Gretna Green **Long Read Notice**

Posted on Mon Jul 18th, 2022 @ 1:22pm by Captain David Tonelly [Reece] & Staff Sergeant Liam "Swede" Reece [Reece] & Lieutenant Samaire MacBride-Reece [Lalor]

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Various
Timeline: Current
4631 words - 9.3 OF Standard Post Measure

The Elysium was docked at SB1 and Samaire had a wild thought. Smiling she headed down to Marine County to find Liam.

Skylah was doing homework so Samaire knew she was safe and sound while she hunted down her fiance. Entering Marine County she asked for and was given directions to Liam.

She was directed down to the Thunder Dome where, upon entering, she observed a crowd circling the center sparring mat. The gathered Marines were alternating between cheering and making catcalls. Through the various breaks in the crowd, Sam was able to just make out Liam's shirtless form in the ring, circling a larger man in a sparring match.

Watching Samaire moved to stand by a pillar so she could lean against it while watching him. She smiled.

Liam and Corporal David Tonelly circled each other as they sparred. Liam knew that the El Aurian was stronger than he was, so he had to fight smart. "You had enough yet, Old Man? He grinned and teased.

David chuckled softly. "I ain't even started, ya yappy little pup!" David returned with equal humor. He then stepped forward and threw a spinning heel kick towards Liam's head.

Seeing the danger, Liam leaned backwards just in te to miss the impact. Unfortunately, he was not fast enough to regain his balance and had his feet swept out from under h8m when David continued the fast spin and dropped down to take out the Human's legs.

The crowd erupted in cheers at the conclusion of the fight. Some were laughing. Others were grumbling as they handed over their lost bets. Smiling good-naturedly, David stepped over to Liam and helped him back onto his feet. "That was a good Dodge of the first kick, Sarge. But you have to remember to not open yourself up for a follow up attack."

"Thanks, Dave," Liam replied with a grin on his face as he accepted the offered hand. "Tell me the truth...was I even close this time?" He chuckled softly.

David grinned happily. "Let's just say, you're getting better." He then noticed the very attractive young woman standing off to the side, watching Liam, a bemused look on her face. "Looks like you have an admirer."

Liam turned around and his face lit up when his eyes landed on Samaire. As they still hadn't told anyone about their engagement, he simply replied, "Oh, she's more than.an admirer, David. Come on. I'll introduce you." He then.turned fully and moved over to Samaire, leaning in to kiss her gently, careful not not get too much of his sweaty, shirtless chest on her blouse. "Hey, sweetheart! What brings you down to the zoo?"

She smiled at him. "Hello" she said and then glanced at the Marine behind him. "Hello, I am Samaire" she said holding out her hand to David.

"Heya Samaire," David accepted the handshake. "I'm Corporal David Tonelly. What brings you down to this neck of the woods?"

"I was hoping that Liam had finished for the day, so I could steal him away for a bit."

Liam smiled warmly. "Yeah, just finished actually. Let me grab my stuff." He then turned away and headed to the other side of the training area, leaving David and Samaire to talk some.

"So," David said. "You must be the Sam that Sarge talks about. I gotta tell ya, I've known him for a few years, and this is the happiest I've ever seen him."

She smiled. "He makes me just as happy." She replied. "Glad I make him smile."

David nodded slowly as he saw how Samaire looked at Liam. Leaning closer to her, he whispered, "When did he ask you?"

"A couple of weeks ago." Samire replied.

David nodded and continued to smile. "I thought so," he replied. "In case you're wondering, I'm El Aurian. I can hear what isn't being said just as clearly as what is."

"so if I was to say, 'is he required for the next two days?' what would you say?"

David chuckled softly. "Well, as he is the NCO of higher rank than me, I'd say that it's up to him." He winked conspiratorial at her.

Liam then rejoined them. Seeing their looks, he asked, "And what are you two conspiring about?"

Samaire smiled "About my stealing you away for a few days." She said brightly.

Liam grinned broadly at that. "Well, we are in spacedock and on shore leave, sooo," he spread his arms wide. "I'm all yours, sweetheart!"

"Oh you might regret saying that." She teased and then gave David a smile. "Nice meeting you." she said as she took Liam's hand and started to tow him towards the nearest turbolift.

David nodded and smiled. "The pleasure was all mine. Have fun you two!" He chuckled softly as he spoke, glad to see two more people in this crazy universe so in love.

==

Once they were out of Marine county, Samaire paused by the Turbolift. She glanced at Liam. "sorry to drag you out."

He turned to face his fiancé and arched his eyebrow. "Um, why, exactly, are you apologizing?" He gave her a charming, boyish grin.

She laughed and shrugged. The doors opened and she stepped into the lift. "Transporter Room 1" she said as Liam joined her. She gave him a smile. "I was hoping I could interest you in doing something fun and foolish?"

Liam stepped closer to Samaire, wrapping his arms loosely around her waist as they faced each other. "Hmmm," he pondered humorously. "I suppose I could be convinced to do something along those lines...if I was given a kiss." He gave her a cheeky grin after he finished speaking.

She kissed him gently "Like that?" she asked softly.

"Mmmm," he licked his lips as he smiled and slowly moved Samaire towards the far bulkhead of the turbolift car, pinning her against it with his body. "That was very nice. However, it's whetted my appetite for more."

She tapped her finger on his nose. "Hmm you can wait darling. I was hoping you would come with me to Gretna Green"

Liam tried to pout, however, he couldn't stop grinning. "I'd love to, my love. Anywhere you want to go, I'll will always be by your side."

"Do you even know Gretna Green?" She asked softly.

He shook his head slightly, his eyes not leaving hers. "No, but I trust you. If you want to take me somewhere, to show me something, then I'll go, happy and willingly, my love."

She gave a soft laugh. "Even if it cheats your parents out of being at your wedding?" Sam asked softly as the lift stopped

Liam froze briefly at that. "Oh...." he started to blanch a bit as he continued. "Yeah.....not a good idea. I might be able to survive my brothers and father...but my mom and sister might skin me alive!" He chuckled softly. "The Reece women are sweet, until they're wronged, trust me!"

Sam sighed "So going to Gretna Green is not a good idea then?"

Gently taking her hands onto his, Liam replied. "Why don't you tell me more about Gretna Green and why going their now would preclude my family from our wedding?"

"Gretna Green, is a place for eloping" Sam said as they exited the lift.

Liam gently put his arm around Samaire's hips, pulling her into to his right side as they walked together. "And why would you want to elope instead of having a full ceremony, even just a small one?"

"Because its easier" she mumbled. What she didn't say was that she was nervous about meeting his family.

Liam moved them over to a quiet section of the corridor and gently turned Samaire to face him. After placing his right hand under her chin, he slowly lifted her head up until their eyes met. "Sweetheart, if you're worried about what my family will think about you, don't. You already met one of my big brothers. Kyle likes you. He knows that you care about me, so he is happy for us both. My parents, brothers and baby sister are gonna love you to pieces!" He smiled warmly at her. "Give them the chance to meet you, properly, for me?"

Sam sighed. "And how will they handle my having my niece?"

He shrugged. "Once we tell them your story, they will love her just as much. The Reece Clan takes care of their own, which you and Skylah will soon become members of."

Samaire took a breath. "okay... when?"

"We could call them now, give 'em the great news, then, when we return to Earth, have a ceremony, wherever you would like it, and then they could start to get to know the woman that I love with all my being."

"Can't we shove Kyle and Vanessa into their line of sight and .." Sam hedged.

Liam chuckled at that statement. "Oh, they already know about those two. After Elizabeth, Kyle was a mess. We're just glad that he's found someone again. He's been alone for awhile now."

Samaire sighed. "okay but I still think eloping would be fun."

Smiling, Liam replied. "Let's at least call my folks. Then, if you still wish to elope, we will." He pulled her to him in a loving embrace. "Truthfully, I don't need a fancy ceremony to tell the world that I love you. You know how I feel, sweetheart."

"Hence why I thought the Blacksmiths Anvil would be a good idea" she snuggled against him. "Okay,.. guess its back to the cabin rather than the transporter room."

"We still can, if you want, my love. I just want my family to get to talk to you first." They started to walk again, arms still holding each other close.

A few moments later, they reached their quarters,the doors sliding open to allow them entrance. "Why don't you get us a couple drinks, while I try to get them on the line?"

Samaire nodded. She was not confident about 'meet the family' but she headed for the kitchen.

Liam watched Samaire move away, his heart full of love for her, then he turned and stepped over to the desk, sat down and activated the terminal. After finding out that it was nearly eight in the morning back at his family home, he requested that a comm channel to his parent's terminal be opened.

After a few seconds, his screen changed from the UFP logo, to show his father's smiling face. "Liam, my boy! It's great to hear from you! How are things on Elysium?"

"Hey, Dad!" Liam replied cheerfully. "Things are going great up here. Is Mom there? I have some wonderful news to tell you guys."

"Yeah, she's in the den, talking to your sister right now, let me see if I can cut in and link them in here." His father could be seen typing some commands into his terminal, then suddenly, the image changed to include Luam's mother and little sister.

"Liam!" Both women exclaimed happily. "How are you doing, sweetheart?" His mother asked as she beamed brighter at her younger son.

"Hi Ma, Alley. Miss you all so much. I'm glad I was able to get you all one the line at once. I've got great news! I want to introduce someone very important to me." He sat back, looking over to his right at Samaire, indicating that he wanted her to sit sideways on his lap.

Samaire took a breath and moved to sit beside him, not wanting to be seen as a clingy girl.

Liam smiled, moving over to give her room to sit. Putting his right arm around her shoulders, he looked back at the screen. "Mom, Dad, Alley, I'd like you to meet Samaire McBride. Sam," he said as he looked back at the woman he loved, "this is my Mom, Emma Rose, my Dad, Jackson Charles and my baby sister, Alexandria."

"Ma'am, Sir" Samaire said politely, her upbringing in being polite to elders at the fore. "Ms"

"It's very lovely to meet you, dear," Emma's voice was soft and full of joy. "Liam has told us some things about you, we were starting to wonder if you were real." The older woman watched the interaction between her youngest son and the young woman beside him. Her motherly intuition was starting to tell her that there was more to this call than a simple introduction.

"Oh.. well... I am real ma'am" Samaire said softly. She looked at Liam. "I... " She gave him a helpless look. "Its nice to meet you as well."

"Emmy, leave the young lady alone," Liam's father spoke up with a grin, much like the one Liam usually wore. "It's a pleasure to meet you, young lady. What do you do in Star Fleet?"

"I am an Operations officer Sir." Samaire replied. She was very nervous about things, and her fingers linked with Liam's.

Jackson nodded. "That's a very impressive role to have. I was a shuttle pilot myself, but, I also did do some Ops work as well." It was clear by the soft grin on his face and the slight twinkle in his eyes, Liam's father already approved of Samaire. "Liam has told us that you are the guardian of you young niece, Skylah. I find that to be a very honorable thing to do."

"Yes Sir, but I consider her more than my niece, she is like my daughter" Samaire said softly.

Jackson's smile grew a bit more as he nodded. "Even more so."

Suddenly, Alexandria spoke up. "So, big brother, you said that you had great news for us," she had a semi-knowing smile on her face as she spoke. "We are all ears."

Liam swallowed, then looked at Samaire and a huge grin started to grow on his face. "Shall we?" He whispered.

Samaire nodded. "You do it" she whispered back.

He smiled at her and nodded. Turning his eyes back to the computer screen, he said, "I've asked Samaire to marry me...and she said yes!"

The other Reece's were silent for the briefest of seconds, then, they all erupted in cheers and congratulations for the young couple.

"Oh, Liam!" Emma exclaimed, happy tears already falling down her cheeks. "My boy! This is wonderful news!!" She wanted to ask about their plans for the wedding, however, she knew that they would relay that news once they had made their decisions.

Samaire was slightly red and she leaned into Liam. She was smiling but deep down she was wondering how her father would have reacted, but she ruthlessly shoved that thought down. His opinion didn't count. No longer.

"Will you two be able to come down here soon?" Alexandria asked hopefully. "I'd love to spend some time with my future sister-in-law!"

"We should be able to work that" Samaire said with a smile.

"Good!" Alexandria said with a grin. "It's about time we got some more women in this group. Mom and I have been out numbered since day one!"

"I am sure that has not been a hindrance" Sam replied with a small smile. "the two of your brothers I know seem very well versed in how to behave,"

Emma spoke up. "Yes, each one of my boys was raised on good manners and etiquette. They know exactly how to act around women." There was a prideful tone to her voice, clearly well-deserved.

Jackson asked the question that no-one had. "So, do you kids have any ideas about how you want your wedding to be?"

"We are still working that out" Samaire admitted. "With shore leaves so sporadic it's hard to schedule."

"Well," Jackson replied in his wizened, good-fatherly way. "At the end of the day, what is most important, is that you both do what feels right to you. If you want to through an elaborate party, then do so. One the other side of the coin, if you want to keep it small and easy for you there, then that is what you must do too. Please, don't think that you must do what you think we would want. This is your lives. Living them as best as you can is all we can ever ask or hope for."

"When we figure it out we will let you know" Samaire promised him honestly.

"Good, good," he replied contently.

"Your father is right, Liam," Emma spoke up. "While, of course, as your mother, I would love to have a huge ceremony and celebration for you two, I also understand and respect that, as members of Starfleet, you can't always do the things you want, when and how you want them." She looked at both Samaire and Liam as she continued. "Know that, whatever you two choose, you have our blessings to do so." She finished with her usual warm, loving, motherly grin.

"Thanks, Ma," Liam replied, his emotions causing a hitch in his throat. "That really means a lot, to both of us."

"Well," Alexandria spoke up. "You know I love you to pieces. Big Brother. As long as you're happy, I'm cool with it." She turned her eyes to Samaire. "Of course, I still want to spend some time with my future sister-in-law, and niece, when you are able to get back here."

Samaire nodded. "Of course, though i warn you, she is a handful."

Alexandria scoffed slightly, though she was smiling as she did so. "Please, you've met two of my brothers. You should have seen them when they were younger. Course, when they're all together, time doesn't matter, they're still a bunch of dirty boys."

"Hey!" Liam remarked, an exasperated grin on his face.

"oh?" Samaire grinned. "I do believe more conversations are in order, Alexandria."

Liam looked over at Samaire, playful betrayal in his eyes. "Oh really? I see how it is now. You were only using me to get to know my baby sister."

Sam smirked at him and gave a shrug "One should always have options" she teased him.

Liam's eyes grew a bit wider briefly, then he looked over at the screen. "So, gotta go for now. Love you guys! We'll call you later when we have more details to share!"

"Good bye, my dear," Emma replied first. "It was so nice to meet you, Samaire. I look forward to seeing you in person."

"Safe travels, you two," Jackson replied next, a hint of a knowing smile on his lips. "We will talk more later, Samaire."

Alexandria smirked humorously. "Sam, make sure you show him who's boss over there." She winked playfully. "Love you, Big Brother," she said in a sweet, innocent voice.

Then, the screen went blank when the channel closed.

"Now," Liam turned his full attention to Samaire. "You were saying about needing options...?" He started to playfully tickle her.

Sam laughed and kissed him lightly. "Was just saying."

Liam couldn't help but smile at this beautiful woman. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her to him. As he held onto her, he whispered into her ear. "I don't want to wait one more day, my love. Let's do it! Let's elope!"

She drew back "oh?" she was curious as to why he would change his mind.

Liam saw the look on her face and nodded. "I know, I am contradicting myself from before. It's true, I am. However, I have good reason. My family is very important to me. Both you and Skylah are even more important. I knew that if we just went and got married, without at least talking to my parents and them meeting you, it would have broken mother's heart." He gave her a soft grin as he continued.

"After hearing them basically give their blessings, I don't want to wait one moment longer than we have to. That is...if you still want to?" He suddenly started to worry that he had ruined things.

Sam leaned down and kissed him gently. "Yes" she said softly. "We can throw a party anytime."

Hearing her agree, A bright smile filled Liam's face. "So, shall we head down to Gretna Green now, my love?"

Samaire slid from his lap and held out her hand. "Indeed, marry me Liam and lets start our lives together."

Lain took her hand and stood as well. "I'm ready," then he looked down at his attire of sweaty uniform. "Well, almost ready. I'll get showered and put on a nice suit, then we can go."

Samaire smiled and nodded. "then we can go" She pointed to the bedroom and bathroom beyond. "How fast do Marines go again?"

He gave her a near-feral grin. "Back in boot, we had ten minutes to shit, shower and shave." He chuckled softly. "I'll be right back." He then hustled off to make himself more presentable for the occasion.

Twelve minutes later, he stepped back into the living room, dressed in a dark green suit that fit him perfectly. "All set, baby-girl." He extended his left elbow to her. "You ready for me to make you an honest woman?" He had a playful twinkle in his eyes as he spoke.

Dressed in a dress of dark green with matching heals, Samaire smiled. "Lead on sir." She said linking her hand through his elbow.

Smiling, the loving couple first made sure that Skylah was set to be alone for a bit, then they headed out and went straight to the nearest transport room.

After relaying their destination coordinates to the operator, they stepped up into the chamber and transported down to the planet's surface.

===Gretna Green===

Samaire led the way to the 'Blacksmith', a place where people could get married without much hassle.

The lady there took their names and details and then smiling told them it would be a 15 minute wait, and there were rings to look at while they waited.

Liam led Samaire over to the display case and started to look over the selection. "Do you see a pair that you like, sweetheart?"

Samaire studied them and then linked her hand with his and drew his attention to a pair of simple rings with celtic designs and hearts in hands. "Those look nice"

Smiling at Samaire, Liam nodded. "Those are perfect!" He leaned over and kissed her other side of her head.

When one of the attendants walked over, Liam asked for the ring set that they had picked. The young woman smiled and nodded. "That's a lovely set. If you go have a seat, I'll make sure they are made ready for you both." She lifted a small scanner. "I just need to measure your ring fingers, please?"

Sam held out her left hand for the lady to scan. "Of course"

"Thank you," the attendant stated softly. Once she scanned Samaire's finger, she looked over at Liam. "And you, Sir?"

Offering his hand over with a smile and nod, Liam waited for his ginger to be scanned.

Once done, the attendant nodded her thanks and told them that their rings would be ready momentarily, and that they were next to be called up.

Liam whispered to Samaire. "I'm so excited! In a few minutes, you will be my wife and I will be your husband!"

Samaire leaned into his side and snuggled against him. "Tonight we can celebrate together then?"

"Oh yes Ma'am, ww most certainly will. Then tomorrow, I'll send the Colonel a message stating that we need to speak with her. My home will no longer be in the barracks, but with you and Skylah!"

"I hope she does not mind" Samaire said softly. She didn't want him in trouble.

Shrugging, he replied. "Will she be thrilled? Probably not. I might have to pull a few overnight duty shifts here and there, but I'd have to even if I was still living in the barracks. In the end, there's no rule that says we can't get married and live together. Afterall, we aren't in the same command structure, so there's no conflict of interest or favoritism to worry about."

Sam nodded "Well we can live with that." She said softly. And she would have continued but they were waved into the backroom of the smithy.

It was hot in there and the burly man who stood there studied the pair. His family had been doing anvil weddings for centuries. "Good afternoon" He rumbled. "So, this will be quick and easy, man on the right of the anvil, Lady on the left. hold hands across it."

Liam moved to his assigned spot and reached out to hold Samaire's hand. He gave her a bright grin and a wink before turning his attention back to the officiant.

The burly man rumbled more as he spoke. "You both here of your own free will?"

Sam nodded "Aye"

"I do, Sir!" Liam replied happily.

"Good. Your Names?"

"Liam Reece."

"Samaire Elspeth McBride" Sam replied

"Right, lets get this started. Do you, Liam Reece, take Samaire Elspeth McBride to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?"

Liam looked over at Samaire and nodded proudly. "I do!"

"Do you, Samaire Elspeth McBride, take Liam Reece to be your lawfully wedded [husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do." Samaire replied smiling at Liam.

"A ring is an unbroken circle, with ends that have been joined together, and it represents your union. It is a symbol of infinity, and of your infinite love. When you look at these rings on your hands, be reminded of this moment, your commitment, and the love you now feel for each other." The man said as the assistant handed him the rings which he placed on the Anvil.

"Liam Reece place the ring on Samaire's finger and repeat after me:

"Samaire, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge: to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever."

Liam picked up the ring and slipped it on her finger as he spoke, looking directly into her eyes. "Samaire, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge: to love you today, tomorrow, always and forever."

"And now...Samaire, place the ring on Liam's finger and repeat after me:

"Liam I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge: to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever."

Smiling, Sam did as instructed. "Liam I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge: to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever."

"Before these witnesses, you have pledged to be joined in marriage. You have now sealed this pledge with your wedding rings. By the authority vested in me by Scottish and Federation law I now pronounce you married!" The man finished "You may kiss the bride"

Liam was bursting with pride and love as he guided Samaire away from the anvil and pulled her into his arms. "I love you forever and a day," he whispered to her before kissing her deeply.

Samaire kissed him back winding her arms around his neck. When they came up for air, the blacksmith waved them out of his smithy.

Samaire organised payment and then let Liam pull her towards the beamout point.

Once they were standing on the pads, Liam looked over at his new wife and partner in life. "Let's go home, my love."

Sam nodded and then they were beamed back to the Elysium.

~OFF~