by D. W. Cee
When everyone settled down, Jake came over to me and walked me up to his stage. His eyes only on me, he uttered, “Emily, I don’t think I ever told you this but when I first saw you at the supermarket, I followed you around the store like a lost puppy.”
“Stalker!” I heard one of the cousins yell out. The audience, myself included, found the comment hilarious.
“I was more than happy to help you after you fell. I told all the doctors and staff in ER to slow down your treatment so I could spend more time with you.”
“Malpractice!” was the next shout we got from a different cousin. While we all laughed, Jake sent out a light-hearted threat to the hecklers.
“Just remember that you all are getting married after me. That means that you will all be up here at some point and I don’t forgive or forget easily.” Jake attempted an evil eye. Nobody was scared.
Some yelled back,“oooh!” The others sarcastically called out, “scary!”
Jake continued with his story.
“After our first date, I knew that you would be the girl I would marry. What I didn’t know was how deeply I would fall in love with you and still I grow to love you more each day. I cherish your warmth, your honesty, and the way you trust me to take care of you. In turn, I strive to be your shield and protector and make you the happiest woman in the world. In short, my life is only complete because you are here with me. I love you.”
There was not a dry eye in the tent. All the women cried. I too became overwhelmed with emotion and cried in Jake’s arms. For a change, they were tears of joy. While I pulled myself back together Jake excused himself and went over to his mother and embraced her. Though I couldn’t hear their exchange, I was sure he was thanking his mother – his first true love.
Jake came back to me and held out a small jewelry box – yes, like the kind a girl received when a man got down on one knee about to propose to the woman he loves. Since that was already done, twice, I wondered what this could be. I thought I’d add some humor to this situation and put up both my ring bearing hands and told Jake, “I don’t have any fingers left to wear another diamond ring.”
Jake found this statement funny as he opened up the box. I found a big diamond stud earring. I looked at the stud, looked at his face and looked back at the stud. Everyone in the room, including me, wondered why there was only one stud.
“Jake, this is gorgeous but how does it become something old and something new and why is there only one?”
“Well, for those of you who don’t know the story, I first proposed to Emily back in December and she turned me down.
Everyone in the tent booed, even Gram. I hung my head low to the ground till Jake brought my chin up with a tender kiss.
“So this diamond,” he continued the story, “is the first diamond I bought for her seven months ago that I decided to turn into an earring since I got a new diamond from my favorite Grandma.” He waved my ring finger to the crowd for one more razzing.
“The other diamond,” Jake pulled out another jewelry box, “is a new one that I picked up at Boucheron in Paris. So here you go my love, something old and something new.” He handed me both boxes and I thought it only appropriate to put them both on immediately. This time, I wrapped my arms around my love and embraced him passionately. It was only when Gram started clearing her throat we released one another.
“Thank you, Sweetheart. They’re beautiful,” I crooned.
Jake and I thanked Uncle Henry and Aunt Barbara for our special evening.
“Aunt Barbara, you throw the most exciting theme party I’ve ever attended. I can’t wait to see what Thanksgiving looks like at your house. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” I gushed giving both my aunt and uncle a hug.
“Now Jake, don’t forget we have one more rule that starts tonight,” warned Aunt Barbara.
I looked to Jake for an explanation and he hesitated.
“Aw, Aunt Babs, can’t we forgo that tradition?”
“Nope.”
“How about starting tomorrow night like customary?”
“See you at the wedding, Nephew.” She walked away and I turned for an explanation.
“Well, you see… there’s another tradition where they keep the bride and groom away from each other after the rehearsal dinner. Since we had our dinner a day early, you and I will be separated from tonight till Sunday evening. The guys usually spend the night together at one of the homes, which I think it’s the Chief’s this time, and the ladies will all be at our house. I think Aunt Babs is enforcing this policy even harsher to get back at me for taking the diamond.” Jake found this thought comical.
I found nothing comical about being separated for two days. My lips must have formed into a pout.
“Love, it’s only two more days,” he consoled me. “After that, I won’t let anything or anybody separate us again, okay?” He lifted up my sullen face. “I’ll see you at the altar.” Jake leaned in and placed his lips on my forehead.
This was the last time I saw Jake till I walked down the aisle.
Saturday morning we all slept in. We consisted of Mom, me, four aunts, eleven female cousins, Gram and her staff. Even with our huge house, everyone jostled for space. No one wanted to spend the night in our room as all the ladies thought it would be weird to spend the night in what they termed, “the honeymoon suite.” As much as I liked company, I was happy to be by myself while everyone crowded in the extra bedrooms. I heard a light knock on the door and I knew alone time was over.
Lane, the Chief’s daughter, walked in. “Can I use your shower? It’s crazy how all ten showers can be taken at the same time. Do you need to use it?”
“I think Gram is taking all of us to the spa today as my bachelorette party/bridal shower. I’m probably going to go use the shower there after my treatments.”
“Oh, well if that’s the case, I guess I’ll do the same. Can I hang out here with you for a while?”
“Of course.” I was only too happy to get to know more family members.
Laney sat on the couch and proceeded to tell me a fascinating story.
“Did you know that you and I were in Japan at the same time?”
“No way!” I answered coming off the bed and sitting on the couch with her. “When were you there?”
“All last year. I participated in a student exchange program and did my sophomore year at Tokyo University.”
“Oh, I wish we had met earlier, Lane. We could’ve been friends in Japan. It was lonely living there without a friend. I took the bullet train many times into the city. What fun that was.” Memories of Tokyo flooded my mind.
“Jake was so frantic when you left for Japan. He was such a mess. He flew to Japan and we looked for you but it was too difficult to figure out where you were staying. Eventually he went back home but called me daily asking me to help him find you. It makes me want to cry when I think about him searching for you. He was really devastated.” Her pretty face turned dour.
It made me want to cry as well. Those were not the happiest days, but I guess it solidified our feelings for each other. Those days also made me a stronger person knowing that I could live alone – lonely, but alone.
“So where exactly were you staying? I tried to help but it was too random looking for you in every village.” Lane’s shoulders slightly shrugged and she looked apologetic.
We talked about where we lived in Japan and all the fun places we had visited. Not surprisingly, our paths crossed many times even in such a big country. Lane had even visited our village after I had left. I enjoyed my talk with her.
Spa time provided more revelations about Jake during our separation. Gram treated all the ladies to a full day at the spa. Because of the enormity of our group, the spa separated us into three groups of six. Mom and the Aunts chaperoned Grams through all of their treatments. Jane, Sarah, Lane, and I hung with Uncle Billy’s two daughters. We started with a body wrap in the mud room and ended with a Shiatsu massage before meeting up with our group for lun
ch.
We sat in our private patio and Aunt Sandra asked Gram the question that apparently was on everyone’s mind.
“Estelle,”Barbara spoke. It never occurred to me that Gram had a name. “What finally convinced you to give up your most treasured ring? I thought you weren’t going to let go of it till you passed away. We were all curious as to who it would be passed down to, although we figured it would be Sandy.”
I never realized the importance of this ring to the family. Envy was not the motive for their curiosity as each aunt could purchase one for herself if she so desired.
“This ring does mean a lot to me. My father bought it for my mother as a present after she had me, her first born. My dad loved my mother more than all nine of us combined. All I remember from my youth till the day my parents died was how they put each other high above everything and everyone else. When Jakey first told me about Emily, I thought it was a passing phase. He spoke so ardently about a girl he’d just met. Then when Emily left for Japan, I’d never seen Jake so distraught. I had dinner with him in Paris in February and he grieved for this girl who was alone in the world. He believed it was entirely his fault that she had left. There was nothing anyone could do to comfort him. That was when I knew he truly loved her and would do anything to be with her again.”
Sandy put her hand over mine knowing how sad I was hearing about Jake’s pain.
“Eventually he finally found her and she breathed life back into my grandson. He came to see me before proposing to Emily in Paris and he told me about every date they’d ever had. More than any of my own children, Jakey’s love for Emily reminded me of my dad and my beloved husband. His love for a girl he’s known less than a year was more passionate than any I have seen. He didn’t ask me for the ring. I offered the ring to him. His passion earned him the ring, not his pleading.”
Gram looked at me and lovingly encouraged, “You and Jake are perfect for each other. You complement each other well. Love him as much as he loves you and you two will live a happy life together.”
“Thank you, Gram. We will work hard to live up to your parents’ legacy.”
After ordering every treatment on the menu, we all had a light dinner and went home. I was sure there were many missed calls from Jake but my phone got confiscated by Aunt Deborah early in the day so I had no way of communicating with my groom. As soon as I got to our room, I texted Jake hoping he could get away to call me.
Just got home. If you are able, call directly to our room. Missed you very much. Can’t wait to become Mrs. Reid. Love you even more.
As soon as I pushed the send button, the phone rang immediately.
“Hi Honey. How was your day?”
“Hi Beautiful. I had a fun but lonesome day today without you.”
“Where are you and what did you do all day?” I too felt alone.
“We’re about an hour north of home and we’re up at someone’s ranch, pheasant, quail and chukar hunting. I shot a Reid record ten, beating the Chief’s old record by two.” Haughty was not a word I associated with Jake but he always enjoyed beating Uncle Henry.
“That’s great but what’s a chukar?”
“It’s a type of bird in the pheasant family. What did you do all day, my love?”
“We went to the spa and enjoyed every treatment thanks to Gram but I really missed you.”
“I missed you too.”
As soon as he let these words out, I heard many unfamiliar voices making fun of my fiancé.
“Who are all those people in the background?”
“My college and med school buddies along with the rest of the family. You’ll meet them tomorrow.
“When do you get back home?”
“I think we’re spending the night up here and then we have appointments at the spa tomorrow. I don’t exactly know. No one will give me a clear answer for fear that I may bolt on them. They’re all seeking revenge because I gave you diamonds for your wedding present.”
“Oh, I see. What would they do if I came to see you?” It was a tempting thought to drive over and see my soon to be husband.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Jane is guarding your door right now.” We both laughed. “I guess I’ll see you at the wedding.”
“Yes, you will, Dr. Reid.”
“Good night, my love. Sweet dreams.”
“I love you. Good night.”
Chapter 22 Our Happily Ever After
Sunday was the most beautiful day of the year. Weather was a perfect 80 degrees and everyone arrived at the crack of dawn. Because of the perfect weather, Sandy and Barbara decided to hold the wedding outside so it was chaotic for a while getting everything moved out of the ballroom and into the backyard.
I woke up and watched all the hustle and bustle outside but decided not to leave my room. I liked being alone giving myself some time to think about the magnitude of today and the joy that awaited us. Surprisingly, my nerves didn’t rattle me. I only reveled in the happiness of becoming Mrs. Reid by the end of the day. My face couldn’t keep from smiling as I watched all the workers transform the backyard into my dream.
Though it was early, I called Jake to see what he was up to. With so many men in one place, there would be no way he would still be sleeping.
My groom answered the phone on the first ring.
“Good morning, Handsome.” I sounded even sappier than usual.
“Hello, my beautiful bride. You’re up early. Did you sleep well last night?”
“No. I can’t wait to have you in bed with me.” It was my wedding day. I figured I could sound as brazen as I liked.
“Aw, Sis! I don’t need to hear this kind of stuff so early in the morning. It’s making me nauseous.”
Normally I would have died of embarrassment at Nick having heard our conversation but today, nothing bothered me.
“Nick, go find something else to do. Don’t listen in on a soon-to-be newlywed’s conversation. What did you expect?”
“We’re driving and you’re on speaker so we’re going to have to keep this conversation G rated, although I like the way you’re thinking.” Jake grinned through the phone.
“Where are you off to so early in the morning?”
“We’re coming home briefly to pick up our tux and then we have to meet everyone at the spa for haircuts and grooming.”
I jumped out of bed excited that I might spend the morning with my groom.
“Does that mean we can see each other this morning?” I sounded much too hopeful.
“I will try and sneak into our room but Nick is supposed to be my guard. He promised the Chief to keep me away from you.”
Quickly a suitable bribe for Nick popped into my head.
“Nick, if you give me thirty minutes with your brother, I promise you a meal at Masa when we get back from our honeymoon. What do you think?”
Nick wouldn’t budge.
“Sis, if I let Jake see you, the Chief promised to torture me on my wedding day. He threatened many times.”
“Nick, we won’t tell him. I promise!”
“They’ll read it on Jake’s face. He’ll have a stupid grin instead of this scowl he’s had since Friday night.”
We both pleaded and bribed but to no avail. Jake took me off speaker phone and promised to try and come see me when he got home.
Aunt Barbara sent Lane to tell me to shower but to stay in my robe. The esthetician would be arriving within half an hour and I would be the first one to receive treatment. After all the treatments yesterday it seemed unnecessary but obviously Aunt Barbara thought otherwise. They converted Nick’s room into the facial / make-up area and Jane’s room became the hair salon. We were all on a tight schedule and we were warned not to miss our appointments. Jane was in charge of getting all of us to the right place at the right time.
I continued to watch the workers outside while waiting for Jake and the esthetician to arrive. I saw that the rental company place two rectangular rows of chairs on both sides of the grassy aisle. Over the c
hairs they draped white tulle, loosely pinned together with yellow and off white roses in the back. They then set up thin trellises all along the outside of the ceremony area. Initially it looked like the trellises made a bracket on either side of the chairs without enclosing the walkway or where we would stand.
The florists feverishly worked to cover all the trellis with mossy vines and every flower that bloomed in July. I recognized various lilies, jasmine, daisies, dahlias and freesias. There were many beautiful flowers that I didn’t recognize but enjoyed my leisurely gazing. By the end of their labor, they had created a huge flower tent loosely covering our ceremony. I had never seen such a sight. Then, I saw the florist cover the aisle with hundreds, maybe thousands of white rose petals. What the florist created looked prettier than any picture in a wedding magazine. Once again, I felt a surge of emotions – happy, blessed, and thankful to name a few.
While continuing to look out the window, I heard much commotion right outside my door and knew that Jake was trying to come see me. Lane frantically called for her mom and both Aunt Barbara and Gram came to stop him from walking in our room. Lane slightly opened the door and squeezed in to grab Jake’s tux and quickly shut the door before we could see each other.
Jake was begging both ladies to allow him to see his bride but neither budged. Jake hollered through the door. “Emi, I’m off to the barber. I’ll see you tonight, sweetheart. I love you.”
“I love you too. I feel like a prisoner in my own house,” I yelled back.
The esthetician began work on my face while I followed Jane’s every instruction. Facial first, then a light breakfast, then sit and watch a movie while all the cousins and aunts got both their hair and make-up done. My make up session would be the last one.