Crys And Gabe

by J. A. Hornbuckle

*.*.*.*.*

  "You look beautiful, Pretty Girl," Jake said, moving to Cait's side. "Even with the big-ass camera hiding your face."

  Cait pulled the camera down, the camera Jake had bought her, and smiled.

  "Thanks, honey," she said softly. She knew the invite had said casual. But this was a big day and she had wanted to wear something more than jeans and boots. Her navy dress, the one she'd bought for her and Jake's first party, was perfect.

  "Why're you taking pictures, now, though?" He glanced around the pretty little clearing. "There's nothing fucking happening."

  "She'll want to see how all of this came together," Cait said confidently, pointing the camera to J.R. from Enrique's who was setting up the buffet. "Is the camcorder set up?"

  Jake sighed. She'd asked him that question twice now and he answered in the affirmative both times. Which told him she was excited, too excited to be paying much attention.

  His girl was like that.

  Was she gonna be this ditzy when they finally tied the knot?

  Probably. Hopefully, he thought with a smile as he snagged her hand and raised it to his lips, kissing the big chocolate diamond ring he'd given her when he'd asked her to marry him.

  He saw Frank and Stan on the other side of the creek, which now had a platform spanning it where Crys and Gabe would be making their vows. Frank's arms were waving around and Stan had his hands on his hips as he listened to whatever Frank was so emphatic about. Stan must have balls of steel, Jake thought. That kind of drama would be too much to take day-to-day. But, Stan obviously liked it to have put up with it so long.

  "Gonna go help with the chairs, Cait, yeah?" Jake rumbled, leaning to kiss her cheek.

  "Wait!" she said, turning the camera towards him. "Say cheese."

  Jake rolled his eyes but did as instructed.

  She lowered the camera with a soft look in her eye.

  God, he loved this woman.

  His woman.

  *.*.*.*.*

  "So, what'd we get them, Pyari?" Ram said, holding back the branches of a bush so she could pass by, as they made their way down the path from the house to the creek.

  "Frames. Lots and lots of frames, in lots of different sizes, so they can have lots and lots of pictures around their new house," Marianne said, her tummy tumbling in anticipation of the impeding wedding.

  Ram adjusted the huge tote bag and felt the contents shift as he moved.

  "I've not been to a lot of weddings, Pyari, but this seems kind of early to be having one, isn't it?"

  "I've never heard of having a wedding in the morning, but it makes sense. It's going to be hot and Crys said that they wanted to get married at the creek," she said, making her way carefully down the newly cleared path in her platformed shoes. She knew the invitation had said to dress casually but this was a big deal. And you always got dressed up for the 'big deals' that life let you be a part of.

  "Plus, they've got a long day in order to make it to the ship," she said. Crys and Gabe were taking a cruise to Alaska before disembarking to stay at a little cabin for a week. They'd arranged to return via the cruise ship, too, which was really cool.

  But Crys was always cool.

  Ram stopped at the edge of the clearing, feeling Marianne come up beside him and tuck her hand around his arm.

  "Oh, Ram," she breathed. "This is beautiful."

  And it was.

  The small dusty clearing, so special to Crys and Gabe, had been transformed. There were vines with tiny white flowers twisted around the trunks of the trees surrounding the clearing showcasing the space perfectly. The bridge, more like a platform really, covering the small creek, had two huge bouquets on stands at the farthest end as well as a small white arch.

  They watched Jake setting up chairs in front of the creek and saw J.R. from Enrique's lighting the candles underneath the food warmers on a long table to their right. The small three-tiered wedding cake, iced in deep red poppies and black vines, held pride of place on a small round covered table just at the end of the buffet. Slightly to their left, there was another platform, this one much bigger, sitting next to another round table that held an iPod docking station connected to a small generator.

  Ram heard Marianne sigh as they both looked around.

  He leaned down and captured her beautiful mouth.

  God, he loved her mouth.

  "When is it our turn for this, Pyari?" he asked softly, his lips lying softly against hers, their breath mingling.

  She pulled back a little and looked at him. "Are you sure, Ram? Not just because of the baby?"

  "Please call Mataji," he said, his heart in his eyes and watched her smile. "Call my mother and, at least, start planning."

  "I will, honey," she said, reaching a hand up to stroke his face. "I promise."

  *.*.*.*.*

  Frank-kay pulled the small, well-worn notebook out of his back pocket.

  Oh, God.

  Still so much to do.

  He glanced at his watch.

  "Marianne? Cait?" he called as he moved towards two of his best friends and kissed their cheeks in greetings. "Need some help, please."

  "Anything, Frank," Cait said, holding a huge camera. She'd told him earlier in the week she'd be 'playing photographer' as her wedding gift to Crys and Gabe. Frank had seen her pictures on the walls of her and Jake's home and couldn't disagree.

  His girl had a gift.

  "Need to put the slip covers on the chairs," he said, looking back down at his list. "The covers are in the wheelbarrow behind the dance floor."

  "Dance floor?" Marianne said looking around the clearing.

  Without looking up, Frank pointed to the large platform sitting by the iPod dock.

  "On it," Cait said, moving to hand the camera to Jake.

  Frank placed a small checkmark on his list.

  "What's next," Stan asked, walking up while wiping his face with a bandanna.

  Frank glanced up and felt his mind calm just looking at his partner of five years.

  "There's a tote in the wagon behind the buffet. I packed you a clean shirt and baby wipes so you can clean up," Frank explained, wanting to wrap his arms around his man. Stan had worked so hard and had been so patient, listening through the nights when Frank was planning the wedding. Actually, freaking out about the wedding, if the truth were to be told.

  Stan smiled and clapped Frank on the shoulder, the only real affectionate gesture they allowed themselves when in public, with people that may be offended by their relationship.

  Frank leaned forward to say a soft, "I love you."

  "And you are my world," Stan said equally as soft.

  Frank turned away, willing the tears that had filled his eyes to stop before they made their way to where everyone could see them.

  The seats were almost completely done, the red, black and white striped coverings adding that special touch of color, an elegance to the festivities.

  He and Crys had finally come to an agreement. He was in charge of all things outside. She just chose the colors, her signature deep red and black, and her dress.

  Frank had asked Gabe if there was anything he wanted for their special day. Smiling, Gabe told him that he was already getting it by having Crys marry him.

  He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his eyes at the memory.

  God, it was going to be an emotional day.

  *.*.*.*.*

  Leila's eyes admiringly roamed over Crys's back from her place just behind and to the left of her on the bridge over the creek. From the garland of white flowers in her now brown, long hair, down to the beautiful strapless, white-eyelet dress, and the white gladiator heels festooned with silver studs, Crys looked beautiful.

  She made a stunning bride with her own special flare.

  Leila heard the minister start to speak and slid her eyes to Dex, stunning in his dress shirt and tie.

  The next part was all him.

  "Who gives this woman in marriage?" the minister asked.

  "We al
l do!" came the enthusiastic shout, a shout so loud the birds lifted from the trees.

  Crys turned to look at the group behind her, with a chuckle.

  "Jay-sus, folks, get a grip, would you? I'm getting married here!"

  It seemed very short, the ceremony. But then again, Leila thought it was Margaret Meade who said that the actual vows took place between the husband and wife a long time before the official ceremony took place.

  Soon tables appeared and the chairs rearranged so they could enjoy the wedding 'brunch' as Frank-kay called it.

  Leila and Dex were sitting alone at their table, waiting for the line to shorten before they made their way to enjoy Enrique's Huevos Rancheros with homemade tortillas. The clearing air was filled with laughter and of many voices talking together.

  "I've been thinking, Elle," she heard Dex say, watching him lean his elbows on the table and bring their faces together. He slid his nose along hers before pressing a soft kiss on her mouth. "I want to make this legal. Make us legal."

  Her breath caught and she felt her heart speed up.

  Oh. My. God.

  Was he saying what she thought he was saying?

  "Will you marry me, Leila?" he asked softly and placed a small jewelers bag in front of her.

  A ring? Dex had gotten her a ring?

  She opened the bag and poured out a simple platinum ring out of the bag. A simple platinum ring with a huge, emerald shaped diamond solitaire as its only adornment.

  He was still, so fucking still next to her.

  Was he holding his breath?

  "Yes, baby," she breathed, slipping the ring on. She ran her hand along his shoulders and leaned into him. "You better believe I'll marry you!"

  "Good," he breathed, leaning back in his chair in what she could swear was relief.

  She couldn't help it, she just had to get closer. Leila stood and threw her leg over his lap before reseating herself allowing the full skirt of her red dress to drape around them, winding her arms around his neck. She felt him move his arms to her waist before one hand came up between her shoulder blades, pulling her closer.

  "God, get a room, yeah?" they heard Jake rumble as the rest of the group broke out into laughter.

  "Should we tell them?" Leila asked on a whisper.

  "Naw, its Crys and Gabe's day," Dex whispered back, before moving his mouth to hers for a searing kiss.

  "Yeah, you're right," she agreed, doing her own nose slide.

  "God, say it again," he breathed. She knew he wasn't talking about her accepting his proposal. Her man was a dick, a self-admitted dick and so he was looking for her to say what he very rarely heard from anyone.

  "You're right, Dex," she said with a giggle. "Sometimes!"

  "Anything else?" he asked laughing with her.

  "Oh, yeah. Boo-yah!" she said with the chopping motion that accompanied it performed behind his shoulders.

  *.*.*.*.*

  "Hi, I'm Ben," she heard a deep voice say before seeing the gorgeous man she'd sat next to during the ceremony put his filled plate on the table.

  She put her plastic fork down and raised her brown eyes to his bright blue ones before stretching out her hand.

  "Vicki," she said, introducing herself.

  "I haven't seen you around before," Benny said, releasing their hand clasp.

  "I'm not from around here. Just came out for the wedding," she said, turning back to her food, blinking slowly. He was utterly yummy with his sun-streaked hair, square jaw and the best smile she'd ever seen on a man. The vision of that smile was seared in her brain and, for a moment, she couldn't think much less eat.

  "Oh?" he asked, his eyes roaming over her dark blonde hair, streaked with lighter blonde almost matching what his hair seemed to have naturally. "And how do you know the happy couple?"

  "I design and make the body jewelry that Crys uses in her work," she explained through a mouthful of the delicious food.

  "Vicki? San Luis Obispo Vicki?" he asked, his eyes widening and moving down over her light blue, draped neck tank, catching at the hint of cleavage exposed.

  "The one and only," she replied with a smile, her own eyes roaming over the broad shoulders in his brown dress shirt. "How do you know them?"

  "I'm Gabe's dad," Benny said and Vicki could hear the pride in his voice.

  Nice, she thought. A man that had a kid and wasn't afraid to let it be known that he was proud to have him.

  A little older than I'm usually attracted to but dead sexy, he thought to himself.

  "I have a nine year old girl myself," she admitted. "Love of my life."

  "Where's she?" Benny asked, intrigued. When was the last time he'd heard someone talk about their kid with love, admit to loving them?

  "At home, with my mom," Vicki explained. Gorgeous, speaks well of his kid, and not put off by her having a daughter. Damn, that was half her checklist in one short conversation.

  Their eyes caught and there were a couple of moments of silence between them.

  A connected kind of silence.

  Oh, boy, Vicki said to herself, feeling parts of her body responding to what she saw in his eyes.

  Holy fuck, Benny said to himself, feeling a definite stirring in his crotch.

  They smiled at one another.

  "So, you wanna dance, gorgeous?" he asked softly, pushing back his plate.

  *.*.*.*.*

  "Crys and I want to thank you all for coming, for helping us celebrate," Gabe said, standing up at the table. "It really means a lot having you here. We need to take off soon, but you are all more than welcome to stay, to continue the party. We'll see you when we get back."

  "To Crys and Gabe," someone yelled.

  "Crys and Gabe," the rest of the party chorused.

  He grabbed Crys's hand and they started to make their way to the path that led back to the house.

  But they were soon surrounded.

  Laughingly hugged, jostled, thumped and kissed by all their friends and family, the well-wishes echoing in the small clearing next to a creek.

  Their creek.

  Gabe caught Crys's eye and saw her face was wet with tears.

  He couldn't help it.

  Gabe grabbed his girl, his wife, and kissed her as if his life depended on it.

  "Ladies and Gentlemen," Gabe heard Dex announce. "I give you Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Mykalson."

  And the birds lifted again on the thundering applause and shouts that filled the air.

  Epilogue

  Crys woke slowly, her face turned towards the glass of the teeny-tiny patio of their stateroom on the 'Alaskan Queen', their cruise ship.

  It wasn't dark and it wasn't light, but a kind of deep dusk which she knew was as dark as it was going to get in this part of the world.

  At this time of year.

  "You awake, Kitten?" she heard Gabe ask on a sleepy mumble into her hair.

  "Yeah, baby," she said softly.

  "Great wedding," he mumbled for the six hundred and thirty-eighth time.

  She smiled. He obviously liked what Frank had put together, and, truthfully?

  It had been wonderful.

  Beautiful.

  Magical.

  "Stopping by the graveyard, Gabe?" she asked, swallowing thickly as she remembered. "That was perfect."

  He'd taken a detour on their way out of town, their original plan was to head to Durango to catch their connecting flight to Denver. But he'd driven them to Sunnyside where both of their parents, his mom and her dad, had been laid to rest.

  "I want to tell them, Kess," he'd mumbled as he left the truck, making his way to her door. "I want to tell them that we're together."

  And they did.

  They'd told Deby the whole story. The story of them, all the parts that she'd missed.

  Of the two of them growing the rest of the way up.

  Of the time that they were apart.

  Of their hopes, plans and dreams going forward.

  When they were done, Crys held her hand against D
eby's headstone rubbing her, her and Deby's, rings softly against the granite.

  "Thank you," she whispered, her heart so full of love, thankful for the gift of Deby and Deby's son.

  For Max, they got giddy.

  Telling their story, but the funny bits.

  The ironic parts.

  Filling him in on their youthful bumblings and fumblings, the misunderstandings and the wacky parts that made them, each of them, a part of one another.

  "And she's making me wear a fucking ring, too, Max," Gabe had crowed at the end of their tale.

  "Damn straight, amigo," Crys had growled. "Marking my territory."

  "Love him, Daddy. Love him so much it almost hurts," she'd exclaimed after sharing a major lip lock with her man.

  "Love her, Max," Gabe said, his tone firm but his voice soft. "I'll take care of her, cherish her. I promise."

  Crys felt a tear slip down her cheek as she remembered it and knew that that memory would be with her forever.

  "You crying?" Gabe asked, tightening the arm he had around her waist.

  "Maybe," she drawled, wiping her face before she turned towards him. "Got a problem with it, husband?"

  "Never, wife," he said, bringing his mouth to hers.

  She wiggled against him, feeling his hardness against her belly.

  "Careful," he hissed, pulling his mouth and chest away.

  "Aw, does Baby Gaby's nipple still hurt?" she asked trying and failing to keep the smile out of her voice.

  "Kind of," he admitted.

  Crys reached behind her for the numbing cream.

  "I'll do you, then you can do me," she said, rubbing it against the nipple barbell she'd given him a couple of days before.

  "Deal," he whispered on a groan. "God, you weren't kidding. Sensitive."

  "I know, right?" she breathed, feeling his hardness flex against her.

  He growled and thrusted against her.

  She shoved the small tube against his chest. "My turn."

  Gabe reached up and caught the chain to turn on one of the reading lamps placed above the bed.

  Crys scooted back and raised her arm, exposing her new ink. The tattoo was of a dragon, with flames from the mouth moving up and around her left breast.

  The dragon head in the front had a necklace, a medallion that was emblazoned with a "G". The other head, the one twisted around her back, had the same sort of a necklace but read "C".