by Q. T. Ruby
The next few days and nights are paradise. Sleeping, walking around Florence, dining on incredible pasta in tiny restaurants in the city, and rounds and rounds of sex. After one particularly lustful session, I turn to him. “I think you’re trying to wear me out.”
“No. It’s you. You’re wearing me out.”
“I may not be able to move later. We may have to stay here all day.”
“Can’t. We’re leaving later.”
“Where are we going?”
“Our next stop.”
We pack up and leave under the cover of night once again. As it turns out, our next stop is Rome, where we have a private tour of the Colosseum, which is utterly spectacular lit up against the night sky. Then we head to the Sistine Chapel, where we once again get a private tour.
“How are you managing to get us private tours inside these ancient landmarks?”
“Donations. Heavy, heavy donations. I like to donate to causes that support us on our honeymoon.”
“So you’re paying people off to let us in after hours?”
“Yes.” He smiles proudly.
I shake my head, still amazed and always thankful that I’m the object of his affection.
Later that night, in our hotel room, which has another phenomenal view, this time of Rome, Dan hands me his phone, and with a sigh, says, “They know.”
I take it and watch a clip from Tinsel Town Tonight. “Looks like Daniel Chase is officially off the market!” They go on to give details, mostly made up, and show some grainy photos of us on a yacht taken from a distance.
“Secret’s out I guess,” I say, deflated. “I’ve loved this being secret . . . but we’re not on a yacht.”
“No, we’re not.” He’s got that mischievous smile again. “Did I tell you how I hired a couple who, from a distance, could pass for us and put them on a yacht for a vacation?”
“Wait, what? You hired decoys?”
“I did. Ingenious, huh? One of my best ideas yet.”
I roar with laughter. “That is priceless!”
“So, it’s still just you and me with hats and sunglasses, but yeah, the world knows we’re married. Guess it’s time we get wedding bands. I figured we’d get them here to always remember this trip.”
At every turn I’m overwhelmed.
The following days, we hit the Amalfi Coast, Venice, Umbria, and the Cinque Terre, and each location is somehow more beautiful and exquisite than the last. On our last night, Dan brings us to a secluded little area for us to sit on the beach in Cinque Terre, with a bottle of champagne and two flutes, watching the sunset. “To the last night of our honeymoon,” he says.
“And to the rest of our lives.”
“That, too.” We clink glasses and sip.
“This has been the most amazing adventure, Dan. Thank you.”
He leans in as if telling a secret. “It was for me, too.”
I squeeze his hand and hold is gaze. “You deserve everything wonderful in this life, Dan. I simultaneously want people to know just how incredible you are, and yet I want to hide you away just for me. Is that wrong?” I giggle at how awful that sounds.
“Yes, it is wrong. I’m not your arm candy, Claire! I will not be kept down,” he says, turning away dramatically.
“I’m sorry I want to hold you hostage and not share you with the world. Forgive me. But, question . . . how do you feel about closets?”
He snorts. “My name isn’t Harry Potter, Claire.”
I laugh and grab his hand again. I put down my drink, balancing it in the sand next to me. I stroke his hand, staring at the ring on his finger that we bought earlier in the day. “I’m so happy I put a ring on it.”
He’s smiling, no, beaming. “And if we’re being honest, I don’t want to share you either. I may lock you in the closet with me.”
“What will we do for food?”
“Lucky Charms will probably last us for a few years. There are definitely enough preservatives in them.”
“This is true. Plus, we can always call for Chinese.”
“I love the way you think.”
***
The next day we’re back on a private plane, our real location is still unknown to the general public.
Dan turns to me. “I have one more surprise for you.”
“You do?”
“Yeah. I also have something for you to wear once we get off the plane.”
“Intriguing. Where are we flying back to—L.A.?”
“Not telling. Just keep the trust going, okay?”
“Not going to stop now!”
“Good. Now, sleep so you’re rested, okay?”
“Okay,” I say suspiciously. “You’re making me nervous. Are you going to make me walk a red carpet or something?”
“Not today.” He winks at me.
“Did you pick out the outfit or did Bridget?”
“I did.”
“Really? Huh. Okay.”
“You look nervous,” he says.
“Nope, just trusting.”
“That’s a nervous face, not a trusting face.”
I shake my head, smiling. “I’ll just assume that whatever it is, you like it, and want me to wear it, so YOLO.”
“That’s right. YOLO.”
Of course now I’m panicking a little. Where are we going? What am I going to be wearing? I know he likes skimpy clothes. Not shocking. But I close my eyes to sleep because I truly am tired, in every good way.
Too soon, he wakes me. I sit up quickly and feel dizzy. “Whoa.”
“We’re landing soon. You need to get dressed.”
“Are you changing, too?”
“Yes.” He stands and hands me a garment bag from the overhead compartment. “Here you go.”
Beyond curious, I head to the bathroom, which is only slightly larger but far more luxurious than in a normal airplane. There’s a toothbrush in there—and toothpaste and a hairbrush. My makeup bag is out, waiting for me, too. Huh. I freshen up then unzip the garment bag. My eyes widen as I take in the short, fitted, and intricately beaded ivory dress. Once I take it off the hanger, I realize it’s backless. Oh boy. The boat shaped neckline is perfect though, as are the cap sleeves. It’s tasteful, yet really sexy, and fits me like a glove. How did he know?
I finish dressing and head back out to the main cabin where Dan has changed into a sharp, perfectly tailored black suit, white shirt, and silky blue tie. My God, my husband is beautiful.
Dan’s mouth drops when he lays eyes on me. “I realize we’re getting off the plane soon, but, um, mile high club?”
His eager expression makes me giggle. “Okay.”
“Really? I thought you’d say no.”
“Do I need to repeat myself?”
“Nope!” He rushes at me, grabs my hand, and hauls me back into the bathroom. I’m up on the counter, he’s aimed and ready, and in far less than fifteen minutes, we’re members. He glances up at me afterward and grins. “If nothing else, I’m efficient.”
“That you are.” I kiss his nose. “Now I need to redo things here,” I say as he tucks himself back together.
“Yeah, okay. I’ll meet you out there. They’ll probably want us in our seats and buckled in shortly.”
“I’ll try to be quick, Mr. Efficient.”
With a sexy smirk, he leaves. A few minor adjustments later, I’m all set and just in time, too. We’re buckled in and descending before I know it. I look out the window. “We’re in New York!”
“Yes, we are.”
“Does that mean we’re going to dinner with Bridget and Camille—maybe Colin and Shane, too?”
He shrugs and says nothing.
“Such a tease.”
Once we�
��re off the plane, we get into a waiting limo, and that’s when he puts a blindfold on me. “Since you know the city, I have to try to keep this a surprise until we’re there. And stop guessing in your head. You’ll ruin it.”
“Okay! Fine! Sheesh.”
The ride feels longer than it probably is, but he’s holding my hand and whispering to me, “You look good in the blindfold.”
“Thanks. I might use it on you later.”
“Stop teasing me. Oh! We’re here.”
I feel the car ease to a halt. I’m anxious and excited. Where are we going? Dan lets go of my hand and I hear the car door open and shut. Then the door closest to me opens a moment later. “Come on.” Dan grabs my hand and leads me carefully out of the car. It’s cold and quiet, which is always odd for New York. “Forward, walk forward. Nothing’s in your way.” I’ve got my free hand out in front of me, feeling nothing but air. “Hang on.” I feel him lean forward. “Okay, walk straight inside.”
He leads me farther “inside” where it’s warm and smells familiar, but also of beer and fried food. “Are we going to eat burgers?”
He laughs, snorting. “Are you ready?”
“Maybe?” He’s untying the blindfold, and when he removes it I hear, “Congratulations!” shouted at me by Camille, Bridget, Colin, Shane, Dan’s parents, his sisters, my entire family, Len, David—it seems like everyone I know and love is here. They’re all clapping and smiling, and my mom and sisters-in-law are wiping their eyes. Dan and I are suddenly surrounded by everyone, hugging us in turn and kissing our cheeks.
Finally, I realize that we’re in Mickey’s—the bar where we first met for drinks, and it looks nothing like it did that night we met—it’s been decorated beautifully. There are flowers—tons and tons of wildflowers—all over, along with candles and tables covered with tablecloths and china. I lean into Dan. “Are those tables the pool tables?”
He smiles proudly, nodding. “Yes.”
I’m shaking my head when I see that Colin’s band is set up on one side. “Oh my God, this is—” I can’t even finish. Champagne is being passed around. I’m handed a glass.
Dan grabs my hand and heads to the microphone. “Thank you all for coming. Claire had no idea about tonight, so she’s clearly in shock.” He glances my way as I’m trying to stop the flow of tears.
“When I started planning all of this, I assumed Claire would want a regular wedding, provided she said yes, of course, but then . . . Claire’s dad suggested that a traditional wedding might not be what Claire wanted”—Dan glances my way, winking—“and that got the ball rolling. And although we married privately, we wanted to celebrate with all of you—those who love us for exactly who we are—flaws and all.” He smiles at me. “So tonight is about that. The celebration of our love, our wedding, and our commitment to one another, and how neither of us would be standing here without the love and support of each of you.” I glance to my mother, who is trying to hold back a tidal wave of tears. “To all of you and to my beautiful bride, Claire, I love you. Cheers!” Everyone clinks glasses.
I can hardly speak, but I snatch the microphone from Dan anyway. I take a moment to steady myself. “Clearly, you all know me too well.” We all laugh. “My dad was right—I didn’t want a traditional wedding, and, thank God, because what I got instead was more glorious and magical than I ever could have predicted, planned, or imagined. And even though it’s taken me some growing pains to get here, I’m so grateful for the love from each of you, and most especially from my real-life lucky charm, Mr. Beautiful, who is gorgeous beyond measure in every way. I’m very, very blessed. Thank you all for being here tonight!” We all clank again, and I see there are fewer dry eyes. In fact, we’re all just about crying—even Dan’s eyes are glistening. He pulls me into a tight hug.
Colin takes the microphone. “Okay, that’s enough blubbering! I’m hungry!” We all laugh and sit ourselves around the makeshift tables, which don’t resemble pool tables tonight. There’s filet mignon, roasted potatoes, vegetables, and salad. It’s delicious, and while everyone is eating, I steal a silent glance around the table—people are involved in happy conversations and enjoying the food, and I can’t believe how full I am inside.
“Oh, what a night?” Dan says, leaning in to me and smiling.
“What a very special time for me.” I giggle, adding onto the lyrics he started.
“What a lady, what a night.”
“But I was never gonna be the same.”
I kiss him, and it goes on until I hear a collective, “Aww.” I pull away, red-faced.
Colin’s up and at the mic with his band. “Time for a first dance, you two.”
Dan stands and waits for me, pulling out my chair as I begin to stand. As we make our way to the dancing area, I say, “Do we have a song?”
“You do now. I wrote it. It’s your wedding present,” Colin says into the microphone.
Dan faces me and holds me close. I’m not sure what to expect from Colin since he’s usually a goofball and inappropriate, but he starts plucking at his guitar slowly and softly.
“Life is mysterious . . .
Turning down paths we find dark and dangerous
There’s been so many times I’ve wanted to give up, when it gets too much, until I met you . . .
Life had little purpose
Walking around rather aimless
I wondered for so long what the reason was, until I met you . . .
I never would have guessed, that one moment like this, aboard a broken elevator could lead me to you . . .
Secreting our love, stealing you away, wanting you for myself forever and a day, I never thought it’d be possible until today . . .
With you . . .
Sometimes the best things in this world are quiet, sneaking up on you in the night, hiding from the light, known only in the secret recesses of your mind . . .
And when you finally desire
To love like a fire,
Engulfing,
Consuming all of your heart . . .
The reward is finding your way from the dark into the day,
And with you by my side, there is nothing but light in my life . . .
With you . . . Lucky Charms or Chinese, I’ll be with you always . . .
With you . . . only . . . you.”
We finish dancing, and I hug Dan and then hug the crap out of Colin. “That was perfect. Thank you.” Colin’s beaming with pride. Camille and Bridget come over to share in the hug.
“Yeah, yeah, thanks,” Colin says to all of us applauding. “Now, here’s the thing. A long time ago, Dan and I made a deal. I’d leave him alone and not bother him and Claire, and I was going to just let it go until he went off and got married without telling me, so he owes me and I’m collecting. Tonight.”
I look over to Dan, who seems slightly confused until realization apparently hits him, because he’s shaking his head.
“Come on. Come here. I’ve got a microphone all ready for you.” Colin’s wearing a smug smile, and Dan continues to shake his head as he makes his way over to Colin.
“Ready?” Colin asks Dan. “I know you know the words.”
“Not really, but okay.”
The music starts and I immediately recognize the song: “Summer Nights” from the Grease soundtrack. “You start,” Colin says.
“Summer lovin’ had me a blast,” Dan more or less says into the microphone, laughing.
“Summer lovin’ happened so fast,” Colin sings with a slightly higher than normal voice. We all begin laughing. It takes a few bars for Dan to get into it, but soon he’s singing with Colin, who is beaming—so happy he’s finally doing his karaoke with Dan, even if he is singing the girl part.
The two of them end up singing loudly and proudly. When they’re done, they’re sweatin
g and laughing, and the rest of us are cheering wildly. The night continues with more dancing—everyone’s out on the floor—even my parents. My dad’s twirling my mother in time to music that isn’t of their era, and they’re laughing and loving it. I love seeing that kind of lightness between them. At one point, it’s time for Dan to dance with his mom and I choke up. It’s so sweet, and she’s just so proud of her boy—her kind and loving boy who’s made this girl’s dreams realities.
“He’s quite loving.”
I turn to see my mom talking to me. “Yes, he is. I can’t believe he came to talk to you and dad.”
My mom sighs, smiling. “It was so respectful, Claire, and we had a great conversation.” She turns fully to face me. “I’ve never seen you happier. It was a long road, Claire, but one that really was worth it . . . in the end.” Her eyes are apologizing again.
I grab her hand. “It was, but I’d walk it again to end up here.”
“End? Nah. You’re just at the beginning, sweetheart.” She strokes my cheek. “I love you. Never doubt that, ever.”
I shake my head. “I won’t. I love you, too.”
We nod at one another and turn our attention back to Dan and his mom who are wrapping up their dance. My mom leans in. “Think you’ll have kids anytime soon?”
I drag my eyes to hers. “Mom, I love you, but don’t even start.”
“I’m just joking.” She laughs, but as she turns her head she says, “Sort of.” Then laughs again.
My dad and I dance next.
“Thank you for all of your support, dad, and your brilliant wedding ideas,” I say with a wink as my dad twirls me around the dance floor.
“I may have missed my calling,” he says, laughing. “You’ll always be my Claire-bear, sweetheart.” He kisses me on the cheek and continues to glide us around.
In no time, everyone’s dancing and having a ball. To round out the night, it’s time for cake—a gorgeous two-tiered white wedding cake with fondant lucky charms and tiny edible pearls edging it. We celebrate long into the night, and little by little, everyone heads back to their hotel rooms, and Camille and Bridget, back to the apartment. We’ll see them all for brunch tomorrow, but for now it’s good night.