Wings of Love

by Jeanette Skutinik

  “Wow, Adam.” Amy thought about that while she took a few bites of her ice cream. “I am shocked at your decision. Flattered, but shocked.”

  “You’re not mad are you? Adam crawled in bed laying his head next to her on the pillow. “Or disappointed in me?”

  “Mad at you, no not at all. I could never be disappointed in you.” Amy turned and tried to read in his eyes his true feelings. “I just want you to be certain that this is what you really want to do. Once it is done, it’s done. I don’t want you to look back with any regrets.”

  “As long as you’re with me I could never have any regrets.” He kissed her on the cheek. “This opened my eyes to what is really important to me. I can survive without hockey, but I could never live without you.”

  “Well, it has been wonderful having you home again. I can’t deny that.” Amy ran her fingers through his soft curly hair. “This is a huge sacrifice on your part though, personally as well as financially.”

  “Can you live without the money? I mean this will be a big drop in our income.” Adam took the spoon out of her hand and took a bite of ice cream. “It might mean no more splurges of ice cream in bed?”

  “As long as you’re still here in bed with me, I can live without the ice cream.” She dipped her finger in the ice cream and placed it in his mouth. “All the money in the world doesn’t fill these empty arms.”

  Adam lay in bed that evening as Amy snuggled against him in a deep sleep her leg draped over him. He figured he could get a full time job at the plastics factory in town. Mr. Harper had assured him when he left that he was always welcome back. Maybe he could work at the gas station part-time. With Amy’s income from her job at the grocery store they should be able to rent a house and in time save for one of their own. The road may be a little longer than they anticipated but they would still reach their destination in due time. Amy was right, as usual; all the money in the world could not buy the happiness they found in each other’s arms.

  ***

  “This is it.” Bob shook Adam’s hand then slapped him on the back. “I wish you both the best.”

  “Thanks.” Adam opened the side door to the church. Father Francis nodded as they took their places at the altar. Adam exhaled rocking back and forth anxiously awaiting his first glimpse of Amy in her wedding dress.

  The Bridal Chorus by Wagner began on the church organ announcing the ceremony was about to start. All eyes turned to the back of the church observing the bridal party.

  First, Janet walked down the aisle looking radiant in her red bridesmaid dress. She was followed by Angie carrying the same red, pink and white bouquet which complimented her pink gown. Laurel and Michelle proceeded next, pretty in pink and were escorted by Amy’s two cousins. Last but not least, Amy appeared in the entranceway with one hand resting on Joey’s forearm and the other holding her bouquet of white roses.

  Adam focused all his attention on Amy proceeding down the aisle, the lights behind made her appear to glow and look as if she was floating towards him. Her long hair was soft and romantic as the ringlet curls cascaded over her shoulders and down her back beneath her veil. Her dress glimmered with each step she took showing off all the beautiful pearls and lace. Adam felt a lump in his throat unable to believe that this angelic woman wanted him for her husband. Their eyes locked across the room as she continued down the aisle until she stood beside him. Joey lifted her veil over her head to reveal her smiling face, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Joey placed Amy’s hand into Adam’s, a single tear of joy rolled down his face as he walked over to stand next to Bob.

  Father Francis asked, “Amy and Adam, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to each other?”

  “Yes,” they both answered.

  “Well you honor each other as man and wife for the rest of your lifes?”

  “Yes.”

  “Will you accept children lovingly from God and bring them up accordingly to the laws of Christ and his church?”

  “Yes.”

  “Since it is your intention to enter into marriage, join your right hands and declare your consent before God and his church.”

  Adam could see the love in Amy’s eyes as she held his hands and spoke these words to him.

  “I, Amy Marie Makowski, take you, Adam Matthew LaPointe, to be my friend, my lover, the father of my children and my husband. I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you for all eternity.”

  Adam devoted his attention upon Amy as he declared his love for her, his voice shaken with emotion.

  “I, Adam Matthew LaPointe, take you, Amy Marie Makowski, to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.”

  Bob stepped forward removing the rings that been hidden in his pocket and handed them to Adam. He winked at both of them before stepping back in his position.

  Adam and Amy slipped their rings on each others’ fingers as they made their vows of the ring exchange.

  “This ring is a token of my love. I marry you with this ring, with all I have and all I am,” Amy smiled up at Adam.

  “I will forever wear this ring as a sign of my commitment and desire of my heart,” Adam promised.

  Father Francis spoke up loudly, “Do you who are assembled here support this union and affirm that these two should be married today?”

  Adam and Amy both looked out into the crowd of smiling faces as they all cheered, “We do.”

  “You may now kiss the bride,” Father Francis smiled at the two of them.

  Adam and Amy embraced each other as they enjoyed their first kiss of marriage.

  Father Francis placed a hand on each of their shoulders and announced to the crowd. “It is my great pleasure to introduce to you for the first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Adam LaPointe.”

  Adam and Amy looked around the church at all the family and friends standing before them to share this moment of happiness with them today. Of course as expected the mothers each had tissues on hand, but the biggest surprise was Mr. LaPointe was the one actually crying!

  The organist began A Midsummer Night’s Dream-Wedding March which was their cue for the recession out of the church.

  Janet handed Amy her bouquet and fixed her train for the walk out of the church. Adam took Amy’s hand and walked beside her down the aisle to begin their life together as man and wife.

  As they exited the church all the well wishers began throwing rice at them as they laughed and ran over to the limousine which was decorated with paper carnations of red, pink and white. Adam’s sister had made a large heart shaped sign that read, Just Married Adam & Amy. Attached to the bumper where strings of beer cans which obviously the guys had snuck on when nobody was looking. Adam waited watchfully with loving eyes as Amy caught her first glance of Mr. Lion who he tied onto the bumper.

  “Now it’s official.” Amy’s eyes danced with joy and love for this man who make her life so complete.

  “Then what are we waiting for?” he chuckled as he helped his lovely bride into the limo. “Come on everybody we have a party to go to!”

  ***

  Amy shook her head as Joey laughed at them tapping his spoon on his plate again. She leaned over and gave Adam another kiss.

  “It looks like we are not going to get to eat our dinner tonight.” Amy teased her eyes reflecting the candlelight of the table centerpiece. “He is just having too much fun tonight, isn’t he?

  “He, who laughs last, laughs best,” Adam joked as Angie tapped
on her plate now. “If they get married they are in trouble.”

  “This calls for a toast,” Adam’s father jumped to his feet and waited for everyone to raise their glasses. “Adam and Amy, you’re life together is just starting and it will take many turns along the way. You’ll have your glory days and you’ll have your sad days. However, if you have each other, you will have all you need. Cling to each other, communicate with each other, and make each other number one in your lives. With these tools you will have a successful marriage.”

  Glasses clanged and cheers of well wishes could be heard throughout the hall for the newlyweds.

  Bob stood up next, introducing himself as Adam’s best man, for his toast to the bride and groom. “I’ve known Adam and Amy pretty much my whole life so they both know I’m not a man of many wise words. I’ll keep these short and humorous. May all your ups and downs be between the sheets.” Bob waited for the laughter to die down before he continued with his speech. “On a serious note join me in wishing them a long, happy life together. Please raise your glasses to my very best friends. To Adam and Amy!”

  Amy and Adam both stood up as everyone at the reception applauded their marriage. They mingled amongst the wedding guests until the DJ announced their first dance.

  “Ladies and gentlemen I’d like to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Adam LaPointe.”

  Adam led Amy directly to the dance floor swaying to the tempo of I Love You by Climax Blues Band. Amy melted in Adam’s arms as he softly sang the words into her ear romantically, oblivious to all the watchful eyes upon them.

  “I’d like to now introduce you to the wedding party,” the DJ spoke into the microphone then cued up You’re My Best Friend By Queen. “Bobby Prusinski is the best man, and Janet Oakes is the matron of honor.” They came out onto the dance floor as did the rest of the wedding party when they were announced.

  Adam and Amy danced to several more songs until the photographer ushered them over to the wedding cake for pictures.

  “You’re so cute with frosting on your nose.” Adam told Amy after he fed her some cake for the picture.

  “I have frosting on my nose?” Amy asked Adam seriously.

  He laughed as he glided his finger along the cake and smudged some on the tip of her nose. “You do now!”

  “So you want to play rough,” she razzed him as she shoved a piece of cake into his mouth then kissed him tasting the frosting upon his lips.

  The photographer kept snapping pictures of the happy couple as they continued their playful bantering back and forth.

  Adam and Amy were called back onto the dance floor. Amy was placed in a chair as Adam playfully removed her garter to Foxy Lady by Jimi Hendrix. All the single guys were asked to come forward as Adam shot the garter into the crowd of bachelors. After a mad rush Joey appeared out of nowhere holding the garter in the air.

  Amy was handed a bouquet by Janet as the DJ cued up Ladies Night by Kool & the Gang. All the single girls were called out to the floor awaiting their opportunity. Amy tossed it behind her and clapped her hands in delight when Angie caught the arrangement.

  Joey bent down on one knee as Angie sat before him her legs crossed in the chair. Another One Bites the Dust by Queen played in the background as Joey flirtatiously slid the garter up and down her leg. Angie blushed as the photographer took yet another memorable picture for the photo album.

  It was near the end of the evening as Adam and Amy danced among the remaining guests. She glanced over Adam’s shoulder to see who was left on the dance floor. Joey and Angie were lost in each others’ eyes, his parents were dancing cheek to cheek, and her mom was dancing with Adam’s Uncle George. She turned her head the other way and saw Janet and Luke off in another world and his sisters dancing awkwardly with her two cousins. The nicest surprise was to see Bob dancing with Crystal, looking like they were having a good time.

  “Look Adam,” Amy scanned the crowd. “Everybody is happy and has someone to share it with this Valentine’s Day.”

  “I know I am,” Adam whispered in her ear. “I love you, babe.”

  Amy admired Adam as she danced the rest of the night away with him. He looked so handsome tonight in his black tuxedo and the stubble of a five ‘o clock shadow upon his face. She rested her cheek on his chest breathing in the scent of him which was as familiar to her as the smell of rain on a spring day.

  Amy looked up at Adam and raised her eyebrows in question. “Are you ready to call it a night?”

  “I’m ready when you are babe,” Adam voice was husky with desire.

  Amy giggled as she took his hand and placed a finger to his lips. They tiptoed quietly out of the hall unnoticed.

  The limo drove away from the reception into the night, Adam and Amy unaware of the rest of the world. The driver stopped in front of their new home, which as of yet they had not stayed in. When the car door was opened Adam stepped out offering his hand to her as she slid out toward him.

  They heard the door as it slammed shut behind them and the sound of the limousine drive away, leaving them alone for the first time today.

  “Well Mrs. LaPointe,” Adam lifted her up into his arms, he went up the stairs effortlessly, unlocking the door and carrying her over the threshold. “Welcome Home.”

  Chapter 17

  Amy sat at the kitchen table clipping coupons while she waited for Adam to get home from work. The smell of the roast that simmered in the crock pot made her stomach growl. She checked the potatoes that were boiling on the stove when Adam walked in the door.

  “Hi babe.” Adam took off his Carhatt jacket and hung it on the hook by the back door. “Something sure smells good.” He walked up behind Amy and wrapped his arms around her giving her a kiss on the neck.

  “Is that a wrench in your pocket or are you happy to see me?” She turned back smiling at Adam as she kissed him on the cheek.

  “Hmmm. Happy to see you.” He whispered in her ear. “I missed you.”

  “I missed you too.” Amy added butter to the potatoes and started mashing them. “How was your day?”

  “I have some great news.” Adam lifted the top off the crock pot and peeked inside. “I finally got my ninety days in which means we now have benefits. I also got a dollar an hour raise.”

  “Adam that is great news.” She hugged him seeing the pride in his eyes. “You’ve been working so hard.”

  “How was your day?” Adam washed his hands then sat down at the table as Amy set the dinner before him. She poured them each a glass of milk and sat down to join him.

  “They’re talking about layoffs again.” Amy poured some gravy over her mashed potatoes and roast.

  “Really?” Adam took another bite of his roast. “Don’t worry babe you have seniority. Man, this is good Amy.”

  “Eat some green beans,” Amy spooned some on his plate.

  “Yes, mom.” Adam smirked as he speared some on his fork. “I’m going to pay the bills while you do the dishes. If we have any money to spare, do you want to see a movie tonight?”

  “Sure that new movie Grease just came out.” Amy peeked up to see his response.

  “Isn’t that a musical?” Adam grimaced when he heard her suggestion. He put his hands up in front of his face as she threw a napkin at him. “Just kidding.”

  While Amy cleaned up after dinner, Adam sat at the kitchen table. He ran his hand through his hair as he concentrated scribbling on the envelopes in front of him. He placed the money from their paychecks in an envelope that was designated for each expense. He tossed the pencil on the table stretching his legs out in front of him.

  Adam held up a twenty and snapped it open. “We have enough for a movie and popcorn. Would you like to go on a date with me, Mrs. LaPointe?” He pulled her into his lap as he tickled her sides.

  The phone rang and Adam jumped up to get it, Amy still laughing with him as he tickled her again.

  “Hello?” Adam listened intently. “Hi Angie. Okay. Let me get her.” Adam handed Amy the phone as he tickled her
again.

  “Hi Angie.” She laughed into the phone. “What’s up?”

  “I was wondering if I could borrow you electric roaster oven?’ Angie asked. “I need it for a luncheon at work.”

  “Sure.” Amy noticed Adam as he stood there leaning back against the sink looking so damn sexy in his jeans and flannel shirt. “We’ll drop it off before we go to the movies.”

  “I’ll be at Joey’s house tonight. Can you drop it off there?”

  “No problem. I have a card for him anyway. See you in a little bit.” Amy hung up the phone and dug the roaster out of the kitchen pantry making quite a commotion.

  “When did you decide to clean the pantry?” Adam teased as he took the roaster out of her arms. “I thought we were going to the movies?”

  “Aren’t we full of wit and humor tonight?” Amy made a silly face at him as she put her jacket on. “I’m ready when you are.”

  Adam set the roaster in the back of the pickup truck as Amy hopped into the passenger side. She was excited to be going out with Adam. With him working two jobs and helping his father out he barely had time to sleep, let alone go out. She herself had no extra time left at the end of the day between her job at Farmer Jacks, volunteering at the youth center and the daily household chores.

  Adam had taken a sudden interest in every song that had come on the radio since they pulled into Joey’s driveway. “Wait let’s hear this last song,” he said as he turned up Take the Long Way Home by Supertramp.

  Amy hummed along to the music until she was startled by a tap on the glass. She looked up to see Bob and Joey making faces at her. Joey had his hockey duffle bag slung over his shoulder.

  “Did you just get in town?” Amy asked them as she rolled down the window.

  “Yeah, what the hell are you guys sitting out in the driveway for?” Joey started walking towards the house. “Come on in.”

  Adam shut the truck off before the song had ended and grabbed Amy’s hand in a hurry as he rushed her out of the truck to catch up with Joey and Bob.