Just Me

by Graysen Morgen

  “Who?”

  “Miss Gordon, ma’am.”

  “Oh yeah, Chelsea, Is she still here?”

  “I don’t believe so, she said she’ll be in and out all day.”

  “Did you give her a code for the gate?”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “Okay, at least now she won't drive you crazy with the phone all day. Have you heard from Cassidy?”

  “No ma’am. I believe she is at the hotel with Miss Blanchert and Miss Sylvan.”

  “Yeah. I’m not suppose to see her or talk to her until the wedding. Wendi and Trina will make sure of that, I guarantee you. But, both of them will probably be by here sometime this morning. I’m going for a drive. I’ll be back later this afternoon. Please say hello to them in case I miss them.”

  ~ ~ ~

  The black sports car pulled through the iron gates and circled the familiar path. When it came to a stop next to the curb, Ian killed the engine and stepped out into the grass. She walked the forty or so paces, until she came face to face with the large marble angels. She bent forward and placed a kiss next to her parents' names.

  “Hello Mom and Dad.” A tear escaped her eye as she knelt down. “So, today’s the big day. God I wish you were both here. It’s hard doing this without you.” She didn't bother wiping the rest of the tears as they fell. “Giles is walking me down the aisle Dad. I knew you’d be proud to have him there next to me. Mom, I’m going to wear your wedding rings as my own, I know they were grandmas. I figured Dad’s was too plain for a Wiley woman.” She smiled. “Besides, I wear his cufflinks every time I’m dressed for work. I’m also wearing your pearls Mom.” She couldn’t help the breaking of her own heart, so she let herself cry harder than usual. I miss you both so much. I love you dearly.” She stood up to walk away, but turned back towards the statue. “By the way, Dad the lawsuit ended, we won of course. Hinkley has to pay back everything we lost and play a saint for a hundred hours of community service.” She smiled when she felt the light breeze on her skin.

  ~ ~ ~

  “No you can’t call her Cass, that’s bad luck!” Wendi snatched the cell phone from the brunette’s hand and tossed it to Trina. “Guard that damn thing.”

  “Eye, eye Captain Wendimena.” Trina mocked her with a salute. Cassidy covered her mouth, but still laughed out loud. Even Wendi had to chuckle.

  “Come on guys, it’s only my wedding day.” There was knock on the door to their giant hotel suite. Cassidy maneuvered through the sitting area outside of the separate bedrooms. She looked through the peephole then opened the door.

  “Hey, Mom, Dad.”

  “Wow this room is huge darling.” Her mother walked around the penthouse style hotel suite.

  “Yeah, all three of us stayed in here. It has two bedrooms and the couch folds out too.”

  “My god, it’s as big as your apartment, minus the kitchen.” Her father stated. “Our room isn’t quite as large.” He smiled.

  “Wait until you two see the Estate.”

  “Wendi and Trina went over this morning to make sure everything looked good. Chelsea, our wedding planner has done a fantastic job getting everything ready in basically five weeks.” She shook her head. “I can’t believe that I’m going to be married in a few hours.”

  “I know, me either. David, it wasn’t so long ago when she was two feet tall getting into everything. Now look at her.” Cassidy’s mother had tears in her eyes. “You go on down to the bar with Calvin. You guys can get ready in our room, I’ll stay here with the girls.”

  “Uncle Calvin’s here?” Cassidy asked. Calvin Harland was her father’s brother. He had a son, Calvin Junior that was a few years younger than Cassidy.

  “Yeah, he and your Aunt Sherrie walked into the hotel behind us. Cal will be here soon, he had to stop and pick up his new girlfriend.”

  “I swear he’s going to be a bachelor forever Mom.” They both laughed.

  Chapter 24

  A soft Mozart Violin Concerto played on the sound system as Trina, dressed in a pale pink strapless Versace dress, made her way slowly down the flower covered, white satin aisle. Rows and rows of white folding chairs lined both sides, leading to the gorgeous arch style alter covered in white roses with candles burning all around. The Minister that performed the ceremony when Ian laid her parents to rest, was standing at the end of the long path waiting to once again perform a sacred ceremony for the Wiley family. The ceremony was outside and set up a few hundred yards from the back of the house with the giant reception tent a few hundred feet away. The sky was clear in the late afternoon and the temperature was just starting to get cooler, but the reception tent was air conditioned anyway.

  Wendi’s dress was identical, except the color was pale lavender. She too, walked slowly down the long runway that seemed never ending. If she had to guess, she’d say there were at least two hundred people on either side of the isle. Considering Ian had no other family except for Giles, and Cassidy’s family and friends was only about a hundred people, most of the group was employees and friends of Ian’s parents. Including, the Mayor, a State Senator, and a few other well known people.

  ~ ~ ~

  “Come on young Wiley, the music has started.” As soon as the violins began Ian felt like she was going to hurl, she quickly ran behind the bushes. Giles was close by to help her so she didn’t puke all over her dress. As soon as she was finished he handed her a small bottle of Scope Mouthwash and she rinsed as many times as she could with the tiny travel bottle.

  Ian closed her eyes and let out a long breath. “I’m ready Giles.”

  He grabbed her hand and maneuvered her to the beginning of the aisle. All of the guests stood as the blond began to slowly make her way down. She wore a gorgeous halter style white Versace dress with elegant pearls and lace completing a pattern down the front and flowing back into the train. The upper part of her back and shoulders were open. She had a light touch of make-up on and a simple diamond Tiara in her hair. It was the family heirloom that her mother and grand mother both wore on their wedding days. She chose to wear only a tiny heel so that she wouldn’t be much taller and Cassidy wouldn’t have to wear four-inch heels to be close to eye level with her.

  Halfway down the long walk Ian could feel the eyes boring into her and the camera flashes in all directions as she inched closer to the waiting Minister. Trina and Wendi were sitting by the empty seat next to Eileen Harland in the right front row so they could see Cassidy’s face. The other front row was reserved for Giles, along with a picture of Ian’s parents on one of the chairs. The row behind that sat Rich and Clark with their guests and so on all the way back to the Mayor and State Senator along with their wives.

  ~ ~ ~

  “Here we are.” Giles said as they reached the end. “Your Mother and Father are so very proud of you today young Wiley. I know they are looking down on you right this moment.” He leaned over and kissed her check, then stepped back and took his seat. Ian let out the breath she’d been holding and turned around to see the most beautiful sight as Cassidy began to make her way down the isle with her father next to her. Cassidy’s dress was also Versace, a white strapless gown with a flowing train as well as a pearl design on the front. Her jet black hair was up with small wispy pieces hanging down on her shoulders. Ian had always preferred her hair down, but this woman coming towards her at this moment looked like a angel sent down from the heavens. An angel her parents sent her, she thought as she smiled at the gray eyes staring at her.

  Cassidy’s father kissed the top of his daughters’ head and took the seat next to his wife. Ian grabbed Cassidy’s hand and stepped closer to the Minister surrounded by the candelabrums glowing on both sides of the altar. The sound system quieted down to play a soft background piano sonata.

  ~ ~ ~

  “Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I thank you kindly for joining me as witnesses to this special day for Ian and Cassidy.” The dark-haired Minister began the ceremony. Ian leaned close to Cassidy and whispered
to her.

  “I love you my beautiful angel.” A small tear fell from her big blue eyes. Cassidy felt tears falling down her face as well when she looked at Ian.

  “I love you too blue eyes.” She smiled and whispered back.

  The Minister continued talking briefly about both women and the powerful bond of love that they shared before asking them to recite the vows that they’d written to each other. Cassidy began first.

  “Ian Leland Wiley, I give you my love, my heart, and my soul. Since the day I met you I have felt an unconditional pull towards you. You’re my strength, my weakness, my entire world. I find comfort, caring, and unrequited love when I look into your beautiful blue eyes. With this ring, I not only wed you and become your wife, I also find a life long best friend. I feel the passion and the love that flows in the Wiley tradition and I’m honored to become your Mrs. Wiley. I love you Ian.” Cassidy slid the ring set onto Ian’s left hand as tears fell from her gray eyes.

  Ian quickly grabbed the wedding band that she had made to match her own. “Cassidy Elaine Harland, you have shown me so much in our short time together. I can’t begin to tell you how much I love you. When we first met I was a lost soul on the road to nowhere, you found me and helped me pick up the pieces as my life slowly came back together. For that, I will be thankful to you for the rest of my life. I have finally learned how to live, love and to be loved in return. You are the light that leads me to our safe harbor. The day you told me you loved me was the happiest day of my life, until the day you said you’d marry me. Now as I stand here, this is the happiest day of my life, the day you become my wife, my partner, and forever my best friend. I love you Cassidy.” She slid the ring onto Cassidy’s left hand. Both of them were covered in tears, their expensive make-up looked untouched.

  “Now that you have both vowed to spend the rest of your lives together in sickness and in health, for better or worse, as long as you both shall live, if no one has any objections…” He paused. “Ian you may now kiss your bride.” Ian slowly pressed her soft lips against Cassidy’s. The kiss was passionate, but soft and gentle. As soon as they broke away the Minister began again. “Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Ian and Cassidy Wiley.” Everyone cheered as the couple turned towards the crowd. Ian quickly kissed Cassidy again and grabbed her hand as they made their way back up the aisle and over to the reception tent.

  ~ ~ ~

  After a very long processional line of guests congratulating them, they headed outside for an array of photos with the photographer, then back inside to begin the reception. The full bar opened up and the caterers began serving the dishes as Trina and Wendy stood up to toast the couple.

  “I’ll begin by saying if you’d asked me a year ago what I’d be doing today, the answer sure wouldn’t be giving a speech at Cass’s wedding.” Wendi smiled. “But, I was there the day she met Ian and I knew something changed in her forever. There is no describing the happiness that Cassidy is glowing with, I can tell you she’s been basking in it since the day they laid eyes on each other. I thought for sure it would calm down after they slept together, boy was I wrong.” Everyone laughed. Cassidy felt herself turn two shades of pink. Wendi turned towards them. “I am so happy for the both of you, may your fire never burn out.” She raised her glass and everyone toasted.

  Trina smiled at the couple. “I won't go into as much detail as our beloved Wendi did.” The group laughed again. “Although I will say that I also was a witness to the passion and powerful energy between these two women the night they met. I have never in my life seen anything like that and hope to god I do one day. Cassidy, you and Ian have taught me so much about love and honesty over the past few months. The two of you have amazing strength, together you are an unstoppable force. I know I’ll be standing here the day you have your fiftieth anniversary, I’ll promise not to give the same speech, but truth be told, nothing holds a candle to the way you two love each other. I’m very happy for both of you, may your sheets never get cold.” She raised her glass and cheered when the guests began laughing. Cassidy and Ian shook their heads and smiled.

  “I think my parents are enjoying this.” Cassidy whispered into Ian’s ear.

  “Wendi and Trina sure are getting a kick out of it.” Ian smiled and kissed Cassidy’s soft lips.

  ~ ~ ~

  A few hours later Cassidy’s parents had spoken and even Giles stood up and said how happy he was for them. The caterers had served the most amazing Italian Cuisine, although Cassidy and Ian agreed that Giles was a better cook. Most of the guests enjoyed the full bar and dancing on the large hardwood floor as Cassidy and Ian shared a few dances and made their way around talking to all of the guests. Cassidy never in her life imagined a Cinderella style wedding, complete with the Mayor and a State Senator, along with their wives. The entire event went well into the night. Cassidy and Ian made their way into the house to change clothes and prepare to leave the next day on their honeymoon. The Harland’s and Giles slowly ushered the last of the guests to their cars, making sure everyone was sober enough to drive.

  Chapter 25

  Ian stretched on the bed as the tiny hint of sunlight crept through the opening of the floor to ceiling drapes on the other side of her massive room. Cassidy’s warm naked body was snuggled up against her. They’d spent the better part of their wedding night making love and finally dosed off together.

  “What time is it honey?” Cassidy asked as she squinted. The thin stream of light was cutting right across the bed. Ian turned her head towards the alarm clock.

  “Seven a.m.” She kissed the tousled dark head lying on her chest.

  “Ugh! I think the morning after our wedding we should at least get to sleep in.”

  “Well yes, I do too. But, we need to get showered and have breakfast before we meet the press at Max’s office to give a statement.”

  “What time does our flight leave?” Cassidy knew they were flying somewhere for their honeymoon, but that’s all Ian would tell her. This was Ian’s wedding gift to her. Cassidy had her gift to Ian all planned out and she was looking forward to seeing the reaction on the blonde’s face.

  “Ten. That’s why we need to get moving, as much as I hate to get out of bed with you Mrs. Wiley.” Ian smiled and kissed her lips softly.

  “I love the way that sounds. I plan on keeping it forever.”

  “Good, I don’t plan on ever taking it back. You’re a Wiley now, it’s time you learned to live like one.”

  “What’s that suppose to mean?”

  Ian winked. “You’ll see soon enough my love. Go get in the shower before Giles comes barging in to wake us up. The shower's usually going by now.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Ian had arranged for Cassidy’s tiny apartment to be packed up and moved to the estate while they were gone for the two week trip. Giles would see to it that everything arrived safely and was unpacked before they arrived home. The English butler was waiting in the kitchen when the happily married couple came down the stairs and sat at the dining room table.

  “Good morning, young Wiley, Mrs. Wiley. May I get you anything?” He lingered for a moment.

  “Yes Giles, two mimosa’s and a couple pieces of gingerbread toast.” Cassidy answered him with a smile.

  “You’ll fit right in Mrs. Wiley, I see young Wiley has taught you well.” He winked and disappeared into the kitchen. Ian smiled at her and picked up the funnies from the newspaper.

  “Can you pass me the headlines please?” Cassidy asked. Ian looked at her sheepishly.

  “Uh….I only read the funnies and the puzzles, I have Giles throw everything else out, unless it pertains to me and or my business.” Before Cassidy could make a statement, Giles appeared with the rest of the newspaper and handed it to Cassidy.

  “I thought your tastes for news might not mimic that of young Wiley.” He quickly went back into the kitchen and returned with two tall glasses of chocolate milk and a stack of strawberry waffles.

  “I love you Giles.” Cassidy said as s
he dug into the amazing looking breakfast. “You’re going to make me fat.”

  “Tsk tsk, do you see any fat on her?” He nodded towards Ian. Cassidy’s face turned three shades of red as she shook her head no. Giles smiled and went back to the kitchen.

  ~ ~ ~

  “Max, I’d like to make this as short and sweet as possible, a small announcement of our wedding and then a picture of us.” Ian sat across from the dark-haired man, her wife, Cassidy on her left side.

  “No problem, I’ve already let them know there will be no questions.”

  “Good.” Ian and Cassidy stood up and walked to the room where the local press was set up. Max and Dan, the Wiley attorney’s spoke first, then Ian walked behind the lights with Cassidy’s hand in hers. They stood with their sides touching, still holding hands.

  “Good Morning ladies and gentlemen, I’ll make this short and sweet.” Ian smiled wrly. She hated dealing with the press and hated it even more now that her personal life had been dragged through the mud. “As I’m sure you are all aware, the lawsuit that my Corporation had against J.L. Hinkley has ended. Wiley Steel Corporation was on the winning side, but again as you should know trials almost always have the verdicts appealed. I will cross that bridge when I get to it.” She squeezed Cassidy’s hand. “As for my personal life, I am pleased to announce that as of four p.m. yesterday the former Miss Harland became Mrs. Wiley. We are now legally married in the eyes of Colorado. I would ask at this time that you give me and my family the same respect that you have been accustomed to over the years. Mrs. Wiley and I would gladly appreciate it. Thank you.” Both women smiled for the few flashes as pictures were taken of them. Then they causally strode out of the office and into the back of the waiting Bentley.