A conclusion

Jim woke to the smell of coffee and pancakes. Pumpkin pancakes, it seemed. His favorite.

He turned to face Spock, but the bed was empty.

So he wasn’t dreaming of someone making him breakfast.

For a moment, his gaze stayed on the new titanium ring on his left hand. The Vulcan inscription read One and Together.

Both his and Spock’s hand the same inscription, of course. And that had been Spock’s doing way back when.

The wedding had been spur of the moment, really, on a very brief mandated appearance at HQ. And yet even with just a few hours notice, Spock had managed to get a couple of inexpensive rings engraved.  

The best laid plans, Jim mused as his gaze went to the ornament box he’d bought to present their new rings to Spock.

He rose from their bed, washed up in the bathroom, and went downstairs to the lower half of their townhome.

Sure enough, Spock had turned on the lights on the Christmas tree and placed a cup of coffee and pumpkin pancakes in Jim’s place at the dining room table.

“Good morning,” Jim said, as he took his seat. “Looks good.”

“Made from scratch,” Spock replied. “Merry Christmas.”

“Sit down with me.”

Spock carried a plate of pancakes to the table and sat in his usual seat.

Jim reached for his hand and Spock placed his hand in Jim’s.

“It’s okay,” he said softly.

“It is not okay that I hurt and disappointed you.”

“We’ve always known about our duty interfering with our personal lives.”

Spock frowned. “Maybe it’s time we reevaluate.”

Jim laughed softly. “Like what? Retire?”

“Would that be so bad?” Spock asked. “I should have let you know the meeting was off the rails.”

He laughed again. “Man, are you being influenced by me.”

“It was. I could get no one to shut up. And I admit I did not notice how late it really was.” Spock shook his head. “And those sound like many excuses and in reality I have none.”

“I wouldn’t say that. It’s not like you could stand up and say, hey, my husband is waiting for me.”

“I could have. I should have. You were upset.”

“I was, yeah. But I’ve had time to think about it. I’m not saying I don’t wish things worked out the way I planned last night. But there’ve been plenty of times I was late because of some stupid Starfleet or Federation thing. And in the end, there’s no one else I’d rather be stood up by then you.”

Spock looked confused and then shook his head. “That is illogical.”

Jim smiled. “So’s that slightly longer canine tooth on your left side of your mouth.”

Spock arched a brow.

“It’s cute. It’s always been cute. My point is, I don’t want to be with anyone but you, even if sometimes I still want to tear the bangs right off your forehead. I love you, warts and all.”

“There are some that say I am unworthy of you,” Spock whispered.

“Right back at ya.” Jim squeezed his hand. “We decided long ago we didn’t care what anyone said about us.”

“I know. But I still apologize. I am sorry I ruined Christmas Eve and I will endeavor to do better. And the new rings are appreciated.”

“Inscription and all.”

“Indeed. And when you are finished with breakfast, I would like to go for a walk.”

“Okay, sure.”

“What’s this?” Jim asked when Spock brought Jim back to the park and a live tree decorated with Christmas lights.

Spock took both of Jim’s hands in his.

“Will you marry me…again?”

Jim laughed, moved close to kiss him. “You bet I will. And I promise not to be late.”