“Glad to help, man, and there’s still time for that pre-nup,” Rafa said, as he feigned taking a pen out of his jacket pocket.
“Don’t you pull anything out of that pocket but rings. Randi is the one. No need for anything like that.”
Rafa smiled and shrugged. “Sorry, man. The lawyer in me just can’t give up. You can still get her to sign one later, you know. Just say the word.”
Martin waved Rafa off just as the music started. He watched as a young boy, dapper in a tux matching his, came down the aisle carrying a small white satin pillow with two gold bands tied to it with ribbon. Following behind, dressed in a floor-length soft burgundy flowing tulle dress, was the flower girl scattering white and burgundy-tipped rose petals. If he recalled correctly, they were Randi’s cousins.
Julie, also Randi’s very star struck cousin, was next. Her escort was Martin’s manager’s son. Julie’s fashionable high-low burgundy dress had a soft tulle overskirt and was accented with beaded fringe ice on the cap sleeves.
The last attendant was his four-month pregnant sister who was escorted by Randi’s Uncle Joe. Addison was glowing in a floor-length burgundy chiffon dress with a bateau neckline, delicate cap sleeves and a softly ruched empire waistline.
And then, the music changed. With his heart in his throat and his eyes glued on the door at the back of the church, he waited for his wife-to-be to appear.
*****
“Are you ready, honey?” Miles asked.
Randi smiled. “I can’t wait. I’m so ready for this day. I truly love Martin with all my heart. And, I’m so happy that Mom’s finally coming around.”
“I knew she would. She’ll be crying and telling everyone that she knew this would happen. Mother’s always do things like that.” Miles leaned in for one last kiss before he pulled down the veil. When they heard the music queue, Randi took her dad’s arm and they walked around the corner and started down the aisle.
Randi was radiant in a floor length English net and floral lace gown of soft ivory. Several layers of sparkle tulle under-skirting in pale blush created an unusually beautiful color illusion. The matching cropped floral lace bolero with a bateau neckline and three quarter length sleeves covered the V-necked bodice of the dress. Her hair was in a timeless bridal up-sweep with cascading ringlets. And, her only accessory was an antique hair comb with ivory pearls and pale blush quartz crystals set in rose gold her mother and dad had given her.
Randi couldn’t wait to see Martin. She had dared him to shave his goatee and had pleaded with him to not cut even a tiny bit of his beautiful brown hair. The moment she saw him, she couldn’t take her eyes off him.
She had seen his tuxedo. In fact, she had helped pick it but helping to pick it out and seeing him were two totally different things. His tuxedo was steel gray. His shirt was white and a burgundy paisley vest, tie and handkerchief completed his outfit.
An enormous smile was on his lips from the moment her eyes met his. She was thankful her dad was guiding her because she was not taking her eyes off Martin - maybe not all day!
There was the usual passing of the bride to the groom but the world was lost to her, and more than likely, Martin, too. It was a good thing the guests had no idea how little she was thinking of them in their fine attire. Nothing was on her mind but the man before her who would soon be her husband, lover and companion for life.
Martin’s hand was now on hers, and as they’d practiced, he helped her to kneel during the prayer and then steadied her as they rose. The minister said everything he was supposed to. Randi was vaguely aware when Julie took the flowers from her hands as she and Martin turned to face each other.
They had made plans and discussed their vows over the past few weeks. They wanted their wedding to be as unique as their relationship. It was Martin’s idea that they say their vows at the same time. They had practiced as she rested in his arms while sitting on the couch at Mike’s house. Every time they did, Martin would tease her that they could fool around now because they’d said their vows so many times they had to be married.
She wanted to whisper to him now, as they were about to say their vows, that tonight he would finally have his wish, but she didn’t want to disrupt the wedding. She did give him a very special smile and a quick wink as he lifted her veil and they prepared to repeat their vows one last time.
Martin took her hands, glanced at the minister and began speaking with Randi speaking her part seconds after he began.
“I Martin,”
“I Randi.”
“Take thee to be my wedded,
“Wife,”
“Husband,”
“to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto we pledge our faith.”
Rafa reached around and gave Pastor Davis the rings. He took them in his hand and spoke, “The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, signifying the uniting of Randi and Martin in holy matrimony. Bless, O Lord, the giving of these rings, that Randi and Martin may abide forever in Thy peace and continue in Thy favour.”
For the first time, Randi took her eyes off Martin. They both reached down and took the rings. She placed the golden band on his hand, and looking him in the eye, said . . .
“Martin, with this ring I thee wed.” She beamed as he also placed a ring on her finger. The words were music to her ears.
“Randi, with this ring I thee wed.” Again their gaze couldn’t be broken, and then as they had practiced many times alone, they waited for the final benediction.
“Forasmuch as Randi and Martin have consented in Holy wedlock, and have witnessed before God and this company, and have pledged their faith each to the other, and have declared their love, I pronounce they are husband and wife, in the name of the heavenly Father. Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Amen. Martin, you may now kiss your bride.”
The organist began playing the recessional music. Martin leaned in, slightly raising his brows at Randi, and they sealed their vows with a kiss. The thought raced through Randi’s mind that, from this moment on, everything would be a first as Martin’s wife. After the kiss, they turned toward the audience and Pastor Davis, from her mother’s church, announced . . .
“I would like to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Martin Taylor. Feel free to join them for refreshments in the Gold Room just off the second level balcony, and have a blessed afternoon.
Chapter 70
The Reception
Martin took pictures like a pro, but when they started taking Randi, her attendants and the children, he slipped away.
“Had enough pictures for the day?” a vaguely familiar voice asked.
As he turned to face Celia, Martin wondered if he would get a glass of wine in his face or a hard slap, but he got a shock when he saw a smile instead. “Yes, time for a break. You look well.”
“I am. My leg is completely healed and I’ve started a new chapter in my life. I won’t keep you. I just wanted to say congratulations on your big day. I really do wish you well.”
Martin nodded. If Celia was going to hold out an olive branch, he was going to accept it. “Thanks, I appreciate that.”
“I bet you thought you’d never hear me say that, or that I’d come to your wedding, other than to sabotage it.”
Martin laughed. “I must say the thought did cross my mind, but I know you and Mike are doing well. We don’t talk about you a lot, but I can see a difference in him and you.”
“We are doing well. He’s a great guy, and he’s helped me to come to grips with many things. We’re going camping at the end of the month, and I think I’ll enjoy it.”
“I hope you do. You deserve someone who loves you.”
Celia nodded as if she was done and Martin started to turn but she put her hand on his arm. “I never did answer your question that day.”
She r
emoved her hand and forced a smile. “You asked if I loved you. I didn’t answer because I didn’t want to know. I wanted to be the victim. I wanted to have a good reason to blame someone else. Long story short, I think the end results are good and I wish you well.”
This time it was he that reached out and placed his hand on her arm. “I agree, and thanks. I apologize for hurting you. That was never my intent and I also wish you well.” With this he thought it best to give her a smile, step back, turn and go.
Martin picked up a bottle of water and went to find the father of the bride and his dad. He found them at a table eating cake. “If it isn’t my one and only son-in-law,” Miles proclaimed.
“I resemble that remark, and I love your daughter but I’m sure glad I only have to get married once.”
Miles looked at Ethan, “Has your wife felt the need to make you repeat your vows? Mine has hinted but so far I’ve managed to avoid it.”
“Not yet, so don’t give her any ideas when they join us.”
Miles laughed and agreed as they both looked toward Martin, as he spoke, “Well, it will be a while before Randi asks me to do that.” There was some silence as the two men ate cake but then, Miles spoke.
“Where to for the honeymoon? Randi said it was a big secret and wouldn’t tell us.”
Martin shrugged. “I don’t know. She set it up and she won’t tell me either. She’s supposed to give me a clue later. She didn’t give either of you a hint?”
Ethan shook his head. “No, and it wasn’t because your mother didn’t try. Miles, she’s your daughter. What’s your guess?”
“It will be something that would please Martin. She’s always been a giving child. I’ve seen her date guys before, but for this one,” Miles said, glancing at Ethan and pointing towards Martin, “she fell hard and fast.”
“We both fell hard, and I must say that Betty is coming around, too.”
Miles smiled. “I told Randi that by the end of the day she’d be bragging about her new son-in-law to everyone.”
“Lillian’s been a big help,” Ethan interjected. “She’s never liked Martin’s occupation and she and Betty have been talking a lot. I, for one, am very thankful Randi came along. She’s a sweet girl, and she and Martin are a good fit.”
“I think so, too,” Miles said. “And when I saw this one come bearing flowers for Betty, I knew he had brass and that he was serious about my daughter. I had my concerns, mind you, but that day, I saw determination.”
“I was so nervous.” Martin laughed. “And when she thought I was the delivery guy, I thought, here we go again.”
Miles ate his last bite of cake. “We don’t know a lot of movie stars. Our family has not been one to get involved in the Hollywood craze. When we moved here years ago, Betty always said her kids would not be star struck, and look what happened.”
“I’m so glad it happened,” Ethan said, leaning forward, “and just between us, I’m glad that Randi came into the picture. I know this all didn’t come down in the most perfect way, but it worked out and that’s what counts.”
There was a bit of awkward silence and Ethan spoke. “Did I see Celia? I couldn’t be sure it was her. I don’t recall her hair being that long.”
Martin nodded, feeling uncomfortable about his past and his ex. “Yes, she was here today, with Mike. They’re dating now.”
“That’s what Randi said.” Miles added jumping into the conversation. “Has she moved out of the house? Is she out of the picture for good?”
“Oh, yes. The house is on the market, and Celia’s staying with her brother in the city. I think Mike may have helped some with that. He’s pretty smitten. I don’t think he wanted to see her go back to Michigan.”
“Where are you and Randi going to be staying? She said you’d been house hunting but hadn’t found anything yet,” Ethan asked, as they all seemed to be a bit relieved that Celia would be out of his life for good.
“Not yet. For now we’ll be staying in an apartment that I have down in San Pedro. I finally talked Randi into quitting her job so she’ll be free to house hunt all she wants.”
“I warn you, you’ll have to find something for her to do. She’s a worker and will not be happy sitting around the house.”
“I joke with her that I’ll have her tending chickens, milking a cow and growing a garden.”
Miles nodded as if he’d heard the same thing. “She does love to work outside but she’s also good with writing. I know she doesn’t like to talk about her poetry and songs, but you should get her back into that. There’s good money in it if you hit the right combination.”
“I’ll do that. That’s one she’s never talked about.”
“She doesn’t like to brag but get her to read you some of her poems. You’ll see how talented she is.”
“Poetry? You’ve got to be bragging on your daughter again.”
Martin started to rise when he heard voices but Betty put her hand on his shoulder. “No need to stand, young man, but thanks for the offer. Now, what are you three doing hiding over here? Trying to stay out of the photographer’s line-of-sight?”
“Who us?” Miles asked, looking at Ethan, who in turn smiled.
“Waiting on the bride,” Martin said, glancing at his mother-in-law and mother who were both seated with cake and punch.
“That reminds me,” Betty said, pulling an envelope from her evening bag. “Randi said at five I was to give this to you. You are to read the instructions and you will know what to do next.”
Martin took the envelope and rose. He was standing between his mother and Betty and shocked them both by placing a kiss on each of their cheeks. He then said, as he glanced around the table, “I’ll make Randi check in, and thanks for the help with the wedding. Make sure these two ladies behave and don’t try to clean the tables before they go home.”
With this comment, he shook hands with his dad and Randi’s dad and left. As he walked away putting the envelope into his pocket, a smile came over his handsome face.
Tonight was going to be special and he couldn’t wait to make Randi his wife. She had her own way of being shy, but he knew she was looking forward to the honeymoon - almost as much as he was. They would be one before the night was over. This game of hide and seek was the beginning of a wonderful night of honeymoon love and pleasure that he planned to make last for many years to come.
Chapter 71
Dinner with Mike
“That wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be,” Celia said, as she sank down into the sharp red Audi TT coupe that Mike had borrowed from one of the dealerships for them to drive to Martin’s wedding.
Mike shrugged. “It was nice. I don’t think most grooms are as much for all the picture taking and fan fair as the brides, but we tolerate it because we know it makes you happy.”
“So that’s why you do it?” she queried, turning to face him.
“No. Men secretly love wearing tuxedos or three-piece suits, smiling for an hour and standing on their feet all day. But please, don’t tell anyone that I broke the wall of silence.”
She shook her head. “Your secret is safe with me.” Celia was thinking about telling Mike she had apologized and forgiven Martin, but his question interrupted her thoughts.
“Is that the kind of wedding you want?”
“Wow. Good question. I think I would want a church wedding, though outside weddings are nice but you’re so dependent on the weather being good.”
“Okay. That big or something smaller?” Mike asked.
“That I have thought about. I want something small like they did today. I see no use in inviting everyone you know. What about you? Do men plan their weddings?”
Mike laughed and looked at her as they sat at a red light. “Things pop in and out of your head as you’re going through life. Did I ever sit down and look at a magazine or take notes? No.”
Celia nodded. “Well, what would you do? Elope?
“Oh, no, my mother would kill me if I did something like th
at. I might not think much about my wedding for myself, but it would have to be a church wedding, with close family and friends or she would never let me live it down.”
Celia laughed. “Same here. My mother would want to attend. Actually, ever since our first date, which really wasn’t a date, she has been starting to dream about grandbabies again.”
“I know. Mom keeps reminding me how old she is, and then she tells me how old I am. The other day, she asked how long until I pop the question?”
Celia tilted her head and looked at Mike. Would she want to have children with Mike? She tried to imagine the moment of the baby’s arrival . . . the nervous new father, and the hospital scene with a nurse handing her a newborn baby.
It happened that Mike turned and caught her studying him. She wasn’t sure what expression was on her face that caused him to smile and ask, “What?”
“I was just thinking.”
“I could tell, but about what? You had this really serious expression.”
Celia laughed. “It’s just a crazy idea.”
“No, tell me. You looked pretty intense.”
Celia sighed, looking out the windshield. “I was just trying to think about babies. Everyone seems to be so crazy about kids and grandchildren. I just don’t know, yet.”
“Well, you don’t have to decide today.”
Celia laughed. “I know, but I need to decide. I can’t keep putting it off. What about you? Do you want kids? Is it a must from the woman you’re dating? I don’t want to hit that wall again like with Martin. And, I’m sorry . . . I need to quit comparing everything to my relationship with him.”
“Yes, you do,” Mike said, but he tossed in a smile and went on with his answer. “Again, it’s not something I sit around thinking about. Would it be nice? Sure, but I’m focused on finding love. The way I see it, no one has it all. Some have kids they love, but no spouse. Some have a spouse, but no kids. Then some have a good family, but no one to share their life with.”
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