents. It had been fully furnished by Fin’s sister and Zara had loved it from the first night they stayed there.

“I think we should talk about cubs again,” she started.

Finley thought he was going to be the one struggling to wait for children. Instead, it seemed that with every day together, Zara got more impatient.

“Babe, we’ll get there, we have time.”

“I know but I need one. I can’t explain it. I can do medical school and babies. Besides, you’ll be home. I can take six weeks off then I’ll go back to school. Come on, you’ve only got a few credits left. You’ve been killing yourself to get your degree. We can do this.”

“If I had known that the bonding bite was going to turn you into a sex crazed maniac…” he started.

“You would have still done it, so shut up.”

“True. But, Zara, I don’t want you to ruin your plans.”

“They’re our plans and they won’t be ruined. They’ll be perfect because we’re perfect. Come on, Mr. Rochon, knock me up. Pretty please?”

“Fuck me,” he sighed running his hands over his face.

“No… fuck me! Get it?”

“Fine! I don’t like it, and if you think this is going to get you out of medical school, it’s not happening. You’re becoming a doctor.”

“Yes sir, aye aye captain, over and out!” she saluted.

“Let’s get this costume parade over with. I’ll flip that skirt over your head when we get back.”

“Let’s go, Captain Tight Pants!”

Finley Rochon was never going to be able to say no to his mate. He was a lucky bastard.