All I'll Ever Need

by Mildred Riley

  “To do what you did . . .” he murmured into her dark hair.

  She raised her face to his. “You mean to have my baby, in vitro? By myself?”

  “It was one of the most courageous things I have ever witnessed. You defied convention, found out who you really were, and both your mother and I wish you and Ace all the happiness in the world. You both deserve it.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” She kissed his cheek.

  “All right, then! See you at the wedding. Don’t be late!” he teased.

  * * *

  Fifty wedding guests were seated in white chairs in a semi-circle in front of the flower-decked wooden trellis. The musicians were seated to the left of the site where the couple would repeat their vows. The path down which Elyse and her attendant would walk had pots of pink and white roses. This made a lovely path across the lawn to the marriage site.

  Jack Joyce, Elyse’s brother, and Stanley Benjamin, Ace’s assistant, were ushers. The news that Jack’s wife Marcella was at last pregnant with the Joyces’ second grandchild precluded her from being an active participant in the wedding, but she proved to be quite helpful in other ways, such as maintaining the guest book and directing the guests who needed to find the bathroom.

  Ace told Elyse much later that when he saw her coming toward him his knees turned to jelly and he would have dropped except for Omar’s firm hand on his shoulder and his strong, deep voice reassuring him, “Steady, old chap, steady.”

  “I’d never seen a more beautiful bride, and you were going to be mine, my wife,” Ace had added.

  As Elyse walked toward Ace that day, accompanied by her father, she thought how fortunate she was to have the love and support of the handsome man who waited for her.

  She wore an ivory silk sheath with an ivory chiffon redingote. The cuffs and notched collar of the coat were bound in ivory satin. Her pumps were ivory satin. She wore diamond and pearl earrings and carried a simple bouquet of tiny pink roses.

  Emerald wore a jacket dress of hand-painted silk. The soft lavender floral-printed sheath showed delicate stems, leaves and flowers all over the sleeveless sheath. The jacket itself, with its notched collar, was the same. She carried tiny white roses. Her heart bumped wildly for a minute when she searched for and found Omar’s smile.

  In consideration of Rev. Brimmer’s age, a lapel microphone had been attached to his jacket, and his voice came out strong and vibrant as he began the ceremony. He started by asking God’s blessing on the assembled guests, and particularly on the wedding pair. Then he turned to Ace.

  “Please take your bride’s hand and recite your vow to her,” he said.

  Ace was able to smile at Elyse as he took her hand. His voice shook a bit at first, but he managed to recite his vow.

  “I, Austin, take you, Elyse, to be my lifelong partner. I pledge to do all in my power to provide for you, honor you, comfort you and love only you until my life on earth is no more.”

  Rev. Brimmer than turned to Elyse.

  “Please take your groom’s hand and make your vow to him,” he told her.

  Her voice was quiet but firm. “I, Elyse, take you, Austin, to be my husband. I will always rely on the safety of your loving arms in my life. I will love you, honor you and support you. This I promise this day until my life is over.”

  Elyse and Ace clutched each other’s hands as they knelt for the final blessing. When they rose Rev. Brimmer wrapped their hands together with his stole, gave the blessing, pronounced them husband and wife. Then, in a booming voice, he said, “It is my pleasure to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Austin Calhoun Brimmer.” Then he kissed Elyse and shook hands with Ace.

  “You may kiss your bride,” he told Ace.

  Pumping his fist in the air, Ace complied with loud applause from the guests.

  While Aunt Ginny and her staff were completing the setup for the luncheon, the bridal party were having their photographs taken.

  Ace insisted that Missy be included in a photo of himself and Elyse. The baby was wearing a pink cotton sundress with pink socks and shiny white Mary Jane shoes and seemed delighted with all the attention she received.

  After three quarters of an hour, the photo session was completed. Elyse and Ace returned to the tent. Marcella offered to take Missy inside for a bite to eat and a nap.

  “I don’t think the three of us need to be in a crowd,” she said to Elyse and Ace, patting her large abdomen. “I’ll take care of her. Enjoy your reception.” Then she kissed both of them and slowly waddled her way into the cottage.

  “I don’t think she has much longer to go before she delivers,” Elyse observed.

  Ace agreed, saying, “Hope she has a safe delivery.”

  “Maybe you should give my brother some tips on being a labor and delivery coach, seeing as how you’ve had experience,” she teased.

  Before they entered the tent, he stopped her. “Honey, I wouldn’t give up that experience for all the tea in China . . . no, in the world, Mrs. Brimmer.” Then he kissed her.

  “Shall we face the music?”

  “With you by my side, I can face anything!”

  As they stepped into the open doorway, the lead musician spoke into the microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Austin Calhoun Brimmer.”

  After they had taken their seats at the bridal table, Rev. Brimmer said grace and the meal was served. Omar requested that everyone raise their glass for the toast, and the dancing began with Ace leading Elyse onto the dance floor.

  “You are Mrs. Brimmer?” he teased as he led her in a waltz.

  “Indeed I am, sir.”

  “Are you happy?”

  “You had to ask? Look at my face!”

  Other couples joined them on the floor, and Jerome Joyce claimed his daughter for the father-daughter dance.

  “I’m so happy to know that you are happy with Ace in your life,” he said as he moved in slow dance steps. “You’ve been through a lot and deserve all the happiness there is . . . love you, baby.” He kissed the top of his daughter’s head.

  “Thanks, Daddy. Love you, too.”

  After the meal was over and the wedding cake cut and distributed, the couple moved from table to table, thanking friends and family for their support and good wishes.

  As they moved toward the rear of the tent, Elyse said, “Ace, there are Holly and Branch, right over there!”

  As they neared the couple, Branch stood to shake Ace’s hand.

  “Congratulation, my man!” he said, giving Ace a hearty handshake. Then he turned to Elyse.

  “I wish you much happiness.” He kissed her cheek.

  “I’m so glad you could come, both of you!” She hugged Holly, surprised by the glint of moisture in the girl’s eyes.

  “Thanks for the invitation. It was a beautiful wedding.” Then she asked about Missy.

  “Oh, Holly, she’s growing up so fast. She can stand alone now, is trying to walk . . . and talk! She’s in the house with my sister-in-law, down for a nap. Can you and Branch come by sometime to see her? We’ll be back home in another week. Call and come by. And Holly . . .”

  “Yes?”

  “You look so beautiful, and thanks so very much for coming to our wedding.”

  “It was our pleasure, Elyse.”

  * * *

  For her traveling outfit Elyse wore a fully lined light jacket of beige, white and a soft rose. Beneath was a sleeveless knit shell of silk and cotton with a square neckline. The skirt that ended just below her knees rippled lightly as she walked. She still had her diamond and pearl earrings, carried a smart patent leather purse and wore a corsage Ace had given her of orchids and baby’s breath.

  The ferry dock was crowded with well-wishers to see the happy couple off. Ace and Elyse stood together on the top deck as the ferry slowly backed away from the pier, waving at their friends until they were no longer in sight.

  They went below to the lounge where they were able to find an empty table. Ace placed his camera on the ta
ble. “Would you like something to eat or drink?”

  “I’m not hungry right now, but I am a little thirsty.” What may I get for you? Coke, soft drink, fruit juice?”

  “A bottle of spring water would be perfect.”

  “No problem, my dear. Be right back.”

  He hurried to the refreshment bar located in the center of the lounge. Elyse watched him as he strode in a confident manner to complete his errand. It seems like only yesterday that I met this wonderful, vibrant man, and on that first meeting asked him, a perfect stranger, to hold me in his arms, she thought.

  Now she was legally bound to him for the rest of her life. Never had she thought after Barry’s death that her poor heart would be filled with the love she felt for Ace. She spoke up when he returned with her bottle of water, a paper cup and a bottle of light beer for himself. “Ace, have I ever told you how handsome you are?” He smiled at her. “No, ma’am, don’t think you have.

  I’m all ears.”

  “Well, you are one handsome man, husband mine. And when I saw you standing under the trellis, looking like a movie star in your gray suit and gray silk tie, I said to myself, ‘You can thank your lucky stars that Ace Brimmer came into your life.’ ”

  “You just wait, kid,” he said. “Good things happen to good people and . . . we’re some of the best.”

  He opened the bottle, poured some of the water into the cup and handed it to her. Then he tapped it with his bottle of beer.

  “Here’s to us, my darling.”

  It seemed that already eager passengers were beginning to gather up their belongings and head towards the gangway.

  “I’ve got a surprise for you.”

  “You have?”

  “Yep. You remember our plans were to reserve a room at the hotel?”

  “Yes, we did discuss doing that. What’s changed?”

  “You remember I told you about one of my customers who always wants to keep up with everything African? Well, she has always been one of my best customers and has insisted that we stay in her condo on Nantucket for as long as we like. She gave me the key. She also gave me the key to her Mercedes. I’m leaving my car in the parking lot. Let’s look for her car.”

  “My God, Ace, are you for real?”

  “See?” He dangled the keys in front of her face.

  “Ace, I can’t believe it! Are we the lucky ones or not!”

  “Believe it. We are the lucky ones!”

  They found the beige Mercedes parked in the designated parking lot. Ace stored their luggage into the trunk and they started off, moving slowly to avoid the heavy pedestrian traffic. It seemed as if there were even fewer cars than on the Vineyard.

  They looked at the substantial sea captains’ homes with their widows’ walks on top of Victorian mansions, the narrow cobblestone streets and sidewalks. It was a scene from the opulent past.

  The condo was situated not too far from the shoreline. It was a handsome townhouse with a large living room and a working wood fireplace.

  Elyse drew in a deep breath as she admired what she saw.

  “Ace, this is lovely, and I can’t believe we have it all to ourselves. Look at this dining room, and that chandelier!”

  “Here’s the kitchen,” he said. Looking out the back door, he added, “Look, here’s a nice sundeck!”

  When they went upstairs they found two large bedrooms, one with a queen-sized bed and a full bath.

  He put his arms around her.

  “Welcome to your new life, my love.”

  “Thanks, Ace. I love you more than you know. Today I am a happy woman.”

  “Waited a long time to hear those words.”

  His kiss told her just how much he meant it. They returned to the living room.

  “Be right back,” Ace said. “I’m going to get our luggage from the car.”

  He took their bags up to the master bedroom, and as he descended the stairs, he said, “Have you thought about dinner? Would you like to try one of the local restaurants, order in . . . what’s your pleasure?”

  “Why don’t we go out, pick up some seafood, bring it back here?”

  So that was what they did. But instead of returning to the condo, they found a lovely spot overlooking the ocean and, spreading a blanket, enjoyed fried clams, French fries and iced tea.

  It was a beautiful night and they watched the full moon rise over the horizon. Ace finished his drink, gathered up their empty cartons and deposited them in a nearby rubbish bin.

  “Ready for home, Mrs. B?” he asked when he returned to the car.

  Elyse nodded wordlessly.

  As she looked at her husband, she wanted him with such an ache that she thought she might lose her breath.

  She reached for him, her face awash in tears. She knew with certainty that without this man she would not survive. She held on to him as he kissed the hot tears from her eyes and cheeks, her tumbling heart quieted by his loving touch.

  “Hold me. Don’t ever leave me.”

  His words were an affirmation of his love for her. “Never, never, in this world, or the next. I love you and will never leave you.”

  * * *

  That night in Nantucket, Ace insisted on carrying his wife up the stairs to the bedroom that would become their sanctuary. So much had gone on in their lives, but they could finally share this moment of complete fulfillment.

  The trials, setbacks, misunderstandings and priorities that had hindered them now seemed to have been washed away to reveal a clean, unblemished slate. Through the open bedroom window, the boisterous waters of Nantucket Sound roared up to tease the shoreline, then receded with pulsating vigor.

  From the bed Elyse watched Ace come to her. She breathed deeply, aware of the moment, and opened her arms to receive him.

  “Honey, I’m home. Leese, baby, I’m home.” His voice was soft, deep with passion as he lay down beside her, his head on her bosom. His breath came in uneven gasps as she took his face in both of her soft hands and kissed him gently. He responded with an exploratory search with his tongue as if to garner the sweetness of her mouth. Then it was her turn to moan, and as she did so, Ace trailed seductive kisses along her face, her neck, the lobes of her ears, finally reaching the glorious crests of her breasts. She thought her body was going to explode because of the tension and anxiety she was feeling. But she closed her eyes and held on tightly to her husband as if she might float away without his anchoring love. Then she felt his touch, so tender, so smooth, so deft, as if he were molding her body to his own personal desires.

  She gasped from the exquisite sensations that assailed her body.

  “Love me, please, love me,” she begged. Then it happened. Their bodies flamed with heat like a glowing torch, forging a steel bond of love, and each knew there was no turning back as the ocean continued its relentless pulsations and the moon passed through the dark sky, a man and his wife slept in each other’s arms.

  Chapter 34

  Once Branch and Holly got their degrees, they made plans to marry. Elyse was thrilled that their plans called for the wedding to include her family and occur at their house.

  “You know, Ace, Aunt Ginny could go into planning weddings,” Elyse said. “She’s managed almost every detail for Holly and Branch. And I know they both love her for what she’s doing for them. Makes me happy, too, to see that Holly seems to be accepting us as her family.”

  Ace nodded, agreeing with his wife.

  “Branch is a fine young man and I see nothing less than a bright future for them.”

  A knock on their bedroom door interrupted their private conversation. Elyse’s second pregnancy was progressing nicely, but Ace watched over her very carefully, insisting that she rest frequently.

  He went to the door. Aunt Ginny came in, asking about her niece’s condition.

  “We’re doin’ okay. How about you? Everything goin’ all right? Need any help?”

  The older woman beamed as she made her report to the pair.

  “Not a bi
t! My staff have set up the family room for the ceremony. Flowers have already been delivered. My cook and wait staff have turned your dining room and living room into an elegant reception area. Wait ‘til you see it! And Ace, you sure did a bang-up job, turned those rooms into a beautiful chapel.”

  “Aw, t’weren’t nuthin’,” Ace drawled with downhome modesty. Both women laughed at him.

  “You’re a talented artist, and you know it,” Elyse chided him.

  Her aunt agreed. “He knows, Elyse, he knows.” She headed for the door.

  “Better get downstairs. You’ll be down before five, Elyse?”

  “I will. Plan to rest for awhile, but wild horses couldn’t keep me away.”

  “Atta girl! See ya!”

  “You have an amazing aunt, Elyse.”

  “Don’t I know it. She’s always been my favorite . . . could tell Aunt Ginny anything. She’d always come up with good advice, and I truly love her. God’s been good to me.”

  “To us, my dear.”

  * * *

  “Branch, can I ask you something?”

  “Nothing serious, I hope, Holly.”

  “No, not really serious. But it’s something I’d like to do and I want to hear what you think.”

  “Fire away. What’s on your mind?”

  They were on their way to the south shore to check on their house being built on the land Elyse had deeded to them as a wedding gift. She’d insisted it was what Barry would have wanted. The Cape Cod style house was nearly completed, and the couple hoped to move in right after their August wedding.

  “Branch, I’ve been thinking. Now that we both have our degrees, and you already have a job at Mass General and I hope to find a nursing job, I’d like to visit Jane Dagleish, thank her for starting me on this path. I’d still be working at Prime Care, working my tail off, if she hadn’t given me a chance. What do you think? I don’t want to seem like I’m pandering or groveling, but . . .”