Immediately upon assuming his new position, Michael had named Nikita his second-in-command. Therefore, now they were more involved in overseeing everything about Section rather than going out on missions. Only once in awhile, when Michael thought it was necessary, did they go on a mission and then they always went together. They were each other's backup and trusted no one else as much as they trusted each other. Madeline was not crazy about that idea at all. What if they were both taken prisoner or killed. That left no one behind to run Section. Michael had explained their position to Madeline and she finally relented. She knew they were the best team Section ever had and she wasn't about to try and break that up. Besides, Michael had told Madeline that if something happened to him and Nikita,she was there to oversee things until someone took charge. That seemed to put her mind at ease.

As she was getting ready, Nikita couldn't help but remember everything that had happened over the last six years. Her recruitment into Section, Michael, her training, Michael, the lies and betrayals, Michael, the"war," Michael, her friends Birkoff, Walter and yes, even Madeline and Operations -- whoops, that was Michael's title now. She just couldn't get used to calling him Paul. Madeline came through the door. She looked at Nikita and noticed how beautiful she looked.

"Are about ready? The ceremony is to start in 10 minutes. Do you need anything?" Madeline asked

"No, I'm fine. I'm just trying to go over my vows in my head one last time. I just know I'm gonna mess them up. I want this day to be so perfect -- we've waited too long for it."

"Relax, Nikita. You will be fine. Just think of what it is you really want to say to Michael. It will come when you need it. You just have the jitters. I'm sure Michael is feeling the same way."

Michael, nervous? I doubt that very much."

Little did Nikita know that Madeline was right. In a room at the other end of the church Michael was pacing like a caged animal.

"Will you calm down boy. You're gonna wear a hole in the carpet. You would think you were heading to an execution rather than a wedding to the woman you love!"

"I'm sorry Walter. I just want everything to be perfect. Nikita deserves it. I'm trying to go over my vows one last time. I don't want to make a fool out of myself."

"Listen here. Just say what's in your heart. That's all she wants to hear. That's all you need to say. You will be fine. Now stop pacing or I'm gonna tie you to that chair!"

Michael sighed and stopped pacing. Walter was right. He should just tell her what was in his heart. But where to begin? He had so much to say... so many things to tell her. Well, he'd just have to do the best he could.

Just then the minister came in and said it was time to start. Walter went to get Nikita. Michael and Birkoff, his best man, went to stand in the front of the church. It wasn't a huge crowd, just friends from the Section. Paul was sitting there in the first row on the bride's side. The organist started playing the wedding march. The doors at the back of the sanctuary opened and Madeline started down the aisle.

Michael still couldn't believe that Nikita had chosen Madeline as her maid of honor. But, ever since he had assumed the role of Operations, they seemed to have become closer and friendly. Once Madeline was at the front of the church, the congregation stood and turned to the back of the church. There she was. She was beautiful. He couldn't believe his eyes. Even in his wildest dreams he had never pictured her looking so beautiful. And she was staring right at him with a huge smile on her face. He smiled back at her and then Walter and Nikita started up the aisle. Once they reached the front of the church, everyone sat down.

The minister began the service.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God and this company to witness the joining of Michael and Nikita in holy matrimony. If there is anyone here who has just cause why these two should not be wed, let him speak now or forever hold his peace."

Michael and Nikita each held their breath. It was only a few seconds,but it seemed like forever to them. No one spoke. Once the minister started speaking again, they both let out a collective breath.

"Who gives this woman to be wed to this man?"

"I do." With that, Walter kissed Nikita on the cheek and gave her hand to Michael.

Michael took her hand and held it very gently, like it was something very rare and fragile and he was afraid he would hurt it or drop it. They looked into each other's eyes. Michael could see that Nikita was starting to get tears in her eyes. He smiled at her and squeezed her hand. She squeezed back and smiled. Then they turned to the minister.