“I like old people. They have the most interesting things to say.” He studied her eyes. Sid was in a white cotton summer blouse and a short pair of khaki shorts that really showed off her long legs. The feminine sandals and painted toenails were a nice touch. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks.” She blushed. “Geez, you’re making me feel like I’m sixteen again. Look, I have goose bumps.”
“I have that effect on people.” Smoke studied the stained glass windows on the church. It had been a week since his run-in with Uncle Earl. Earl’s warnings still weren’t sitting well with him. The nagging in his neck told him something was coming. Something bad. It was hard to ignore it, but this was more important. “So, two days.”
“Yep, two days and we become a permanent team.”
“Like Batman and Batgirl?” he said.
“I don’t think they ever got married.”
“I know, I was just testing you. Maybe Superman and Lois Lane?”
Sid stroked her silky long hair that hung over the shoulder. “I’m not a very big DC fan.”
“Me neither.” Smoke switched to his Batman voice. “But I just love saying—”
“I’m Batman!” Sid said in her own imitation.
“That was really horrible.” Smoke shook his head. “How about Yellow Jack and Wasp?”
“Too small. Vision and the Scarlet Witch?”
“Nah. Spider-Man and Mary Jane?” he offered.
“No, too nerdy, but I always liked Patsy Walker and Nighthawk. I can’t remember if they got married though.” She shrugged. “How about Daredevil and Electra?”
“You look too good to be Electra,” he said. “And if I were Daredevil, I’d never get to see you. I can’t have that.” He kissed her briefly. “How about we start our own comic book team?”
“Sure,” she agreed. “How about The Supernatural Adventures of Sid and Smoke?”
“Let’s just call it Sid and Smoke. Shorter is cooler.”
“If you say so, husband-to-be.” She took his hand. “Come on. Pastor Stanley can’t wait to meet you.”
CHAPTER 17
The discussion with Pastor Stanley lasted about an hour, and then Smoke and Sid were back in her car. She was behind the wheel of the Hellcat with a childish grin on her face. “So, what did you think of Pastor Stanley?” she said.
“I like him. He really knows his stuff.”
“He should, he’s been pastor here since my dad was a kid.” Cruising down the highway to the sound of the Hellcat’s throaty engine growling under the hood, she reached over and touched his hand. “It means a lot that you’re comfortable about all this.”
“It’s not so different than how I was raised. It makes me think about good times. I like it. Not as much as I like driving, but I like it.”
“Are you saying you don’t like my driving?” she said.
“No, I’d just like to drive the Hellcat. You know, once we get married, half of this car is mine.”
“Oh no, if that’s the case, maybe we need to get a prenup.”
“Fine by me, but you’re more than welcome to half of all that I have. Heck, you can have all of it.” His belly rumbled. “Man, all of this wedding business is making me hungry.”
“Of course it is. We’ll hit a drive-through on the way back to your place. Sound good?”
“Yep.”
She gave him a quick glance. “You know I’m only kidding about the car and prenup.”
“Of course I do. Don’t fret about it.”
“I won’t. I just don’t want you thinking I care about those things. I’m not like my sister. I couldn’t care less about money or power.” Sid’s features tightened. “I just don’t know why she’s such an idiot.”
“I’m worried about Allison and Megan too, Sid. Look, I hope they’ll be there. Good or bad, I think you want that too.”
Sid drove the car off the exit ramp and merged onto the two-lane highway. “I always thought Megan would be my flower girl and my sister would be my maid of honor. Now, I don’t even know where they are. I feel like it’s my fault.”
“Let’s just do what we’re doing and see what happens. Who knows, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if they showed up. Doesn’t Allison call your mom from time to time?”
“It’s been awhile.”
They pulled into a drive-through. Smoke ordered a bag full of food and two large shakes. Sid ordered a bottled water.
“You really should eat more,” he said, stuffing his face with the first of four hamburgers.
“I have a wedding dress to fit into.”
“I can’t wait to see you in it.” He took the top off the first shake and gulped half of it down. “You’re really embracing this wedding. I didn’t think you’d be that into it.”
“Is that so surprising?” she asked, pulling the Hellcat back onto the highway.
“Sort of. You’re gorgeous, but not so girlie. I just never envisioned you planning a wedding.”
“I have my softer side. Besides, I have my mom and your sister organizing things. They know what I like. They get the samples and I make the final choices. But there’s one choice I need your help with.”
“I’m fine with whatever you decide. Just thrilled to be in the ring with such a knockout.”
She punched his leg. “No, you need to take this seriously. We haven’t talked about the honeymoon. Where would you like it to be?”
“The bedroom.”
Sid rolled her eyes. “Yes, but a bedroom where?”
“It can be anywhere that has a bedroom.”
She shoved him in the shoulder. “Come on, do you want something remote, tropical, a beach? Niagara Falls? Maybe a European vacation?”
“I’m partial to the continental U.S., if that helps.”
“Wow,” she said, “you really narrowed it down. Haven’t you ever given any thought to where you might want to honeymoon?”
“No.”
“Just give me something, a hint. You’re a big part of this. I mean, not the most important part, obviously, but a movable part.” She rubbed his thigh. “Come on, tell me something.”
Smoke swallowed down the last bite of his first burger and said, “I would prefer that the wedding night be somewhere close. Very close. If we have to drive too far before we get there, my head might explode.”
With a purr in her voice she said, “We can’t have that now, can we?”
“I hope not.”
“It’s done then. I’ll make the arrangements. A honeymoon suite just outside of DC.” She gripped his hand. “I can’t wait either.”
Smoke tugged at his collar. “It might be a good idea to change the subject.”
“Why’s that?” she said, running her hand farther down his thigh.
“Let’s just say I don’t want to consummate the marriage prematurely.” He pressed his hand down on her hand, stopping it short of its course. “Please, I’ve been holding off this long. I’ve got to last two more days.”
Sid’s cheeks turned rosy. “That’s so sweet.”
“A honeymoon in Vegas or at a beach is fine by me. I like the sun and the heat.”
“I think I’d like to see you at the beach playing in the surf and sunshine. No shirt. Short swim trunks. Rubbing lots of warm suntan oil all over each other.”
“You’re killing me, Sid.” He shifted in his seat and crossed his legs. “Let’s go for the sand. Next plan?”
She let out a teasing little laugh. “Fine, I’ll be merciful. New subject. You never really told me much about your Uncle Earl. Did you say he was also Sam’s uncle? Because he seems like something other than that.”
“No, well, yes. He is her uncle, but he was also the one who recruited me to the SEALS.” Smoke started in on another burger. “He’s something else. A real taskmaster…” Smoke kept on talking about Earl and their long history together. It went on until they arrived back at his place. His white Camaro was sitting in front of the garage. Its frame was crushed, wheels bent into t
he fenders, and most of the glass was smashed. He tossed his head back and laughed. “A real practical joker, too.”
CHAPTER 18
“This is it, you lucky dog,” Guppy said to Smoke. They were inside the church, in one of the classrooms. The tables were small, and the colorful chairs were designed for little kids. Guppy finished tying up Smoke’s bowtie. “Do you feel like vomiting yet?”
“Nope,” he said, checking himself out in the mirror. His hands were clammy, and his stomach squirmed a little. The black tuxedo and grey silk cummerbund looked nice. Adjusting his cufflinks, he said, “Bond. James Bond.”
Guppy laughed.
“What are you laughing at?” Smoke said.
“You ain’t no James Bond, that’s for sure. Not handsome enough or scrawny enough, but if I had to pick one, I’d say you were more like Connery. He could have been something if he pumped some iron.” He poked Smoke in the belly with his sausage-link finger. “You feel a little soft. Have you quit working out?”
“Says the man who looks like a penguin on steroids.”
Pushing in front of the long mirror in his own tuxedo, Guppy thickened his arms and flapped them stiffly at his sides. “I do look like a penguin on steroids. I like it.”
“You would.”
Smoke was putting on his jacket when another man entered the room. It was Sid’s older brother Jerry, who he’d just met for the first time last night. Jerry looked very much like his father, Keith, a well-built fella with the look of a frontier lawman. His tuxedo was slung over his shoulder and still covered up in the plastic cover.
Smoke extended his hand. “Hey, Jerry.”
“Hey, Smoke.” Jerry spoke with a brassy voice. “Sorry I’m running late, but Cecilia kept me up all night, if you know what I mean.” He winked at Smoke and started taking his tuxedo out of the cover. The man was about Smoke’s age and wore a striped golf shirt and blue jeans. An automatic gun was tucked inside a shoulder holster. “Weddings really get her hot for some reason. That’s where I met her, at my partner’s wedding.”
Smoke had just met Jerry last night at the rehearsal dinner, and he’d concluded two things about him: the man talked too much bull, and he was always late. But otherwise, he wasn’t a half-bad fellow. He was a New York City detective who had worked in homicide and narcotics.
“Thanks for being here, Jerry. I know it means a lot to Sid.”
Dropping his pants, Jerry revealed some nasty bullet scars on his thighs. He caught Smoke and Guppy looking and said, “That was a harrowing night. Mobsters. They popped me in the legs.” He patted his sidearm. “I popped them in the head. I can’t talk about it to Cecilia so much. She really hates me being a cop. But man, sometimes you have to vent. So Smoke, you and Sid are bounty hunters now? That’s a pretty unique career path. I understand you’re a veteran, too. In the navy? I always thought those dungarees looked silly. Do they still wear those?”
“Pretty sure.”
In about three minutes, Jerry was dressed and ready to go. He faced Smoke and said, “Look, I don’t know you really well, but everyone seems to think you’re a pretty good guy. I pride myself as a damn good judge of character.” He looked Smoke up and down. “You look like an okay guy, but don’t most guys look okay before the wedding?”
There was a brief silence.
Guppy lifted his shoulders.
Jerry continued, “Listen, she’s my little sister, and I just want you to know from me that you better not hurt her. She’s family. We look out for one another. Capisce?”
Cheeks flushed, Guppy stepped into Jerry. “Boy, you don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. You’ve never met a better man, aside from your own dad.”
Dusting off his sleeves and without looking at Guppy, Jerry said, “Well, I don’t know about that. You see to it that you behave yourself, Smoke. I’ll be paying attention.”
Keith opened the door to the classroom and said, “It’s show time, gentlemen.”
Jerry followed his dad out.
Guppy sighed. “What was all that clishmaclaver about?”
Smoke shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s Biff Tannen complex.”
CHAPTER 19
Smoke stood at the altar with his hands clasped over his waist. His throat was a little tight. Eyeing the double doors that led into the sanctuary, he felt his fingers tingle. Was this finally going to happen, or was something dark and sinister going to swoop in?
Is this happening? It better be.
There were several small arrangements of flowers on the stage, and Pastor Stanley stood with his Bible in hand. He was a picture of wisdom and peace in his dark-blue suit and burgundy tie. Candelabra held tall candles lit with warm golden flames. The sun shined through the stained glass windows. A young girl in in a honey-colored dress with many curls in her hair played something soothing on the piano. The church pews were overflowing on both sides of the quaint brick-and-mortar building. The faces were warm, wrinkled, tearful, and friendly. The place had a spirit of its own.
The gentle stroke of the piano keys changed its tune and swelled to fill the room. Everyone stood up and turned to face the doors that split open at the opposite end.
Guppy had Samantha on his arm. Sam was tall and gorgeous, with her rich chestnut hair up in a bun. She wore a soft lavender dress that hugged her curves with class and sensuality. The husband and wife split apart and took their places on the dais.
Jerry and Cecilia came next. Cecilia was a vivacious Italian with short black hair and penetrating eyes. Jerry walked with a strut and had a bit of a smirk on his face. They kissed briefly and sauntered into their respective spots.
The wedding march started to play.
Smoke took a glance at Sally. She sat alone in the front pew. Her sweet face was already streaked with tears. On the groom’s side were some of Smoke’s other brothers and sisters and his adoptive parents, Charlotte and Larry. They were a pair of hardworking and well-dressed people. He gave Charlotte a little wink. Her eyes watered up.
At the top of the aisle, the young boys parted the doors again.
Sid stood arm in arm with her father Keith. The crowd erupted into complimentary murmurs as they walked down the aisle. Smiles were broad on everyone’s faces, seeing one of their own little girls all grown up and so beautiful in a marvelous wedding dress with inlaid pearls and a silver lining. The dress touched the floor but stopped there. Sidney’s face was covered in a white veil, but the swooping neckline and tight waist enhanced her sumptuous figure.
Smoke’s heart pounded in his temples. He couldn’t wait to feast his eyes on her. He was a little surprised too, as he hadn’t envisioned the veil. He teetered on his feet a little.
That better be her under there.
Keith led her up to the bottom step, whispered a few words in Sid’s ear, and took his seat by Sally. Sid slowly made her way up the steps. As she did so, Samantha took the bouquet. Smoke extended his hand to Sid. Her gloved hand touched his.
She really did go all out.
He searched for her eyes through the veil, but he couldn’t see them.
The height is right. The build is right.
So were those of Samone, Sid’s clone. And those of Allison. He started to wonder if any of these people were real at all. He never got the jitters this bad, not ever, before anything.
Pastor Stanley spoke. “Please sit down, everyone. I wish I could join you. Standing just doesn’t come as easily to an old preacher like me these days.” There was some laughter. “So, let’s get right down to it, shall we?”
Smoke nodded. Beside him, Sid was stiff as stone, her hand firm in his.
“Please face one another,” the pastor said. As they turned, he chatted. “So I’ve done more weddings than I can count, and I know many of you know what I’m about to say, but I’ll say it again and I’ll try not to be so long, because so many of you look hungry.”
Smoke squeezed Sid’s hand so as to say, “Is that you?”
She squeezed back o
nce.
But anyone can do that. Sid? Is that you? Please be you.
“Marriage is a mystery. Even in scripture, God does not fully declare its purpose, but He is very clear about the guidelines. You see, in the beginning God created man and saw that he was alone, and He made him a companion. This is the reason why a man leaves his mother and father and is united with his wife, and they become one flesh…”
Pastor Stanley kept on talking, and Smoke soaked the words in while at the same time he was trying to fight off a nagging sensation that seemed to be invading him. Everything had happened so fast that this very moment became surreal.
“And this is an important verse that I cannot implore upon the husband often enough. It will get you through those difficult days if you can abide by this.” The pastor’s finger scanned down the pages of the worn black leather Bible. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing of water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they do their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”
Smoke nodded. He was certain that Pastor Stanley was the real deal, but the lingering doubts were coming at him from everywhere else. The whole veil thing was really bothering him.
Get it together, John. That’s Sid under there. It couldn’t be anyone else. This is happening.
“Now, do we have the rings?” Pastor Stanley said.
Guppy fished them out of his pocket and handed them to the pastor. Pastor Stanley held them up for all to see and said, “Very nice. Endless circles of gold that will last for all eternity.”
Sid and Smoke unclasped their hands. She slid her gloves off and handed them to Sam.
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