by Iris Bolling
“Well, the honeymoon is over,” Cainan fell back against the pillow.
AnnieMarie straddled him. “No my love,” she eased down on him then moaned when he was fully embedded inside. “Our honeymoon is just getting started.”
After a little loving and a shower AnnieMarie walked down the staircase examining the decorator’s handiwork. She had to admit, the white roses with gold trim cascading down the railing was beautiful and smelled even better than it looked. The whirlwind of activities in the foyer below brought the excitement of the day into full view for her. This was her brother’s wedding day, not to mention a day for her home to shine. Dressed in her stylish Audrey Hepburn inspired V neck with a fitted bodice, three quarter length sleeves and flared skirt that fell right above her knees, she was ready to bring all of their plans to life.
As she walked into the ballroom, Gina was there instructing the decorators on the positioning of the chairs. AnnieMarie had to admit, she had been a bit reluctant to work with Gina at first, but then found their tastes were quite similar. Their approaches were different.
“I need each chair to be exactly two feet apart,” Gina explained. “I don’t need nobody’s big butt in their neighbor’s lap.”
“Do not forget the leg room behind each chair needs to be precisely five feet. Allowing plenty of room to walk down each aisle,” AnnieMarie added as she walked into the room. She glanced at Gina. “You seem to be on top of things out here. I’m going to check on things in the kitchen. The catering staff has arrived, have they not?”
“The setup crew is in there. I haven’t seen the cook yet.” Gina replied.
“Well, I am sure he will be here soon,” AnnieMarie replied. “I will work on the reception room until he arrives.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to move the wedding outside?” Gina asked. “It’s a beautiful May day.”
AnnieMarie suppressed a laugh at the moan she heard from one of the workers. “No, I think what you are doing here is just as beautiful. Besides, pictures will be taken in the garden. I wouldn’t want anything disturbed by having people out there.”
“You might be right,” Gina nodded. “I’ll continue here. You check the tables and chairs in the gold room.”
AnnieMarie had turned but stopped at the comment. “Gold room?” She mumbled.
“Please don’t ask.” The worker begged. “She has named every room. You now have a silver, gold and platinum room.”
“Let me guess. This is the platinum room?”
“Yes.”
AnnieMarie chuckled. “Have fun,” she said then walked through the French doors that led into the reception room. Tables and chairs to seat two hundred and fifty-eight guests, the wedding party of ten, plus the bride and groom, filled the room. Workers were covering the tables with white linen cloths, gold runners and tall crystal flower vases with sparkling lights, topped with dozens of white roses. The oval back, white chairs with gold trim and gold sheer fabric being draped from the high ceilings, gave the chic elegant setting that they wanted for Myles and Chrystina.
“The candlelight will set this off just right at dawn,” Cainan said from the door.
AnnieMarie slowly turned to see the man she was going to spend the rest of her life with.
“When she made the suggestion I thought it would be too over the top. It’s not. It’s actually perfect.”
He walked up behind her then wrapped his arms around her waist. “Are you sorry we didn’t wait?”
“No,” she kissed his cheek. “We waited long enough. We can have a reception whenever we want to celebrate us. Today is about Myles and Chrystina.” She turned to him. “Why are you up? You haven’t slept in over two weeks.”
“I have to take the next two weeks to find my way around my new home.”
“Ha ha, as long as you can find the bedrooms. I’m good.”
Cainan smiled. “Bedrooms, I think I can handle that,” his kissed her. “And let’s not forget each window leading out to the roof.”
“Mmm hmm,” she reveled in his embrace.
“Excuse me. You two need to take that back upstairs and get out of my way. I have a wedding to put together.” Gina, walked by them. “Excuse me, no. That loop is not tight enough.”
“Good luck with that.” Cainan laughed, he kissed AnnieMarie’s cheek. “I’m going to catch up with Mike.”
“Sereena is still in town. Good luck with that.” she laughed as she watched him walk away.
“Nice ass,” Gina said as she pulled AnnieMarie into the kitchen.
$ $ $
Standing in front of the mirror, Chrystina could not believe how amazing she looked in her dress. Gina was the one who always walked around telling people how good she looked. Today was the first time she understood why.
“Damn, I look good.”
Beverly and Monica laughed. “Good? Girl, you look amazing in that dress,” her mother beamed. “Monica you did your thang.”
“It was my pleasure. Seeing you in it exceeded all my expectations, Chrystina. You are a beautiful bride.”
“Oh my goodness, look at the back,” Beverly had tears coming from her eyes. “Myles is going to die when he sees you in this.”
“I hope not,” Chrystina smoothed the dress down in front, not believing it was her standing in the mirror. “I plan on spending the next fifty years of my life with him.”
“Don’t put a time limit on it honey,” Monica patted her hand. “Start planning your 100th wedding anniversary with him tonight. Add something new each year. It will give you something to look forward to.”
“I love that thought,” Chrystina smiled as she looked over her shoulder. “It sounds so romantic.”
“Romance is the key,” Winnie said as she walked in the room. “Wow.” She stood in front of Chrystina smiling. “He is going to lose his mind.”
Chrystina stood in the middle of the room, in front of a full length mirror, as the photographer snapped picture after picture. She was dressed in a sweetheart, mermaid, strapless gown with lace overlay and a six foot detachable train. Her hair was scooped to one side, with a band of diamonds and satin on the crown of her head, and single tear drop diamond earrings. Her makeup was flawless, and her body was stunning, as if the dress was made just for her.
“She’s working it,” Gina beamed, standing next to her mother.
“Working it is an understatement,” her mother Beverly exhaled. “Monica, I have no idea where you’re moving to. But if I ever get married again, I’m going to find you.”
“I do more than wedding dresses, you know.” Monica smiled at her creation. “But I have to say, this is one of my best.”
Chrystina looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. Her thighs still rubbed each other, some of her clothes still felt a little tight, but at that moment, looking at herself in the mirror she saw it. She saw what Myles had been telling her every day since they got together. “I am gorgeous.”
Gina laughed out loud. “This is one time, Sis that I am going to concede that you look even better than me.”
Chrystina and Beverly burst into laughter.
The photographer snapped a picture of the three of them. Chrystina knew the picture would become one of her most treasured possessions.
“It’s time,” Beverly said as she stood in front of Chrystina. She took her hand in hers. “May I have the honor of escorting you to marry the man of your dreams?”
“And that fine ass Myles too,” Gina added. “Come on girl. I look too good to be standing in this room. Preston is out there and he needs to see this.”
“Preston?” Winnie raised an eyebrow then looked at Chrystina. “I will let Myles know you are ready.”
A few minutes later Chrystina stood at the top of the staircase that led to the foyer. She took a deep breath, held a bouquet of white roses in one hand and her mother’s hand in the other. Photographers were taking pictures from the front and the back. It felt as if she was Cinderella walking into the ballroom. All eyes were o
n her. “I hope I don’t trip.”
Beverly laughed. “I will be right here to catch you if you do.”
Christina inhaled. “Can you believe this is happening Mom? I mean I’m about to become Mrs. Myles Dunning.”
“No, you are about to become Mrs. Chrystina Dunning. You have been the woman behind Myles Dunning for years. You are now about to make it official.”
They reached the entrance to the ballroom. Gina turned to her.
“Your life is about to change Chrys. I want you to know how I love and admire you. You are a hell of a woman and the best big sister in the world.”
Tears formed in Chrystina eyes. “Please don’t make my cry. I do the ugly crying thing.”
“Oh, that’s right, you do,” Gina nodded. “I’m the only one who can cry pretty.” She turned and walked in to the music.
“That’s your daughter,” Chrystina laughed.
“Yes, she is and so are you.” Her mother smiled up at her. “Let’s go get your man.”
Myles stood at the front of the room with over three hundred guests looking on. His mother was sitting in the front row with Aunt Vivian, Uncle Ken, Daisy, Jerome, and Preston. An empty chair sat next to his mother to represent where his father would have been. The thought brought a feeling of emptiness. How he wished his father had lived long enough to have walked AnnieMarie down the aisle and to give him advice on how to keep a marriage happy.
“Damn.”
Myles turned at Mike’s word.
“She is beautiful.”
Myles turned back and looked up.
He smiled. Beautiful was an understatement. Suddenly words flowed through his mind. You know all you need to know. You’ve watched your mother and me all
your life. You have your Winnieford at your side.
He stood a little taller. His shoulders rose tall and proud. His chest puffed out like a man who just won the right to have a lifetime with Chrystina Price.
Myles’ eyes met hers and he knew without a doubt he would love her for the rest of his life.
“Damn.”
He heard Mike say again. Myles whispered over his shoulder. “Do you think she fits a CEO’s reputation, now?”
“Did I say she wasn’t?” Mike asked.
“Yes, my brother you did.”
Myles stepped forward, took Chrystina’s hand in his, then gently kissed her lips.
The minister cleared his throat. “Not yet.”
Myles never took his eyes from Chrystina as he replied. “Then I suggest you hurry up. I’m about to devour this woman in front of you, God, and all of our guests.”
“Well,” the minister said, then in a booming voice he began the process of uniting Myles Davies Dunning to Chrystina Marie Price as man and wife.
EPILOGUE
Hours after the wedding with people celebrating in the sunroom, the family met in the sitting room to say goodbye to Myles and Chrystina, before the happy couple left for their wedding night. With their feet up, smiles on their faces and champagne glasses in their hands, they filled the room with laughter and chatter.
“This is off the chain,” Grace laughed as she sat in Jonathan’s lap resting her head back on his shoulder. “I don’t know the last time I’ve had that much fun at a wedding.”
“Listen, if you are going to leave the party life, you might as well do it right.” Gina laughed.
“You did a wonderful job,” Preston smiled. “This place looks amazing.” He looked at AnnieMarie, “You made a good purchase.”
“Thank you. I love it,” she smiled. “Chrystina thank you for allowing me to host your wedding. I love the way the place shined.”
“No, thank you,” Chrystina beamed. “You and Gina, made my day simple and elegant. I cannot believe you made all of this happen.”
“Our day, baby,” Myles added. “It’s our day.”
The family laughed.
“No, the day was hers,” Mike stated. “The night is yours.”
“Oh yes,” Myles kissed Chrystina’s neck.
“I want this,” Grace glanced at Jonathan. “I want to go out with a slam.” She looked back at Gina. “You and AnnieMarie are going to plan our wedding.”
“Have you two set a date?” AnnieMarie asked.
“Yeah, when’s the next big day?” Cainan asked as he stood behind AnnieMarie.
Grace called over her shoulder. “Mother, Daisy, Monica, you might want to come in here for this.”
“What are you doing?” Jonathan asked.
“Setting a date,” Grace told him. “Before Myles and Chrystina leave we’ll set a date right here and now. You okay with that?” She smiled at Jonathan.
“Woman, say the word I will marry you tomorrow,” Jonathan kissed her.
Grace announced. “I want a traditional church wedding with all the trimmings five hundred guests and a party that lasts all night long.”
“It’s going to take some time to plan that one,” Gina huffed.
“At least a year,” AnnieMarie laughed.
“You can do that.” Grace smiled at Jonathan. “I’ll say I do to you one year from now.”
“It’s a date,” Jonathan pulled Grace into his arms and proceeded to seal the date with a kiss.
Chrystina nudged Myles forward. “Well, I think this news calls for a toast.”
“I’ll get the champagne,” Gina ran to the door. “I need a few trays of champagne in here,” she yelled across the room. When she turned back the people in the room were staring at her. “It’ll only be a minute.”
Chrystina burst into laughter. “Leave it to Gina.”
“Champagne's here,” Gina announced. “See I told you it would only take a minute.”
The waiters passed glasses around then left the room.
“Well,” Myles held up his glass as he took Chrystina’s hand. “A year ago we gathered to celebrate the life of our father. Today the celebration continues with the uniting of Cainan and AnnieMarie, the upcoming marriage of Jonathan and Grace, and my discovering what was right in my face all the time.” He kissed Chrystina. “Daddy told me once that love conquers everything. No matter how big, or small, if you have love you have it all. Today I can say, we have it all. To all the happy couples in the room, congratulations and may this day stay in our hearts forever.”
“Here, here,” they cheered then took a drink.
“If I may,” Winnie stepped forward. “Under the leadership of Myles, Grace, Jonathan and Preston, the Board is set to guide Dunning Bank and Trust into the next millennium. The innovation, and dedication to keeping our commitment to our customers is in good hands. As for us, the Dunning family is now in the next phase of our history,” Winnieford smiled. “If Hepburn were here he would say we did well, my children. We lived with family integrity, first and foremost. May our lives continue to be blessed with the importance of love for each other, and the world. Two cheers to the future of Dunning Bank & Trust.” They all took a sip of their champagne.
Myles smiled. “Look around the room. We are the next generation. Each of us is an integral element to the future of Dunning Bank & Trust. More importantly, we are the legacy of the Dunning family. The true measure of a family is how we handle adversity. If the past year is any indication, I say we are looking stronger than we have ever been. Hold your glasses high to those who came before us, to those who are here now and to the future generations of Dunnings.”
$ $ $
Hours later in the sunroom the guests were enjoying the music and dancing.
Preston held Gina in his arms as they danced. “Earlier you said you were my friend. What if I wanted something more?”
“Preston, I have three children, a new job and a school curriculum from hell this semester. There is no time for something more.”
“You do seem to have a lot on your plate.”
“You think?”
Preston laughed. “What if I say you don’t have a choice? You got me whether you want me or not.”
Gina smiled. �
��I would say you are on your way to being the man I need you to be.”
“If I’m not, I promise you, I’m going to fake it until I make it.”
“Oh no, baby, I’ll be damned if you will be doing any faking with me. I am a woman through and through. I can make you scream and holler, or whimper like a baby.”
Gary and Mike sat at the table with Winnie, watching everyone dancing. “Damn, we’re the only survivors from this marriage virus that’s going around,” Mike smirked.
“I plan on keeping it that way for a while,” Gary stared as he took a drink.
“So do I,” Mike chuckled.
Sereena appeared in the doorway dressed in a short black dress that highlighted her firm thick thighs. Gary watched Mike’s eyes scan from her feet up to her eyes. He chuckled. “You’re sure about that?”
Mike was up and walking towards the door before he finished his question.
“He is gone and don’t even know it,” Winnie laughed. “Looks like it’s you and me kid. Until that special woman catches your eye.”
Sydney walked over to the table. “Hello Mrs. Dunning.”
“Hello Sydney.”
She turned to Gary. “Are we going to watch each other all night or take a chance on having a conversation?”
“Let’s dance. We’ll work on the conversation later.”
Gary stood, glanced back at his mother and winked.
Winnie smiled at all of the couples on the floor. She decided to take a step out onto the deck for some fresh air and a talk with her husband. “Oh, Hep, what a wonderful night it turned out to be. Myles and Chrystina are now married, Grace-Heather has her Jonathan and wants a big wedding.” She laughed, “if that don’t beat all. Can you believe that?” She thought for a moment. “You would have loved tonight, Hep. Simply loved it.”
“Good evening Winnieford.”
Winnie turned to see Jerome standing in the doorway leading into the ballroom. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo. “Oh my, you look rather debonair this evening.”
Jerome did a two-step. “This is my James Bond look.”
“Bond has never looked that good,” she smiled and started to walk towards him, when someone called out to her.
