From This Moment
By: Amy "AnnieO" Hanna

  *The day was perfect, the sun was shining, the weather was warm, and everything was ready.* Zach thought to himself, *Everything, that is, except the groom. Who has been running around here like a, excuse the pun, goose with his head cut off* Zach heaved a heavy sigh as Goose came tearing through the room again frantically looking for his other shoe. Doc stood off to the side laughing hysterically at Goose's antics.

  "Yo, my Gooseman, looking for this?" Doc asked as he held the missing shoe. He was trying to hold back his laughter, but not succeeding. "You know, Zach, this is the first time I've ever seen Goose this unglued. I kind of like it." Zach just stood there shaking his head at the two of them.

  "Doc, you had better give me that." Goose growled.

  "Oh, come on, Goose, I'm just.... HEY! Zach! Help!" Doc begged as Goose hauled Doc over to a nearby chair and tied him into it.

  "Sorry, Doc, you got yourself into this one," Zach said, trying to hold back his smile.

  "Now you just sit there and behave." Goose said as he reclaimed his missing shoe. "And I might untie you for the reception."

  "Awww, come on, Goose-my-man, I was just fooling. I would have given it back." Doc said as he struggled against the rope that Goose had used. "What will Niko say if I'm not there?"

  "I'm sure she'll understand why you can't make it, Doc." Goose responded. As he and Zach turned to leave they could hear Doc mumbling about Supertroopers and their lack of humor. "Let's give him ten minutes and then untie him."

  "So are you nervous?" Zach asked.

  "Who, me? Naw, I'm fine." Goose said, as he turned slightly pale.

  Zach chuckled softly to himself. "Ok, Goose, I believe you."

  "Were you nervous at your wedding?" Goose asked, trying to take his mind off of things.

  Zach paused to gather his thoughts for a moment before answering. "I don't think nervous described how I felt. I was petrified, never been so scared in my life up to that point. But the minute I saw her, all the fear and nervousness disappeared. There was just me and her and no one else. I had never seen anyone as beautiful as she was."

  "And who would that be?" A voice said from behind them. "You had better mean me, mister."

  "Of course I mean you, dear. Who else would I be talking about?" Zach asked as he kissed Eliza on the cheek. "How's Niko doing?"

  Eliza allowed a smile to come to her face. "About the same as Goose here," she said as she took in Goose's expression. "You'll be fine. If Zach can make it through one of these, you can too. Anyway, Zach, have you seen that daughter of yours anywhere?"

  "Jess? No, why?"

  "She was supposed to be here half an hour ago to get ready and hasn't shown up yet. Actually, I haven't seen Little Zach either." Then as if on cue both children came tearing into the room, stopping only when they noticed their parents standing there.

  "And where have you two been?" Eliza asked her children.

  "Ummm, we kind of...."

  "Never mind. Go get ready, you have ten minutes." Eliza let out a sigh as both children ran off to get ready. She noticed a smirk on her husband's face as she turned her attention back to them.

  "What?"

  "Well, they are your kids." Zach teased his wife.

  "Oh, you. I'm going to go finish getting ready. I suggest the two of you do the same. Where's Doc?"

  "He's tied up at the moment." Goose said, a smile coming to his face.

  "I don't want to know, I really don't want to know." Eliza mumbled to herself as she walked away. She reentered the room that Niko was in, and was almost run over by a pacing Niko.

  "Oh, I'm sorry, Eliza." Niko said as she realized what she had done.

  Eliza chuckled to herself. "That's ok. You know, between you and Goose, the rest of us don't need to be stressed out about this." They both turned as the door opened.

  "Mom, I can't get this dress to zip." Jessie complained as she walked in the room. Eliza rolled her eyes at her youngest child and smiled at Niko over Jessie's head. "Thanks Mom, I'm going to..."

  "You are going nowhere, young lady. I've lost you once today, it's not going to happen again."

  "But Mom..." Jess started.

  "No buts. Now where's your brother?"

  "Fighting with his tie. He asked Dad to help, but none them seem to be able to do it." Jess said, laughter in her voice.

  "Men. You give them a schematics for a ship and they can build it, but give them a simple little tie and they can't figure it out." Eliza said as she left the room to help the guys. She rounded the corner and was reduced to laughter at the sight before her.

  "No, it goes this way, I think." Zach said as he fought with the tie.

  "Captain, just let me kill the thing, these are impossible to figure out." Goose mumbled as he fought with his own tie.

  "Dad, too tight, too tight," Little Zach gasped.

  "Will you guys untie me!" Doc yelled from the other room.

  "Need a hand, boys?" Eliza asked between giggles.

  "Mom, save me, he's trying to choke me to death," Little Zach said as he escaped his father's grip. Eliza took the tie in her hands and successfully conquered it the first time. "Thanks, Mom."

  "Goose, would you like some help?" Eliza asked.

  "Forget them! Someone UNTIE ME!" Doc said from the doorway. He had some managed to move the chair across the room.

  "Little Zach, go untie Doc. Goose, come here and I'll fix that tie. Zach, you go and see if everyone has arrived." Eliza finished with Goose's tie and checked to make sure everything else was set with the boys. "Now who has the ring?"

  "Zach has it," Goose said.

  "I thought you grabbed it?" Zach answered back.

  "I swear, these cannot be the same Rangers that defeated the Queen. They can go and win a battle where they're outnumbered a hundred to one, but give them one little job to do today and they can't get it done. Little Zach, go and get Commander Walsh for me, please." Eliza told her son, as she glared at her husband and Goose. "As for you two, I suggest that you figure out where that ring is." At that moment Commander Walsh came around the corner.

  "What's the problem?" He asked no one in particular.

  "He forgot the ring." Zach and Goose said at the same moment. "What do you mean I forgot it?" They stood there glaring at each other.

  "Mom! You better come quick, Niko is threatening to shave her head," Jess said as she ran up to her mom.

  " Oh, Lord, what else can go wrong today?" Eliza said as she ran towards Niko's room. As she opened the door she heard Niko talking to someone.

  "You had better do what I want you to do or I will take these scissors and cut you off." She fought with her opponent some more before reaching for the weapon of choice. "OK. You asked for it."

  "Niko. Is that really necessary?" Eliza said from the door.

  Niko jumped a foot in the air. "Eliza, don't do that."

  "Would you like some help? I'm pretty good with hair."

  "Please, it's that or a shaved head." Niko settled down as Eliza worked on her uncooperative hair.

********

From this moment life has begun
From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on....

  "How could you forget the ring?" Goose accused Zach.

  "I thought you grabbed it," Zach countered.

  Doc, Little Zach, and Commander Walsh watched the exchange, feeling like they were at a tennis match as both men refused to back down and the arguing continued.

  "I did not. You said, "Don't worry, I'll grab it Goose"."

  "And you said, "Oh, I already have it, Zach"."

  "All right, that's enough," Commander Walsh ordered. "Zach, did you check your pockets?" Zach answered by digging into his pockets only to come up empty handed. "Goose, did you?" Goose followed Zach's example and also came up empty handed. "Who else was there with you?" Zach and Goose both looked at each other and then in unison turned to Doc.

  "What?" Doc asked, an innocent look on his face.

  " I think we should search him Captain."

  "I agree, Goose." Both men approached Doc, who had decided that maybe he should make his escape while he could and, turning, collided with Eliza, knocking her off her feet.

  "OK, I have had it! You boys had better be ready in five minutes or I will not be held responsible for what I do to you. Have I made myself clear?" Eliza said in a very authoritative voice while she picked herself up.

  "Yes, ma'am," all three said.

  "Doc, do you know where the ring is?" Doc nodded and went into the room returning with the box that held both rings. "Thank you. Now Goose, you go and stand at the altar. Doc and Little Zach, go with him. Zach, you come with me. Commander, if you'll excuse me?" Eliza said as she dragged Zach along behind her, mumbling something about eloping.

********

From this moment
I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love I'd give my last breath

  "Goose can I talk to you for a moment?" Commander Walsh asked before Goose reached the alter.

  "Of course sir." Goose answered.

  The Commander cleared his throat and suddenly looked very uncomfortable. "Goose, I just wanted to tell you how happy I am for you and Niko, and how," He paused looking very uncomfortable. "How proud I am of you." The words were spoken in a rush.

  "Sir?" Goose said suddenly feeling slightly uncomfortable himself.

  "Shane, this isn't easy for me." Commander Walsh placed his hand on Goose's shoulder. "I am very proud of you and I always have been. I just wanted you to know that."

  "Umm, thank you sir." Goose said

  "Now lets get this done shall we." The commander said returning to normal.

  "Yes sir," Goose said both walked towards the alter pretending that the conversation never happened, but both stood a little taller as they walked.

********

From this moment on
I give my hand to you
With all my heart
Can't wait to live my life with you
Can't wait to start

  They made their way to the rooms where Niko was stopping just outside the door. "Now, do you promise to behave the rest of the day, Captain Foxx?"

  "Yes, ma'am, I promise to behave for the rest of the day." Zach answered, a teasing smile on his face. "Were we ever this bad?"

  Eliza laughed, "I don't remember. Come on, let's get Niko. Are you ready, Niko?" Eliza asked as she opened the door.

  "Just a sec," Niko emerged from behind a changing screen, "Well, what do you think?" she asked Zach.

  Zach just stared at Niko. Her dress was an ivory white, with a slight silver sheen to it. The top was made to hug her figure without cramping it. It came off her shoulders, and was cut into a low v-neck in the front. The back was cut so that it buttoned at the neck and then opened down to the middle of her back, where it met her train. The skirt was artfully covered in lace and pearls, starting at her waist and then flaring out as it went to the floor. Her train was also covered in lace and pearls and flowed out behind her like a white cloud. 

  Her hair was piled neatly on top of her head in a mass of curls with a few hairs left loose to frame her face. Her veil was also an ivory white, and was attached to a crown of silver and white silk flowers that were neatly twisted into the curls. Zach thought that she looked like an angel.

  "Close your mouth, dear," Eliza teased her husband

  "Niko, you look beautiful," Zach finally said.

  Niko blushed slightly. "Thanks Zach. Well, it's time, isn't it?"

  "You ready?" Zach asked as he offered Niko his arm.

  "I've been ready since he asked me, Captain."

  "Then, shall we?" Zach lead Niko from the room and to the first day of her new life

********

From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on

  Meanwhile, Goose was standing at the altar, trying not to look nervous and feeling uncomfortable in his black tux. Doc was behind him, trying not to laugh at his discomfort.

  "What's taking so long?" Goose mumbled to himself. At that moment, Little Zach tapped him on the shoulder, turning his attention to the door at the back of the church.

   He watched as first Jessica and then Eliza walked down the aisle, but all his nervousness and fears disappeared in one moment, the moment his eyes meet Niko's. He allowed a slight smile to come to his face as Zach led her down the aisle. She smiled back at him, her eyes lighting up with her happiness and showing how much she loved him. Zach paused at the bottom of the steps to the altar and waited.

  "Who gives this women to this man?" Commander Walsh asked

  "I do, in the spirit of her family." Zach answered, allowing Goose to take Niko's arm from him. He then went and stood beside Doc, smiling slightly at Eliza across the way.

  "Marriage is a sacred trust that should not be entered into lightly. Do you both understand the step you are about to take?" Commander Walsh asked a look of fatherly pride on his face as he regarded the two rangers.

  "We do," they answered together, staring deeply into each others' eyes.

  "Now, if there are any objections as to why these two should not be wed, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." Commander Walsh said as he searched the crowed. Niko slowly turned and cast an evil eye at a group of females, all dressed in black, in the second row of seats, slowly motioning to her chest where her badge was hidden. All of them remained silent. The Commander nodded and continued the service.

  "Very well. Now both have written their own vows to each other. At this time, Shane, will you recite yours?" He asked his eyes glowing with happiness

  Goose took a deep breath and then looked deep into Niko's eyes. "Niko. I'm not very good at this stuff, but I tried and this is what I came up with." He pulled out a paper.

  "Niko, when I first met you, I know nothing of love, hope, or even friends. I only knew pain, hate, and fear. You taught me to trust and to hope. You gave me your friendship without question and then you gave me your love. And I find that every day that love grows stronger and that I can't see my life without you in it now. So I ask, Niko, will you spend the rest of your life with me?" Niko looked lovingly in his eyes and nodded her answer before speaking.

  "I will, Shane."

  "Niko, it's your turn." Commander Walsh said a smile coming to his face.

  Niko nodded and took Shane's hands in hers. "Shane, all my life I've looked for the one person that completes my soul. I often thought of giving up that search and nearly did until I met you. You were special to me from the moment I met you, and I knew that you would be part of my life forever. I can only offer you two things, Shane, my love and my soul. You are my heart, my soul, my life and I hope this is enough, and I hope you will stay with me for the rest of my life." Shane smiled and looked deeply into her eyes.

  "I will, Niko." He answered

  "Do you have the ring?" Doc stepped forward and handed the rings to Commander Walsh. " Shane, repeat after me."

  Shane nodded and repeated the words he spoke. "With this ring I offer all that I am. I give you all my dreams, hopes, and love forever."

  "Niko, repeat after me."

  "With this ring I offer all that I am. I give you all my dream, hopes, and love forever." Niko quickly wiped a way a tear that threatened to escape her eyes.

  "And with the exchange of the vows and the giving and receiving of the rings in front of these witnesses, I now pronounce you Man and Wife. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. Shane, you may kiss the bride." Commander Walsh said with a wink. Shane gently drew Niko into his arms and kissed her passionately. A smile of pure happiness appeared o n the Commanders face and his eyes glowed with a pride that no one could destroy.

  "Hey, come up for air!" Doc yelled from the sidelines after three minutes had passed. Goose looked up and growled at the hacker.

  "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am proud to present Niko and Shane Gooseman." Commander Walsh announced as the entire building erupted in cheers.

  "All right! On to the PARTY!" Doc said as he did a dance step down the aisle.

********

My Dreams came true
Because of you

  "All right, everyone it's time for the best man to offer a toast to the bride and groom," Zach announced.

  Doc stood with his well-known grin on his face. Goose let out a moan and shook his head, hoping it would not be as bad as he feared.

  "Thank you. Now I know that most of you know Goose here and respect him, but right now I have to ask that those of you out there with the keys to Shane's apartment, please step forward and return them now." Goose just looked at Doc in shock as all the women that wore black at the service now stepped forward and handed Doc a key. He turned as he heard some laughter beside him and saw Niko trying not to laugh too hard.

  "Thank you, ladies," Doc said as he continued his speech. "Now for the serious stuff. Shane, Niko, I've known both of you for a long time and I love you both like family. No, I take that back, I love you more than family. I've lost count of the number of times you have saved my life, and the times Goose has tried to kill me with his flying. But now I offer you all the hopes in the world and I wish that you a long life together. Oh, and may you be blessed with lots of little Shane's and Niko's." Doc took a bow and resumed his seat, ignoring the look Shane gave him.

  "Shane, Niko, it's time for your dance now." Zach whispered in Goose's ear as the music began to play. Goose nodded and turned to Niko.

  "May I have this dance, Mrs. Gooseman?" he asked as he offered his hand to her. Niko smiled and nodded. Taking his hand in hers, he lead her to the dance floor. The music began to softly play.

  As one they swayed to the music as it softly filled the room. Soon others joined them upon the floor, but both were oblivious to those around them.

********

From this moment as long as I live
I will love you I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on

  Beside the dance floor, Zach held Eliza a little tighter. "You know, I think they're going to be fine."

  "I think you're right." Eliza smiled as she watched the couple exchange another kiss. "You know Zach, right now everything is right with the world."

Author's note: 'From This Moment' Performed by: Shaina Twain.

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