by C. J. Corbin
The chirping of the birds woke me because I hadn't closed the French doors before falling asleep. I heard the rustling of dishes in the hallway, Simone's hushed voice, and a door closing. The staff was delivering breakfast, and I was hungry.
I used the intercom phone and Frederick answered instantly. He assured me breakfast would be sent up immediately and he asked if I wanted fresh or dried fruit with my oatmeal. I wrinkled my nose and knew the directive came straight from Michael. Replying I wanted neither and would prefer scrambled eggs, bacon, croissants, and orange juice, there was a distinct pause from Frederick. He quickly recovered though and announced that it would be delivered without a delay. After pressing the off button on the intercom, I chuckled to myself. My sweet Michael, always trying to be in control.
After eating, I showered and dressed. Visions of yesterday's ceremony and reception kept floating into my mind. It tugged at my heartstrings seeing Nancy's emotional family. Her father walking her down the aisle made my eyes tear. The more I thought about it, the more it depressed me. I wanted my father to walk me down the aisle. Getting married in another state was denying him the privilege of seeing me married. What was I doing? Why did I agree to go through with this plan? It was absurd. I should have stuck to my decision of a wedding next year.
Determined with this thought, I decided to go down to the library and wait for Michael. When he walked into the library and I saw him, my resolve burst. I couldn't postpone the wedding for my selfish reasons. I wanted to be married to him. So, instead I just stood there and started crying. Well, then the crying turned into sobs. I couldn't hold them back.
The alarm on Michael's face only made me weep harder.
"Baby, baby," he wrapped his soothing arms around me. "Oh baby, tell me what's wrong. What happened?"
"Nothing happened," I blubbered. "I... I..." I stammered, "I want my daddy to walk me down the aisle and he's in California and I'm in stupid old New Orleans. And I'm getting married tomorrow and I'll be walking down the aisle tomorrow by my... my... myself." The tears were running down my cheeks in a flood.
"Oh baby, you said you wanted a simple, no fuss wedding." He pulled tissues out of his pocket and dabbed at my eyes. "Please don't cry, honey."
"I do want a simple wedding, but I want my dad here." I blew my nose into the tissues he offered me and then looked up at him with a tear-streaked face.
He sighed heavily and pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. He pressed a button and then the speaker button, and to my surprise, my father answered the phone.
"Hey son," he answered, "What did you forget?"
"Hi Bob," Michael responded. "We’re at Defcon Five," he joked, "I've got you on speaker phone. Tell Elizabeth where you are right now."
I could hear him laughing at the other end, "I told you so. I know my daughter too well. Hi Sweet Pea, I'm at the Ritz Carlton with your sister and her husband. We're having a great lunch."
A look of confusion covered my face. "What? You're down in Laguna Nigel?"
Michael rolled his eyes. "Bob, tell her what city you're in."
"Oh, sorry. Sweet Pea, we're in New Orleans! Do you think for one moment that Michael would let me miss your wedding?"
"Oh! He's here?" I looked up at Michael and of course, the waterworks began again.
"Bob, we'll see you for dinner tonight."
I could hear my dad laughing as the phones disconnected.
"How?" I muttered. "How did you know?"
Michael smiled tenderly, "Baby, I wouldn't ever suggest we get married without your family being present. I wanted to surprise you tonight. We'll go over to the hotel for dinner so you can spend some time with them."
I threw my arms around his neck and pulled him close. "Michael, you are the most amazing man. Thank you. I love you. I love the thought of spending the rest of my life with you. I love we’re having a child. I simply and utterly love you."
He swept me up in a kiss that I was sure, if I had been wearing socks, they would have been knocked completely off.
Later, Russell pulled up in front of the Ritz Carlton Hotel and the doorman opened the limousine door. Michael, Christina, Tommy, Marie, Simone, Brigitte, and I climbed out of the car. Nancy and Marcus would be meeting us at the restaurant.
The hotel was sumptuous inside. I was glad that Michael had chosen such a nice place for my family to stay. Most likely Marcus had his hands in it since Nancy's family was staying at the hotel also.
Michael led me through the hotel. "I booked a private dining area for us. It's called The Courtyard, it's an outdoor setting. I think you'll enjoy it."
When we arrived, the area was charming and had the lush style of old world New Orleans, with lanterns and a fountain. I heard a small jazz band playing. It was an intimate setting and I couldn't see anyone until I actually entered. Dad was there at the entrance with Lisa.
I squeezed Michael's arm and broke away from him, rushing into my father's arms. He twirled me around and hugged me.
"I'm so happy for you, Sweet Pea. You are marrying a real gentleman." He whispered to me.
"I'm so glad you're here!" I said breathlessly. I opened my eyes and saw people begin to gather around us. These were people I knew. Annie, Frank, Debi, Don, Tammy, Jason, Katy. What? Michael's parents. His grandmother, his aunts and uncles, cousins, they were all here. I looked back at Michael and he grinned looking oh so pleased with himself. I turned around and threw my arms around him.
He whispered, "Is this okay? I know you wanted small, but who could I say no to?"
"No, my love, you couldn't say no to anyone." I kissed him while he held me tightly around the waist lifting me up off the ground. "You’re perfect."
"Come on, baby. There are a lot of people who flew a long way to see you."
"To see us," I countered.
I was on cloud nine. I floated through the evening, so happy to see everyone. We ate, danced, and talked until the hour was late. After all, this was New Orleans, and I was having a big fat Greek-Cajun wedding. Michael had to convince me to leave telling me I needed my beauty sleep. He escorted me back to the house and again refused to stay the night with me. By this point, I knew he wouldn't and I didn't put up much of a fight.
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
The morning of my wedding day, I awoke to a bright blue sky with puffy white clouds. Marie drove with me out to their house. Tommy had left early in the morning to ensure the garden and yard had been set up properly. I was excited, nervous, anxious, and all the other verbs I could name. Marie did her best to talk me off the ledge every time I started thinking too much about what I was doing. She was very good at it.
I wondered what Michael was doing. He’d calmed my nerves telling me he and Christina would see that all of our visitors made it out to the house before the wedding. One day I would ask him how he managed to put all this together without me even having a hint of a plan.
The garden was lovely. A gazebo covered in red, pink, and white roses sat on the lawn with the chairs laid out in front. A helper, I believe one of Marie's friends, rolled a long white runner out in the middle of the chairs up to the gazebo. Long tables adorned with white clothes filled the porch, which surrounded the house. Another helper placed rose centerpieces on each table. This did not look simple. It looked like a lot of hard work went behind it. I’d never be able to thank Marie, Tommy, and all their relatives and friends enough.
Great Me-maw was working in the kitchen and when we passed through, she looked in her element. She was ordering all the women around with the precision of a drill sergeant. The smells coming out were heavenly and made my mouth water. I could see the intention was to have a real Cajun wedding feast.
Marie took me upstairs to the yellow bedroom. Annie, Debi, Katy, and Tammy were already in the room.
"Okay Cher, you’ve enough help to get dressed. Yell if you need anything," Marie said.
I turned and hugged her. "Thank you so much, Marie, for everything you and Tommy have done. I love you two."
"We
love you too, Cher. You’re part of the family and we take care of our own." She returned the hug and closed the door behind her.
"How you doing?" Debi asked.
I took a big breath. "I'm scared."
Annie patted my shoulder, "It's natural, Elizabeth. This is a big step, but you know I believe you've found the right man."
I smiled earnestly, "Yes Annie, I have." I pulled Katy and Tammy in for a hug. They’d soon be my daughters and I was so lucky to have them.
"We feel Dad has found the right woman, too," Katy stated.
"You're good for him Elizabeth." Tammy giggled, "You make him normal."
I laughed, "Don't think him marrying me is going to give you a pass. You know he'll always be concerned about you."
Debi handed me a small box. "We figured you might not have had a chance to get special undies. Something blue."
Inside was the sexiest set of wedding skimpy lingerie with a light blue tint. I grinned and thanked her. "I'll let Michael know who to thank," I giggled.
Tammy groaned, "TMI, Elizabeth. Way too much information." She winked at me.
Katy put my hair up in a very simple up do with a few tendrils hanging down. The look was uncomplicated and elegant.
Annie pulled my dress out of the closet. "I took a peek," she admitted. "It is so exquisite. Your mother and aunt would have loved it." She helped me pull it up over my head without disturbing my new hairstyle.
I twirled around. The dress was perfect and made me feel special. One day I’d have to return the kindness to Christina.
There was a small knock on the door. Marie stood there with a small box in her hand. "Something borrowed and old. Great Me-maw thought these would go with your dress perfectly." Inside was a strand of antique pearls.
"Oh yes," I murmured, "These are perfect."
Marie helped secure the clasp in the back. "Your father is downstairs waiting for you, Cher. Are you ready to change your last name?"
I nodded and took a deep breath, "Yes. I'm ready."
My father, not one to cry, teared up again when he saw me coming down the stairs. "Sweet Pea, you look just like your mother."
"Oh Daddy, thank you." I hugged him.
"Well, I suppose I have to give you away. Elizabeth, you'll always be my little girl."
I whispered, "I know, Daddy."
He put my hand into the crook of his arm and led me outside to the back garden. The band began to play the Cajun Wedding Waltz and all the guests stood up. However, the only person I saw was Michael standing at the end of aisle waiting for me.
His smile was glowing. He was so handsome in his tuxedo. I walked slowly down the aisle to the music and calmness took me over. This was right. This was where I was supposed to be. Here, today with Michael, joined with him. Suddenly, I felt a small sensation in my belly. It was a movement. A slight small movement. My muffin was telling me to hurry up. I grinned.
Michael took my hand when I reached him and shook my father's hand.
"You take good care of my Sweet Pea, son," he said huskily fighting the tears back.
Michael smiled and kissed my hand. "I will, sir, I promise."
We had written our own vows, and Michael took both of my hands in his. "Today Elizabeth, I become your husband. May our days together be long, and may they have the knowledge of faith, love, understanding, respect, and trust, forever and ever. Today is the beginning of the rest of our lives. I want to spend today, and all of my tomorrows with you."
His words were the glue that kept me standing upright. My voice wasn't nearly as strong as his was, but I began slowly and as I continued, my voice became louder and stronger. "Michael, on this special day, I become your wife in the presence of our families and friends. I know you’ll be my constant friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love. I promise to love you without reservation, to comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to reach your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind and spirit, always to be open and honest with you, and to cherish you forever and ever.
We exchanged rings and the judge said, "By the power invested in me by the state of Louisiana, I now pronounce you husband and wife." He laughed, "Michael give your bride a big wet one and Laissez les bons temps rouler!"
Everyone stood and applauded as Michael wrapped his arms around me. He kissed me long and hard. I felt another sensation in my belly and this time it was stronger.
I whispered in a low voice to Michael. "I just felt the baby."
His eyes lit up and he reached down and touched my belly. "Here?"
I nodded.
He turned to our families and shouted, "Elizabeth just felt the baby!"
A cheer went up and the music started. My forever and ever held me as we stepped down into the waiting arms of our family.
EPILOGUE
Three years later
I pulled little Mikey out of his car seat and set him down on the baseball field parking lot. He was big and tall for his age and heavy to carry. I pulled my t-shirt down over my large belly. It was August and the weather was hot. Being nine months pregnant in August again was hell on me. As soon as his feet hit the ground, he tore off toward the bleachers and I waddled after him.
"Mikey, wait for mommy please. Not so fast, you're going to fall!" He did, but picked himself up quickly, no tears for this kid.
He ran toward Michael who was standing next to Debi and Don and leaped into his arms. "Daddy!"
"Hey babe," Michael kissed me while our son twisted in his arms.
"Airplane, Daddy!" Mikey squealed and thrust his arms out to make wings.
He tossed him in the air and Mikey squealed again when Michael caught him.
"Oh I'm hot and sweaty. Blech," I groaned and plopped down on the bleacher bench next to Debi. She was holding our grandson, Cole.
"How you doing?" She asked and handed Cole to Don.
"Blech," I repeated. "Where are the kids?"
"Tammy is changing into her uniform and Jason ran back to the house. They forgot the extra diapers." Tammy was pitching in my place this year.
"I have plenty with me."
Debi laughed, "I told Jason that, but he doesn't listen."
I leaned over rubbing my belly, "I started contractions this morning."
She looked at me in shock. "What are you doing here? You should be at home."
"What? Waiting around at home? No, I don't think so." I shook my head and laughed. "Taking care of a three year old alone and being nine months pregnant? I figured I could snag Annie for a bit to give me some relief."
I looked up at Michael, and he was having a long conversation with Mikey about a rock. He was a remarkable father. Patient and kind, the two of them would spend hours together just hanging out. Everyone in town knew them. Michael and his shadow. The resemblance was uncanny. He was a towhead like Michael and it looked like the blue eyes were going to stick too.
Being married to Michael was an adventure and it certainly was never dull. Shortly before Mikey was born, we finished the eagle book and it quickly became a bestseller. After my movie released last year with much success, the production on the second one started. My fan base didn't disappoint me either and they’d supported the movie enthusiastically. We were hoping to have a chain of sequels. Michael and I continued working on polar bear conservation with the San Diego Zoo and soon hoped to release a book about the subject much like our eagle book.
Working with Michael was a dream comes true too. I’d have originally thought working so closely with my husband would have inhibited my own individuality, but it was the opposite. We spent enough time apart on our own projects so when we came together to work, it was like an explosion of creativity.
After my accident at the tree stand, my nightmares about Kevin stopped. He was gone from my life and Michael and I started a fresh new life. My days were filled spending time with my two favorite boys, and watching father and son together gave my life more purpose than I ever expected. Finding myself pregnant
again, well, it was just the cherry on the sundae.
Michael handed Mikey back to me when he was called to start the game. Mikey played with Cole for a bit, but he soon tired out and he fell asleep in my lap. It did my heart good to see our team beating the pants off the opposing team. I didn't do too much cheering for fear of waking Mikey, but he was dead to the world.
As the last out was called, I moved to get up and felt a small gush. Damn! I leaned over to Debi, "Could you get Michael?"
She looked at me and I nodded. "I think my water just broke."
I sat still, glad that I was wearing a pad. Debi stood up and made her way down the bleachers. She spoke with Michael and he came rushing up double time.
"Baby?" He said.
"Baby," I confirmed.
Debi picked up Mikey from my lap. "Don't worry, I have him. You guys go to the hospital. We'll be there in a bit. We'll just drop the kids off at the house. Is your bag packed?"
"I have it already in the car Debi." I glanced at Michael, "He insisted I start carrying it around."
Michael pulled me to my feet and I felt a smaller gush run down my legs. "Do you want me to carry you?" He asked.
"No, I can walk. Let's go, I think your new baby wants to be born soon."
We welcomed our daughter, Sofia Rose about ten hours later. She was born with dark hair and long limbs. Looked like we’d have a tall daughter, too.
Finally, when we had a few moments alone in the room, Michael, who had been holding Sofia, placed her in my arms. She looked at Michael like I looked at him, with awe. She was completely captivated by him as was I. I remembered how he used to make me blush when we first dated. How I couldn't believe he was actually interested in me. How he made me feel breathless all the time. His kindness, his generosity, his gentle and loving nature. The love I had for him had seeped into my bones and settled there. So many times he’d look at me and we could read each other's mind. I had never been one to believe in fate, but I now believe that dreams do come true. Michael was my destiny.