Chapter Text
ONE YEAR LATER ON FEBRUARY SEVENTH…
“Okay, everyone knows the plan. We make our entrance, looking good while doing it. When the girls move in, everyone rises and sees-”
“Bozer, are you seriously trying to quarterback my wedding?” Mac was a mix of excitement, anxiety and pressure as he fixed the bow tie on his tuxedo.
“I’m sorry, man. I’m just excited! My two best friends are getting married today!” Bozer wasn’t lying. For the last seven months, Mac and Riley have been preparing for this day. The day they would officially become husband and wife. Mac could still remember his proposal after their mission in Paris, of all places, to expose a corrupt arms dealer. After the arrest, Mac insisted on taking her to the Eiffel Tower. She always said that she wanted to go there since she was a little girl. But, to her shock and delight, Mac got down on one knee and proposed.
“You know, I wish I knew about your enthusiasm before I made you my Best Man.” He could have only asked Bozer to be his Best Man, but he has been a little too over the top lately.
“Me too. I think still have that hangover from your bachelor party a week ago.” Russ’s complaint didn’t sit too well with Bozer.
“Says the narcissist who insisted on his son being named Russ junior?” The boss knew he was going to pick on that. Ever since his son was born, the team has been poking fun at the fact that he named his baby after himself. He said it was Sofia’s idea, but the team was sceptical.
“Will you stop poking fun at my son’s name?”
“Only when it stops being funny.” A small knock at the door alerted them and Matty walked in. She couldn’t help herself looking at Mac.
“Well, look at you, Blondie. All dashing and handsome. One might think you’re getting married today.” They all laughed at her joke.
“Yeah. I will be as long as” Another knock at the door made them turn to see Logan emerge. “Oh, right on cue.”
“So… The bride is here. The girls are getting ready and everyone’s taking their seats. The only thing is I don’t know where the priest is.” Matty knew the answer.
“Oh, I gave him the day off.” They all looked at her with raised eyebrows. “Did you honestly think I would let a stranger marry you guys? Please.” They all laughed, but Mac felt a little spoilt. Matty would be officiating his wedding.
“So, are you doing this or what?” They all looked at Mac, who gave them a resounding nod. As they cleared out, Matty stopped Mac.
“Mac, this goes without saying, but… your mom and dad would be proud of you.” He smiled as he kneeled to hug her.
“Thank you, Matty.”
“You’re welcome, Mac.” They both smiled as they walked out.
Mac and Riley agreed to a small wedding venue in preparing for their wedding. They didn’t want it to be big. Just immediate friends and family. However, it didn’t stop Milton and Lauretta Bozer from driving down to be there, meeting Dianne on the way in. Sofia was carrying little Russ as everyone took their seats as the music started playing. The first couple to come out was a pregnant Kensi and Deeks. The relationship between the Phoenix and NCIS was still going strong to the point Riley and the girls were invited to Kensi’s baby shower some weeks ago. They loved it and got Riley thinking about starting her own family with Mac once they were married. But that was something further down the line.
The couple that followed them was Desi and Evan. After everything that happened with Murdoc, Desi decided she and Evan had waited long enough and got married in a small ceremony. Later, Matty offered Evan a job as a new counsellor for returning vets and researching new ways to combat PTSD. It was a perfect fit for him as he could relate to people with trauma better than most.
The next couple was Logan and Kira. Since locking up her ex-husband, Kira’s life had changed for the better. She and Logan were in a good place and she became a more capable agent learning under Desi and Leanna. Logan became more comfortable around to the point their friends helped them move in together. Next was the Best Man and Maid of Honour: Bozer and Leanna. They were on the same trajectory as Mac and Riley. Bozer proposed a few months ago and Leanna said yes, but they decided to wait on planning their wedding until after Mac and Riley’s.
Mac followed behind them and everyone was happy to see him. They all smiled as he made his way to the end of the aisle, waiting for his bride. Then, the music started and with escorting her out, Riley emerged in a beautiful white floral dress with a veil. Mac was awestruck watching her come closer and closer with a radiant smile on her face. Mac remembered asking Dianne for her blessing to marry Riley. He wasn’t sure about how Elwood would feel about it, but her mother approved of him so that was enough. As Elwood handed off his daughter, Mac and Riley smiled as they were ready for the most important day of their lives.
“Everyone, please be seated.” Matty’s tone was soft but still sassy. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the love and union of Angus MacGyver and Riley Davis. As you all know, I have known these two for a very long time and I have personally seen their love blossom into something truly beautiful, so if anyone here has a problem with that, speak now or forever hold their peace.” They all waited in silence for any sort of objection, but none rose. “I figured as much.” Everyone laughed as they watched on. Matty continued with her speech, with Mac and Riley eagerly waiting for their part to play.
“Now, the Bride and the Groom will now say their vows. Mac, would you like to go first?” He nodded with enthusiasm. With a deep breath, he readied himself to deliver the vows he has been memorising for weeks.
“Riley. The day I met you, I knew that I met an amazing woman. Your strength, honesty and brilliance showed me that you were someone special. What I didn’t see was how special you would become. You have been my partner, my best friend, my soulmate. You have been there for me when no one else has and have given me strength when I needed it most. I fell in love with everything about you: the way you brightened my day with your dancing when you make me laugh when I’m feeling blue, even when you smile at my endless explanations about whatever we have been talking about.” Riley giggled at that while holding back her happy tears. “It has been my honour to be a part of your life and I look forward to spending the rest of mine with you.”
Mac pouring his heart out to her made her blush and hold back her tears of joy at the same time. With one deep breath, she readied herself.
“Mac. When we first met, I didn’t believe in soulmates or destiny. But, when you unlocked my cuffs, with a paperclip no less, you gave me my life back. Now, I have this extraordinary life, all because you took a chance on me. You and I have been together through so much, even when the whole world was against us and over time, I felt myself believe again. I do believe it was destiny that brought us together and I believe with all of my heart that you, Angus MacGyver, are my soulmate. I fell in love with you in every way possible; how your mind comes up with those on-the-fly inventions, your drive to help others and how your heart knows when I need you most. My place is at your side and we will continue our journey the same way we always have: together.” Everyone was moved to tears by their vows. Dianne, especially, seeing her little girl getting married.
“Will the Best Man please provide the rings?” Bozer pulled out the rings and handed them to Mac and Riley.
“Angus MacGyver, do you take Riley Davis to be your lawfully wedded wife to love and cherish, in sickness and in health, till death does you apart?”
“I do.” Mac gently slipped on her ring, alongside his engagement ring which he made with the very paperclip he used to unlock her cuffs.
“Riley Davis, do you take Angus MacGyver to be your lawfully wedded husband to love and cherish, in sickness and in health, till death does you apart?”
“I do.” She gently slipped on the silver ring on his finger.
“Then, by the power vested in me, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Mac lifted the veil and they sealed the deal with a gentle kiss, erupting the whole venue into cheers and applause. Mac and Riley were married at last…
Like the wedding, the reception dinner wasn’t big, but it was enough space for Bozer to flex his decorating skills and get them a band to play. Everyone was already there until Logan got on stage with his guitar, ready for his part.
“Okay, ladies and gentlemen, it is time for the first dance, so please help me welcome for the first time, Angus and Riley MacGyver!” Everyone cheered as the bride and groom entered with big, happy smiles on their faces. Walking into the middle of the floor and readied themselves for their dance. Logan started playing the song: Stars Are on Your Side by Ross Copperman. As Logan sang, Riley and Mac felt each other melt into their arms, dancing slowly and enjoying the emotion of the song. Everyone looked on, watching and recording the newlyweds on the floor. As they danced, they felt all of their memories replayed in their minds, the most significant was their first kiss. The moment they knew they were in love. Still, despite the moment, Riley had to tell Mac something.
“Hey, I know this is our day and all, but I have to tell you something. It’s about Leanna.”
“Sure. What is it?” She briefly looked at her Maid of Honour before looking back at her new husband.
“She’s pregnant.” That surprised Mac to say the least. “Yeah, she had an unfortunate incident this morning. Luckily, she wasn’t wearing her dress.”
“Seriously?” She nodded. “Okay, we will celebrate this, but right now, let’s enjoy ourselves for a little while longer.”
“I can work with that.” She smiled as they kissed at the end of the song. As Logan left the stage for the main musician, all of the couples started dancing together as the song went on. Soon enough, Milton tapped on Mac’s shoulder.
“Apologises, Mac, but I was hoping to dance with your beautiful bride.”
“Of course, but I do want her back.” They laughed as they danced together. Like a father-in-law would.
“Trying to steal me away from my man already, Milton?”
“And why would you assume that? No, I just wanted to say welcome to the family, Riley, and wish you and Mac all the best in your future.” She smiled and hugged him. She always felt the Bozers welcomed her into their family with open arms. Meanwhile, Dianne managed to get her hands on Mac and started dancing with him.
“I can’t believe you and my daughter are married, Mac.”
“I know. It feels surreal.”
“Regardless, I know you will take care of my daughter. Because if you don’t, my girl packs a mean right.” They both laughed at the fact Dianne was right.
“Don’t I know it.” He wasn’t kidding. A small sparring mishap left a bruise on his jaw. "I promise I'll look after her." Dianne knew he couldn't keep that promise, given their lives, but she did appreciate the gesture.
As the night went on, Logan and Bozer decided to spring a surprise for the newlyweds.
“Everyone, could I have your attention please?” Everyone’s eyes were on Bozer as a screen descended behind him and Logan started typing on a laptop connected to a projector. “Now, I know there are several reasons why my two best friends fell in love, but we all owe their union to one man. Someone who, tragically, couldn’t be here today.” Mac knew who he was talking about. “So, while Logan and I were helping Mac clear some stuff out from storage, we found something. Something we would like to share with the bride and groom. So, everyone please, put your hands together… for Jack Dalton.” Mac and Riley looked at each other in shock as the projector fired up and a video of Jack was on screen.
“Hey, everyone! So, uh… it’s my man, Mac’s wedding day! Oh, man, what do you say about the smartest nerd you’ll ever meet? Is it that fact that no matter how much trouble you’ll get stuck in, he’ll always find a way to get you out of it? Nah, that’s not it. How about the fact that crazy mind of his can turn a beer can into a grenade? Nope. No… The best thing about Mac is his heart because he’ll always be at your side, no matter what is. Whether it’s something crazy or simply needing a friend even if you specifically asked to be alone. He’s always been my best friend even though half the time, I thought he was going to kill us. Mac, I say this with every fibre of my being that you deserve to be happy, man, and that lucky lady you’re married just hit the jackpot, man, no doubt about it. You are the kindest, smartest, most lovable sap I’ve ever met and never change, bud. You’re already perfect just the way you are.” The video stopped and Mac felt like his friend just gave him the best wedding present from beyond the grave. His heart swelled with emotion and he started to cry. It was Jack, really Jack. But the boys weren’t done yet, as they started up another video of Jack.
“Hey, Ri. Uh… wow. You’re getting married. That… is something. Listen, I know you and I didn’t start on the best of terms, but I’ve always thought of you as my daughter. You got a spark to ya, kid, that lets you think up these amazing ideas if only to get me to do what you wanted. But, seriously, you’re brilliant, strong and maybe a little too much sass from Dianne, but I’m just saying. Ri, you deserve every bit of happiness that’s coming your way, so enjoy it. Live a little. But make no mistake: if your new hubby steps even a toe out of line, you give me a call and I’ll make sure to give him one of these.” Everyone laughed at Jack’s showing off his fist: His primary weapon for taking down bad guys. “I love you, Ri. Always.” He blew a kiss to the camera before the video stopped. Riley started bursting into tears. The man she looked up to as her father gave her a wedding speech even though he was gone. She was so happy that Jack was here, even if it was in spirit. Leanna spotted the tears on both of them, desperately trying to keep the bride’s makeup perfect.
“Oh, no, no. Don’t cry.” Riley tried waving her hands to stop them, but with little success. Logan and Bozer approached them and the bride and groom hugged their friends.
“Thank you so much, you guys.”
“What are brothers for?” They all smiled. They were family. Their little Phoenix family.
“So, you guys had no idea what Logan and Bozer were up to?” Riley questioned her friends about the boys' little plan to bring Jack back.
“Honestly, no. We had no idea.” Leanna was adamant, but at the same time, a little proud. Bozer’s skills in deception have gotten better.
“And besides, if we knew what they were up to, we would have helped them.” Kira’s comment did ring true. They definitely would have helped. “Alright, enough about that. Where are you guys going for your honeymoon?” Riley already knew the answer.
“Actually, we have been talking about it for years since that undercover op against Codex. Yellowknife, Canada.”
“What in Yellowknife?”
“The Northern Lights. According to Mac, they are quite beautiful there.”
“Ooo.” The girls all teased the bride, but they had to hand it to Mac. He knew how to make a trip romantic.
“Yeah, there’s going be hiking in the mountains, walks through the forests-”
“Skinny dipping in the lakes?” Leanna’s tease raised a few eyebrows as it wasn’t completely out of the realm of possibility when it came to Riley’s love life.
“Among other things.” Before the conversation got a little too dirty, Kensi decides to change the subject.
“You know, I have to say you guys threw a great wedding together.”
“Was your wedding like this, Kensi?”
“No. We went for an outdoor setting, but Hetty did drive a mini cooper through a window though.” They all looked at Kensi like she wasn’t joking. “What? The woman knows how to make an entrance.” They all laughed at her wedding story. Meanwhile, Mac was wondering how the boys managed to pull their surprise without alerting him
“How on Earth did you two find those messages from Jack?”
“Well, you remember when you asked us to clear out one of Jack’s old storage units? It turns out he had recorded a bunch of videos in case the worst happened, including the Robo-Apocalypse he was going on about.” Mac laughed at that last one. Jack never stopped going on about how the robots would rise against them.
“Yeah, your man was quite the packrat.”
“Okay, sidestepping the robot uprising, what have got planned for the honeymoon, Mac? I can only imagine you’re taking her to NASA or something like that.” Mac rolled his eyes at Deeks’ attempt at a joke, but it did give him the opening he needed.
“Well, right now, I was thinking about busting out the cigars. Wouldn’t you agree, Boze?” Bozer knew what Mac was talking about, but the others were in the dark.
“Cigars? What for?”
“Riley told you?”
“Little tip: when the Maid of Honour has morning sickness, the bride will take notice.” Logan’s eyes widened as did Deeks’.
“Are you serious, Boze?” He nodded slowly with a smile. “Mate!” Logan gave him a huge hug. “Congratulations.”
“Yeah, man.” Everyone was excited. Bozer is going to be a father. “You’re going make a great dad.”
“So long as I don’t name my kid after myself.” They all laughed at yet another jab at Russ.
As the evening was wrapping up, the wedding photos taken and everyone ready to move out, Leanna and Bozer escorted the newlyweds outside to see their chariot: Riley’s GTO all dressed up with Just Married decorations all around the car with Logan and Kira at the wheel.
“We felt like you guys should go out in style.” Everyone smiled, but Mac and Riley were touched. Everything about their day was perfect, especially the videos of Jack and their friends did this all for them. Mac had to say something.
“Everyone. I like to thank you all for coming. You have made this day so special for us. We love all of you for doing this. You are our family.” Riley hugged him as everyone smiled in silence. However, as they approached the car, Leanna noticed something.
“Riley! The bouquet!” Riley saw she still had it and smiled embarrassingly.
“Gather around, ladies!” All of the women suddenly bunched up as Riley turned around and threw the bouquet behind her. To everyone’s surprise, Matty caught it. Everyone laughed and smiled. As the newlyweds entered their car with Mac at the wheel, they looked back to see all of their friends, both new and old, wishing them well.
“Ready to go, Mrs Angus MacGyver?”
“Whenever you are, Mr Riley Davis.” With one last kiss, Mac started the engine and they both felt it.
“WHOO!” They cheered as they drove off, ready to big their next big adventure…