by Tracy Ellen
“Good for Stella. That makes sense to me,” Jazy declared stoutly, as Eric’s friends nodded in acknowledgment of my explanation.
I don’t know who was who, but one of Eric George’s friends said, “Eric George loves Stella, but I agree, they never would have gotten engaged this soon if she wasn’t pregnant.” He shook his head sadly. “Damn, I was shocked they were having the baby, but I’d kinda gotten used to the idea of being an Uncle, you know?”
Everybody muttered their agreement.
Little Lucy stood up. Oblivious to the sad drama and tears around her, she wobbled out into the center of the aisle in my heels and lifted her hands in the air. “Ta da! I’m ready to be the flower girl now!”
Her big, innocent grin was the tonic we all needed. Watching the little girl strut up and down the white aisle runner, it was hard not to smile at her simple joy.
Anna rubbed her eyes and then clapped. “You’re doing great, honey.”
Lucy smiled and curtseyed carefully. She lost her balance when my shoe went sideways and sat down hard on her butt in a flurry of pink ruffles. The seven-year old clearly mumbled, “Damn!” under her breath.
We all snickered behind our hands, but Lucy didn’t glance up from grunting heavily as she fought with the high heel to fit it back on her foot.
Jazy mused quietly, “Why are swearing kids so cute?”
Reggie offered, “Because they remind you of yourself and you’re an egotist.”
Jazy snorted. “Oh thank you, Dr. Fucking Freud.”
My family does not do sadness or tragedy for long. We are an irreverent bunch, but I’ve learned it’s not because we don’t feel, it’s because we feel too much. Humor is our coping mechanism when life pitches fastballs and beans us in the head.
Tre J scrubbed at her eyes and sighed loudly. “It’s a shame all this is going to waste, but we can still go to the wedding brunch, right?”
Jazy said, “Yeah, no offense, Anna, but this chapel is decorated way cooler than yours.”
Surprisingly, Anna didn’t bristle, but nodded. “It’s beautiful. Stella did an awesome job using these colors.” She nodded at Tre J. “Heck yeah, my vote is we go to the brunch. It’s all bought and paid for, so why should we let that go to waste?”
Jazy raised a finger. “Aye for brunch.”
Pam stopped glaring at Crazy long enough to say, “Aye, I’m hungry. What about the wedding cake?”
The double doors opened slowly, and Mr. Beadle, the same officiate that married Anna and Reg, peeked his head around the door. “How are we doing in here, friends? I heard we might have a change in plans today?”
“Hey, Mr. Beadle. Come in.” Reg stood up to shake Mr. Beadle’s hand. “Yes, you heard right. My niece is not getting married today, so we’ll be clearing out of here.”
Anna got out her compact and checked her face. She handed it to me and I wiped the smudged mascara off from under my eyes. I passed it to Jazy.
Anna nodded towards Pam. “We should eat the wedding cake. But I bet my cake is better than her cake.”
Kenna said to Anna, “Under the circumstances, isn’t it kind of crass to eat Stella’s wedding cake?”
“Crass?” Ann repeated with a scoff. “It’s eggs, flour, butter. It’s not like I’m asking to wear her wedding dress.”
Kenna crossed her arms. “The cake is still a symbol of their love and their future.”
Mr. Beadle cleared his throat with a nervous smile. “Thank you, I’ll leave you to…”
“Wait,” Luke commanded softly, at the same time he made his karate chop slashing move. Kenna and Anna instantly fell silent, and even Lucy stopped humming and stomping loudly in my shoes to gape up at him.
Mr. Beadle came to attention, and Reg shook his head while murmuring, “Man, I have got to learn that move, if it’s the last thing I do.”
Ash and Henry, and Eric George’s three friends had been sitting quietly out of the way in the back benches near the doors, along with Stella’s two girlfriends. I heard one of them whisper, “Did you see that move, Dude? Those girls shut right up.”
Still on his lap, I leaned back and angled my body to see my boyfriend’s face.
He stared down at me strangely.
“What?” I asked in confusion. “You think we should eat Stella’s cake? I have to agree with Kenna on this one. I mean, a wedding cake is not your ordinary cake. It’s…”
Luke’s hands cupped my shoulders and he rudely cut me off. “I don’t want to be engaged.”
My eyes narrowed. “Well, duh.” I held up Sparky on my right hand. “I kind of figured that out, since you haven’t asked me again.”
He looked around the chapel. “I like the looks of this room.”
Now I was totally confused and I looked around the small chapel. “I didn’t know you were so into flowers, but it’s nice.” I shrugged. “You know, I would kind of like to see Stella’s wedding cake. I wonder if her cake will be vanilla buttercream…”
“Fuck the cake,” he growled, “let’s get married today.”
Anna bounced excitedly and screamed in my ear, “Yes!”
I put my hands on my hips. “Fuck the cake, let’s get married today? Is that your idea of a do over?”
Luke’s eyelids lowered and he said softly, “Anabel, Anabel.”
“What?” I bit back my smile and smoothed my hands up his hardchest. “You know my views on marriage. Is a wedding essential to your happiness?”
Luke’s harsh face softened a fraction. “You’re the only thing in the world essential to my happiness.”
“I thought I was necessary to his happiness,” John Smith quipped in the falsetto voice made famous by Englishmen imitating women.
“If you’re necessary to his happiness, and she’s essential, what am I, Luke Drake? Chopped liver?” Reg queried in the same falsetto.
Anna socked her husband’s arm and glared at John. “You two, shut up. I thought it was romantic. You go, Luke.”
“Yeah, shut up you two,” Pam repeated, hanging over the bench in front of us and watching with an eager grin.
Luke ignored them all to continue smoothly, “But it would please me to marry you, Sweetheart.” He slowly arched that brow. “Do you want to please me, Anabel?”
I heard several female moans around me, and a couple more exaggerated falsettos piped up and swore they wanted to please him, but Luke and I had eyes only for each other.
It was a pivotal moment in our relationship.
Could there ever be a better time to make a deal?
I agree, there could not.
So with hands on his broad shoulders, I held off my green-eyed Devil in his black tux while appraisingly eyeing him up and down.
“If, IF, I agree to marry you right now, do you solemnly promise to give me My Turn within the next three business days?” I asked, carefully watching my Beloved’s face for any signs of chicanery.
Anna exclaimed, “My turn? What does that mean? My turn at what?”
Jazy’s voice had a smile in it. “I don’t know, but I like the sounds of it.”
“I don’t because I hate spankings.” Lucy edged her way in close, but her Louis Armstrong voice bellowed in the small room, “But Anabel really loves spankings. She says they don’t hurt.” She leaned on my legs and looked up with big blue eyes, hands clasped in prayer. “I really, really, really want to be the flower girl, pleeeease!”
Luke brought my hands up to his lips. “I do.”
“Then I do, too,” I answered simply, and his cruel mouth was smiling when it covered mine.
“Then I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride--again,” proclaimed Mr. Beadle.
Chapter XX
“Chapel of Love” by The Dixie Cups
Tuesday, 01/01
12:10 PM
It seemed Mr. Beadle had a sense of humor. Of course it wasn’t that simple.
There were a number of obstacles to resolve before we could get married, the largest one being
we needed a marriage license. Luke talked to Mr. Beadle and the bridal staff while all the women, except the ex-cousin, crowded around me.
Pam correctly interpreted my sharp glance around the room to see where Crazy lurked. “She just left the chapel. Should I go beat her up for you as an early wedding present?” She rolled her thin shoulders. “With the news about Stella and the baby, I have some aggression to work out.”
“Tempting,” I replied with a sad sigh, “but may I suggest a work out at the fitness center instead?”
“Yeah,” Pam agreed, echoing my sigh, “I guess I can always jump out of a dark alley and beat up on Candy when we’re at home again.”
“There you go.” I turned to Lucy. “Yes, Pig-tails, if you’re parents give their permission; you can be our flower girl.”
She shouted her thanks and toddled off on my heels to practice more.
Anna hugged me in excitement, and then started reciting a list of every item I would need to get married, but I gently interrupted her.
Looking at the smiling faces of the females arrayed around me on the chapel benches, I said, “Here’s the deal. First, I’m going to let Stella, Mac, and the others know Luke and I are getting married sometime today, so they can be here. I also want NanaBel on FaceTime.” I waved at the lavishly decorated chapel. “Secondly, I agree it’s a bummer this will go to waste, but they’re Stella’s wedding flowers, not ours. Luke’s wedding day will always be associated with a sad day in Stella and Mac’s life--our whole family’s life.” I shrugged a shoulder. “Maybe our happiness will mitigate some of the pain. But we definitely don’t have to make it worse by stepping in and using their whole dream wedding plan as our own, even if Stella doesn’t care.” All the girls nodded and murmured their agreement. “Same with the cake.”
Kenna nodded approvingly and Anna grumbled, “Oh, fine.”
“Do you think Stella would want to have all the flowers and the cake delivered to a nearby children’s hospital?” Tre J suggested tentatively.
I beamed at the beautiful blonde. “Excellent idea. Want to follow up on that?”
I followed Tre’s gaze to Crookie snoozing peacefully at the far end of a bench. She smiled softly. “The poor guy danced his ass off last night. Sure, Bel, we’ll take care of it.”
Luke walked over and held out his hand. He was smiling. “Grab your purse and let’s go. Mr. Beadle and his wife are taking us to get the wedding license.”
Laughing at the expression of male satisfaction on his face, I clasped his hand and stood up.
He embraced me and kissed my lips. “How does a six o’clock wedding in this chapel sound?”
I squeezed him. “Perfect. We’ll both have time to nap.”
Luke laughed. “My thoughts exactly.”
“But not together,” Anna butted in with a sly grin. “Luke, after you two get the license, you can’t see Anabel again until the ceremony. Now that Reggie’s an old married man, you can nap and get ready in the Executive Parlor Suite in Reg’s old room.”
Luke raised his brow at me, and I smiled. “My darlingest man, have you met your new employee, Anna Lynn Johnson Axelrod, wedding planner extraordinaire?”
Anna wagged her finger in Luke’s face. “Uh huh, I’m your boss lady until 6:00 PM. Any problems, you come to me.”
Luke laughed, “I don’t get how you went from employee to boss lady in two seconds, but it works for me.”
She grinned. “That’s what I’m saying.” She turned to me. “Would you like me to talk to Stella and Mac?”
“Yes,” I answered quickly, relieved. “I don’t know how long it will take to get the license. Will you have Reg talk to NanaBel and arrange FaceTime?”
Anna nodded. “Don’t worry, we’re on it. I’ll also check with the Jasniks. I’ll come to your suite about five to help you get ready, okay?”
I smiled my thanks. “I couldn’t do it without you.”
“So does this mean I’m your maid of honor and your wedding planner?” Anna asked in a superior tone.
“Of course, although I am crushed you have no time to bake our cake, cook our wedding dinner, and sew my dress.” I shook my head. “Boy, are you one, big fat disappointment of a best friend.”
“Go on,” Anna ordered Luke, “and get this woman out of here, if you want her alive for your wedding.”
The Beadle’s were a sweet couple that had been happily married for fifty-two years. From the time we climbed into the back seat of their Toyota Camry and drove through Las Vegas traffic to the Clark County Marriage Bureau, until we returned to the Bellagio ninety-three minutes later, I politely listened while they regaled me with their entire life history as a couple. Fortunately, I was not expected to respond and I could look out the window at the passing scenery of Las Vegas in the daylight. At least it was a sunny, nice day.
Luke’s dancing eyes met mine frequently while he made several low-voiced phone calls and squeezed my hand. I saw him yawn surreptitiously and run a hand through his short black hair. The man really did need a nap. He’d had little sleep for two days.
I asked softly, “Did you call your parents and tell them?”
He nodded. “Damaris said she’s going to kick your ass for agreeing to marry her only baby when they can’t be here.”
I raised my eyes to Luke’s with a big smile. “Oh yeah? What kind of deal did you have to make to get me out of that one?”
He stared at me before shaking his head and replying in a dry voice, “Played by my own mother. I agreed they could host a wedding reception when we visit in February.”
“Your mother is my hero.” I laughed, but then quickly paid attention to the Beadles again when Mr. Beadle loudly cleared his throat.
Arriving back at the Bellagio, I led Luke briskly through the lobby and to our elevators. “As your bride-to-be, my first order of business is to command you go sleep for two hours. You’ll be of no use to me tonight otherwise.”
A smile played on Luke’s full lips. “Yes, ma’am.”
I got off the elevator on twenty-nine with a last, lingering gaze at my war-god leaning negligently against the wall of the car, his tux jacket slung over his shoulder.
He stared back. “Next time we see each other, you will belong to me for the rest of our lives.”
“I already do, but I can’t wait to legally be your plaything possession.”
“Me, either.” He smiled slowly. “Don’t be late. I have plans for you tonight, Anabel Axelrod. Life-changing plans.”
My nipples sprang to attention. “Nothing on earth could keep me away.”
Chapter XXI
“Horse With No Name” By America
Tuesday, 01/01
2:15 PM
I didn’t recognize the maid, Melody with her hair scraped back in a tight bun and her white apron tied over the black uniform until she called out, “Anabel?”
I walked past my suite and met her at the large utility cart. “Hi, Melly! This is perfect running into you because I was going to try to get a hold of you somehow through the hotel to see how you’re doing.”
“I tried calling you to check in like you asked, but got your voicemail.”
“I’m sorry, but I left my phone in the limo on Sunday and didn’t realize it right away. Hopefully, they’ll get it back for me today. Is everything alright? Pee Wee’s leaving you alone?”
“Oh yeah,” she rolled her eyes. “He was so scared after that run in with Mr. Koch, he won’t hardly look at me.” She lowered her voice. “Did those detectives talk to you about the dead girl they found in that bathroom on Sunday?”
I explained they had and why I gave the police their names. “I didn’t tell them Pee Wee threatened to hit you, though.”
Melly nodded and flashed a grin. “They were real nice, but I left that part out, too. I don’t want to press charges against Pee Wee or nothin’.” She laughed. “I was bored hanging with Pee Wee, but I was sure happy I could tell the police I slept over at his house last Saturday night until we
came to work on Sunday.”
“I bet Pee Wee was happier,” I said and we both chuckled. “Look, I don’t want to get you in trouble if you’re not supposed to be talking to the guests?”
She waved a nonchalant hand. “That is no problem. Besides, the guest is always right. You want to talk to me, I’m supposed to listen and get you whatever you need.” She grinned broadly, exposing her crooked front teeth. “I switched shifts to get this floor, hopin’ I’d see you.”
I laughed, enjoying her easy friendliness. “Are you cleaning my suite?”
“Yep, but you’re not scheduled for a few hours yet. It’ll be at the end of my shift.”
“Oh, well I won’t be here then because,” I grinned a little sheepishly at casually dropping the words that had been anathema to me for my entire adult life, “I’m getting married.”
Her eyes grew wide and she breathed out, “You are? Congratulations! I can’t wait to get a romantic proposal. I know just what I want.” She frowned slightly. “Did you say you were getting married before when we talked?”
“No, it was just decided two hours ago,” I replied, but changed the topic so I wouldn’t be asked the question of how Luke proposed. I didn’t want to be responsible for disillusioning her romantic heart. “Do you have a minute for me to tell you about Kyle Koch?”
Melody was the only person I knew, who also knew Kyle Koch. I wanted her opinion on what I’d discovered. I also wanted her forewarned he was as bad, if not worse, than her friends had said.
At the mention of his name, Melly swiftly looked up and down the quiet corridor. “Oh God, has he been bothering you?”
I quickly described meeting his girlfriend and finding out she was a prostitute and he was a pimp. I told Melly how I believed Kyle lied about his alibi for Saturday night, and that I’d called the information into the detectives. I finished with our meeting at the elevators and how he asked me out, and that I’d met the high roller, Mr. G.
