Nowhere Man

By AJB

NOTE: After some research (Thanks WAT fans at DESTINED) Cousin Alyssa has been renamed Jamie in accordance with canon.

Epilogue

Long shadows rippled across the manicured lawn and neatly trimmed shrubs, telling Martin that time for his new life starting was short. Standing on the front portico of the stately house, he heard a pair of car doors slam followed by low voices and the crunch of footsteps on asphalt. The squared hedge lining the long drive was just low enough for Martin to see the tops of two heads. He smiled as Vivian and Marcus cleared the hedge, turned through the gateway and started up the brick path toward him.

Vivian noticed Martin standing there and after a visual sweep of the magnificent front lawn, she turned a warm smile in his direction. Martin gave her a brief wave- the last of his evolved family was here. The giddy grin she wore surprised him

"Sorry about the time," Vivian said as she reached the bottom stair. "It took longer to get Reggie settled at his friend's place than we expected."

"Not a problem," Martin replied. He shook Marcus's hand. "You can bring in your luggage later."

"There's enough room for all of us to stay?" Vivian topped the stairs and stepped between Martin and her husband. She gave Martin a quick, sideways hug as they walked, her eyes continuing to scan the area.

"Plenty of room," Martin reassured her. "Stay as long as you wish."

He escorted them through the impressive oak doors where a neatly dressed, middle aged woman with a warm smile met them immediately. She offered to take their coats.

"This is Sarah," Martin said in way of introduction. "She's the one to see if you need anything. Sarah, this is Mr. and Mrs. Johnson."

"Your room is all ready. We'll get your things situated after the ceremony if you would leave your keys over there." She indicated a marble table to one side of the front doors.

Marcus did as directed while Viv gave Martin a visual once-over. "You look great. You've put on some much needed weight." She reached out and smoothed his tie and Martin smiled a little self-consciously.

"I'm doing fine. I miss work."

"And we miss you, too." Vivian glanced to the archway of an adjoining room where soft guitar music indicated their ultimate destination. "Nice place."

"Thanks," Martin answered. "There's a restroom over there if you need it. Please make this your home, too." He straightened and glanced toward the living room. "We're starting soon. You're just in time."

"We'll see you inside, then." Vivian gave his elbow an affectionate squeeze then took her husband's elbow and moved toward the music.

Martin watched them enter the living room and then let his gaze wander over the spacious foyer. He walked to the center, his footfall echoing coldly on the marble floor, and stopped. The sweep of stairs to his right curved gracefully upward to the second floor, the Mediterranean iron railing both elegant and imposing. He regarded the stairway as flashes of memory popped into his mind.

He remembered running, sliding and jumping up and down the stairs and trying to ride the handrail, knowing the behavior was forbidden here, in the "public" part of the house. It was more tolerated on the less formal and private stairway that led directly to the kitchen, what Martin always considered Sarah's part of the house. He rarely saw his father there. He felt a pang of loss.

His thoughts drifted in Sarah's direction. Martin turned his attention to the gargantuan flower arrangement gracing the center foyer table, the size of the entry managing to make the display seem small. He smiled, fingering a colorful petal; Sarah outdid herself once again when she readied this house for his ceremony. Past gatherings welled from his memories - Katherine Fitzgerald definitely knew how to host a party. He recalled spending most of his time in his room after formal introductions, falling asleep to murmuring voices, muted music and the ring of crystal stemware. Earlier, Sarah thanked him for asking her to prepare the house for his nuptials; she was happy for him and glad to have a celebration to help her work through her grief.

Martin regretted that his parents weren't here to witness this step in his life. He did know, however, that at the end, they did approve of Samantha. With that precious nugget to hold on to, a swell of satisfaction consoled him and eased the heartache of their loss.

Martin abruptly shifted his attention from the past to the present at the sound of Danny's teasing tone.

"Nice digs, Ese." His friend punctuated the comment with a friendly back slap. Martin turned enough to spot the expected smirk and evil, glittering dark eyes. "I'm looking forward to a closer inspection of the game room later."

"Mi casa es su casa." Martin shrugged. "It's still weird thinking of this as mine." The pair surveyed the foyer for a moment. "Everyone settled?"

"Almost. You know women." Martin opened his mouth to make a scathing reply, but their attention shifted upward with the sound of children's laughter. A pair of girls appeared at the top of the stairs and Danny took a step closer to the rail. "Careful, Sofie!" he called softly. "Hold Ava's hand!"

"Okay, Papa!"

Martin's cousins quickly caught up to the girls and followed them down the stairs. The girls' dresses were frilly, flouncy puffs of pink and purple whereas Allie and Jamie wore classic lines and looked simply elegant. Jamie's pregnancy, just now becoming apparent, explained her husband's protective arm and glowing expression. Ava's father cautioned the girls in a gentle tone, slowing their descent but increasing their giggles.

"Life goes on," Martin said quietly.

Danny gave him an understanding smile. "That it does, brother. One day at a time." He gave Martin another affectionate shoulder slap as he stepped away to gather Sofie. "I'll get her settled and then it's your turn."

Martin nodded, emotion choking his verbal "Okay." His cousins hugged him and pecked his cheeks, murmuring their love and support before wiping tears from their eyes and following their spouses into the living room.

As they disappeared from sight, Martin felt the pull of family and wandered toward the room's threshold, stopping when the gathering came into his sight. It was a short list of witnesses, but everyone they needed was here. He watched them find their seats, exchange pleasantries and settle down, happily to the very center of his being by their presence. Sarah's touch was obvious in the ivory draped chairs tied back with yellow flowers - It was a far cry from the numbers usually entertained in this room, but Martin and Samantha knew and held dear every single one of them. They were family.

Vivian and Marcus, Danny, Elena and Sofie, Brian's parents and fidgety Finn, Martin's cousins - the remaining part of his blood family - and their significant others. The sight of newly found Nettie Wells sitting next to Jack invoked a grin and he wondered if that arrangement was Jack's choice. Surprisingly, Sam's sister sat on Nettie's other side. On her arrival, she offered her mother's expected excuse.

Danny straightened and walked up the aisle toward Martin, smiling broadly. "That's it." he said when he reached Martin, his hands lifting to straighten the groom's boutonniere. Martin grinned lopsidedly at the attention. "You ready?"

"Yeah," Martin answered, surprised at the jolt of excitement that raced up his spine. "Thanks, Danny. I'm glad you're here. This is perfect."

Danny rested his hands on Martin's shoulders and gave him a little shake, grinning like a fool. "It's nice that our last time together as a team is a happy one."

"Yeah." Martin nodded. Earlier in the week, Danny announced his transfer "upstairs" in accordance to FBI rules about married couples not working together. They were all surprised it took so long for the rule to be enforced, and both he and Danny suspected Jack's prickly nature had something to do with the delay. When Martin and Samantha announced their nuptials, the point was finally addressed. Martin and Sam had three more weeks to talk over their options. Currently, Martin considered jumping ship to the CIA and leaving his father's legacy behind.

Danny's little push brought Martin back to the moment. Sarah appeared, shoulders square and all business. "It's time," she said. She gave Martin's hand a squeeze, her eyes sparkling with banked tears, and entered ahead of them. She took a seat at the outside end of a row.

Martin straightened his jacket and smoothed the lapels. He gave Danny a sideways glance and fought back a laugh when he caught his Best Man smoothing his hair back. Danny caught the look, returned it, and then propelled Martin forward at the elbow.

Stepping into the room, Martin angled so they would walk down the center of the very short aisle. At its end, a white lattice arch and the Justice of the Peace waited. Behind him were floor to ceiling windows overlooking Katherine's beloved rose garden in full bloom. The sky was dusky purple, dotted with round, pink clouds. White lights, winding through the garden's trees, sparkled and the colored blossoms made a living Monet painting.

Before he knew it, Martin felt Danny stop him. He gave the Justice a quick nod before turning to face the gathering of friends.

"Nervous?" Danny whispered as they stood side by side with their hands clasped in front of them.

"Only if you lost the ring," Martin whispered back. He glanced at Danny when there was no response and saw him pat his jacket pocket with a frown."Danny?"

Danny immediately broke into an impish grin. "Gotcha," he said.

Martin snorted in disbelief and the guitar and flute combo paused. The two men stood straighter. Martin felt remarkably calm.

The music started again and Elena appeared in the doorway looking elegant and beautiful in her pale yellow, knee length gown. She held a small bouquet of ivory and yellow flowers.

"Wow," Danny breathed. Martin had to agree.

When Elena reached them, she gave Martin a wink and took her place at his right hand. The music switched up again, and the Bride stepped into view.

"Whoa," Danny squeaked.

Martin was breathless. Samantha wore shimmery, satin ivory with long, simple lines that clung in the right places. Lace trimmed the neckline and sleeves, and there was a tiny line of pearls at the waistline. Martin's eyes, though, settled on her glowing face framed with a tumble of wavy gold hair and a simple lace veil. Her eyes locked with his and her smile exuded the same calm confidence he felt. This was more than right. This was perfect.

At that moment, Martin knew his life was really just beginning. Whatever trials resulted from the recent string of incidents were simply gateways to a new life - a life that bound their two souls forever.

Finis

A/N: Thank you again for reading. All feedback is welcome.