It took all they had to keep from bursting out with laughter.
“I didn’t think so. Why don’t you just walk her down the aisle, deary? It’s a girls’ prerogative to have some semblance of fancy on her wedding day,” she said, motioning for Alex.
“Ok. Let’s go, little lady,” Alex said poking out his arm for her to take his elbow.
Elena walked up front with Roger and stood on the brides’ side. She glanced over and saw Roger pull a ring out of his pocket, twisting it in his fingers, looking thoughtful and happy.
She smiled at him and he looked up.
“I saw that rock Alex landed on your finger, I can’t let him one up me now, can I?” Roger joked with her, his hands shaking now.
She could see how nervous he was.
“Roger, you’re a good man, you know that? She’s lucky to have you. Don’t worry, you’re already married remember?”
They both laughed and then heard the secretary start the piano.
They turned to see the loves of their lives walking down the aisle arm in arm. Amy had a single red rose in her hand. Elena was dreading her walk a little. Like Amy, she didn’t like to make a production of herself, but somehow she knew she wasn’t going to be able to get away with not doing it, what with the secretary sitting right there and all.
Once they reached the end of the aisle Alex stood by Roger and Amy stepped in front of Elena. Elena saw Alex peeking around Roger to look at her.
Amy had a disposable camera in her pocket and had given it to the secretary earlier, advising her to split the pictures between both couples. Elena smiled and chuckled when Roger gave Amy the ring as she gasped and flitted her hands in the air a little bit in excitement.
After their ‘I Do’s they kissed, an exceptionally deep and long kiss, which the preacher laughed at to break up, and then posed for a couple pictures. Then it was Alex and Elena’s turn.
Roger immediately put his arm out for Elena to take, “Shall we?”
She took it gratefully and they marched to the back.
“This is all so silly,” Elena said.
“Yes, but that secretary is right, you girls like this sort of thing. You’ll look back on this one day and be glad that kooky lady made us do this.”
They both laughed again, Elena trying to stifle her laugh in Roger’s sleeve as the secretary gave them a bewildered yet stern look. Then she settled, looked up and realized it was her turn. The preacher, Amy and Alex we’re ready in front and now the music was playing. Elena started shaking, instantly going clammy and blew a shaky sigh. What’s the matter with me?
Roger noticed and turned to her, tightened his hand on her arm and smiled as he whispered to her.
“Relax. You’re already married remember?”
She gave a breathy chuckle.
“Yes, yes we are. Thank you, Roger.”
“I’m the one that should be thanking you. You saved mine and Amy’s lives. I’ll owe you forever for that. Alex is a good guy and a very lucky one.”
“You don’t owe me anything, just make her happy and I’ll try my best to make Alex happy. Deal?”
“Deal. You ready?”
“Da dum dum dum,” she hummed and they laughed as they started the walk down the aisle.
She looked up at Alex and didn’t care how ridiculous she looked anymore. She was smiling and so was he, one not able to take their eyes off the other.
* * *
Their ceremony was the much of the same and after their pictures, Alex handed the preacher an envelope and the girls hugged the sweet eccentric secretary, who had been crying the whole time.
Amy got her camera and they headed out the door. Once outside they decided to make the four block walk to the festival instead of trying to drive closer, as all the roads and parking lots were packed anyway. They walked, Roger and Amy in front, holding hands with her head on his shoulder and Alex and Elena behind them, his arm around her shoulder and her holding his hand.
You wouldn’t think anything strange about them if you had seen them walking to the festival. They were normal married couples from this day forward.
They rode rides together and ate greasy cakes and hotdogs and listened to music. Roger dragged Amy then Elena out to dance to the upbeat country music. Alex then took Elena to the picture booth. He squeezed in next to her in the tiny space and began trying to force the bills into the machine. Elena laughed at him, making his body shake which in turn made it harder to get the money in the slot. He was laughing too once he finally got it in, and they waited for the beep.
He pushed a piece of her hair behind her ear while his fingers traced the edge and she felt goose bumps spread on her arms, causing her to bite her lower lip. That was her signal to him these days that he was driving her crazy in a very good way.
They both started laughing when the machine beeped and took the first picture. It got a candid half laugh kiss, a fish face next, kissy face, stick out tongue face and a smiling face later, they stumbled, laughing out of the booth and waited on their pictures.
Elena leaned back against the machine and Alex leaned toward her and kissed her. It was almost dark now. They were alone under a tree by the booth so Alex let his hand wander on her waist, then they heard a noise behind them.
“Ew.”
They were startled by a little boy staring at them and waiting to use the machine. They turned to look at him.
“Eeew!” he all but yelled again.
Alex apologized to him sarcastically and they turned away, chuckling to themselves. They got their pictures and Alex slid them into his back pocket as they walked away, arm in arm.
“What do you think about kids?” Alex asked Elena, trying not to sound so interested but more curious.
“I love kids, I guess. I’ve never really been around any.”
“Well...I guess I’m wondering, would you ever want to have any of our own one day?”
“Sure.” But she thought she sounded unsure so she reiterated. “Yes, definitely, once we get the community taken care of and behind us and get settled. Do you?”
“Yeah. I do, but I agree on waiting until all this is past us. You are gonna make a good mom and some adorable kids.”
“You would have kids right now if you could,” she realized.
“Well, not right now. Maybe in a year or so. I’m getting old here! Twenty seven isn’t as young as it used to be.”
“True,” she said feeling him laugh and tickle her stomach in retaliation. “I never really thought about it too much. I think I’d like to be a mom, but I’d like some time with just you and me first.”
“Deal.”
“Deal.”
“You want to ride the pirate ship with me?” he asked and smiled cunningly at her.
“Eeeee. Does it go upside down?” She almost laughed at the whine in her own voice.
“Elena Smithe,” he said in a mock reprimand, “are you scared? You’ll march through dark rainy woods, stand up to night guards and risk your life but can’t handle a little ride at the fair?”
“Hey! I’m not scared. I just... Ok. I’m scared. Happy?”
“No, I’m not happy. I’ll be with you, ok? Come on, ride with me. I promise you’ll live to see another day. If you don’t, you can kill me yourself.” He was smiling and pulling her arms now and she knew better than to fight those arms.
There was no wait for this ride either. Of course there’s no line. They got in the very back seat and Elena scooted as close as humanly possible to him. He put one arm around her and pulled the lap bar down.
“I’ve never been to a fair or festival before, Alex.” Elena said, shaking. “I’ve never ridden any rides before.”
“Never? You’re kidding? Elena, you haven’t lived! How did I manage that one and not you?”
The ride started to hum. Elena clamped closed her eyes and clinched her hands so tight on the bar her knuckles were white.
“El, open you eyes,” he whispered in her ear. “I’m right here. I’m
not gonna let anything happen to you. I want you to see this. Trust me.” Alex was rubbing her arm and talking that sweet voice in her ear, his breath moving her hair. “Open your eyes.”
She obeyed and opened her eyes slowly, barely slits at first then wider, just as the ride jolted and started to sway and then they were making their way back and forth. Up and down.
Higher. Higher. Higher.
It wasn’t so bad she thought. Her stomach seemed to go into her throat when they went up and back down but she liked it, it was...thrilling. Her hair blowing in her face felt freeing and it was hard to keep your hands straight up when Alex lifted them to fight the wind.
She smiled, trying not to seem too excited so Alex wouldn’t boast about it later, but it was too late. He was watching her and she couldn’t contain herself.
“I love it!” she yelled over the wind.
“See! I knew you would.” He took her faced in his hands and captured her lips, it seemed like just mere seconds and the ride was already stopping.
Elena was flushed, more from the kissing than the ride, as was Alex. It was their wedding night and they were anxious to call it a night. The sun had gone down now completely and they were went looking for Roger and Amy. The honeymoon suite was calling their names.
* * *
They found them by the picnic tables, munching on pink cotton candy. They looked so sweet, talking and laughing, leaning against the tree together with their knees touching. They almost didn’t want to interrupt them.
“Hey, guys. About ready to head out?” Alex asked as they walked up behind them.
“Yeah, man, we’ve been waiting on you guys. We figured you’d turn up when you were ready to leave. Didn’t want to rush you,” Roger said, chucking their trash in the bin as they headed out to the road to trek back to the trucks.
Alex and Roger had made arrangements at a local bed and breakfast, telling them this would be their honeymoons. They had the room all planned with dinner and flowers. The girls would be surprised and love it, they hoped.
Of course they would. What girl doesn’t like flowers and a romantic getaway?
They made their walk to the trucks parked back at the church, now dark and doors shut. Roger followed Alex to the B&B and got out all the luggage. Once they were checked in and said goodnight to Roger and Amy, Elena followed Alex down the hall to their room.
She was kinda tired thinking of the day they had had, having no idea what was in store for her in the room. Alex opened the door moving her forward with a hand on the small of her back, to go in first and she stopped.
There were lit white and yellow candles and daisies everywhere. There was a little blanket on the floor with two covered plates and glasses set out for a picnic dinner.
“How did you...” she asked, turning to look at him with clear questions on her face.
He grinned at her.
“You like it?”
“Yes. I love it! The daisy’s are insane, Alex!”
“Well, why don’t we get out of the hall and go inside to enjoy it,” he said and laughed as he playfully bumped her bottom with the suitcase.
She realized she was still standing in the doorway. She laughed and helped him drag the luggage and shut the door.
“Hungry?” He lifted the lids on the plates and there was a chilled walnut mandarin salad for them with cheesecake.
They sat and ate, not bothering to unpack their suitcase. They didn’t even know what they were gonna do the next day, whether they would go to another town or stay. But it didn’t matter.
They were free.
There was an impressive stack of chick flicks on the dresser with a small combo TV. After dinner, Alex, knowing Elena was beat, picked one out for them and they lay down on the bed together. She took off his shirt, making him lay on his stomach, despite his protests, and rubbed his shoulders and back. He eventually stopped complaining about her being tired and started relaxing.
“What’s this from?” she asked, running her finger down the large crescent scar on his shoulder.
“I got that from my old man actually. He accidentally pushed me down the porch steps onto my bike when I was 12. He was angry at my mom and thought it was her coming up behind him.”
Elena made a small angry grunt.
“Alex...that’s just... So, you saved your mom, even back then,” Elena said, trying to smile through clenched teeth, not sure what Alex was feeling right now.
“I tried not to be trouble but she took many a beating for me. She always looked out for my sorry hide. I never even really understood or appreciated it until much later. I didn’t realize what she had been doing for me. By then, it was too late to change anything.”
“I’m sorry, baby. I can’t wait for us to be able to go get her when this is over with.”
“Me either.” He turned over and pulled her down to lay on his chest. “I don’t think I could get much happier though than right now. Today was just...awesome. I know it was stressful with everything that happened but, did you have some fun at least?”
“Yeah, I always have fun with you. You definitely bring out the daredevil in me.” She laughed when he scoffed and muttered ‘daredevil’ under his breath. “First we escape then you make me ride a boat that swings into the air! But even when I’m scared to death you still somehow make it fun.” She laughed. “I love you, Mr. Smithe.”
“I love you,” he kissed her forehead, “Mrs. Smithe. Does the name sound better to you now that you have it by choice?”
“I’ve always loved you calling me that.” She bit her lip and rubbed her hand across his chest, running her fingers through the little patch of hair. “Today was perfect, I mean it. I couldn’t have wanted for it to be any other way. And Roger.” She chuckled. “He is so great. He was very sweet to me earlier at the church. He really has changed, it’s so amazing to witness.”
“I know what you mean. I was wondering what was taking you two so long to come down the aisle. I looked up and you were just chatting it up back there.” He chuckled and ran his hand up and down her arm. “Amy’s sweet, too. She was so embarrassed by the whole thing. She asked me if I knew that I was the luckiest man alive?” He laughed remembering the memory.
“Aww, Amy, she’s sweet. I said the same thing to Roger about her. He’s very lucky and as strange as it would have seemed before, so is she.”
“Yeah, but I’m the luckiest man hands down.” He squeezed her to him tighter, pressing her in intervals up and down her body.
She didn’t know if he was trying to ease her or lull her to sleep.
The candles were burning down as they lay down on their backs and watched the big white ceiling fan. The room was an old time theme, perfect for Elena’s taste, with Victorian lamps and paintings. The walls were navy blue wallpaper with gold trim and intricate weave and wiry designs.
She felt like the luckiest. Alex had gone through all the trouble of making sure everything was perfect for them, even remembering her favorite flower. And knowing how tired Elena was he hadn’t even tried to make a move on her yet.
On their honeymoon.
She smiled at that thought. She thought back and he had saved her life, not once but three times. Nursed her back to health, not once but twice, making the words in their vows very true. And now given her a perfect day and memory of how their wedding should have been.
She felt like she hadn’t done anything for him in comparison. She would make it up to him one day. Somehow repay his kindness and love to her, plotting to save her even when he didn’t know her yet.
She rolled back over to lay there on his chest, checking occasionally to see if he was still awake, as they finished the movie. Her wavy hair was laying across her back and arm. She was making little circles with her finger near his belly button. When the movie was over he took the remote from the nightstand and turned off the television.
He took a deep breath, more of a sigh.
“Ready for bed?” he asked quietly.
“We’
re in bed, silly.”
“Yeah, true. Are you ready to go to sleep, then? You’re beat,” he said it as a statement, not a question.
She sat up and looked at him with a look of awe and love on her face.
“Do you really think I’m gonna deprive you on your wedding night, Mr. Smithe?”
He looked surprised by her statement.
“I just thought...you were tired. It’s been a long day. I didn’t want to push you. Today was a lot to handle.”
“Sometimes, you are so silly,” she said before grabbing his face with both hands to kiss him and rolled herself to hover over him. “I’m your wife, for real, now. Right now, my only job is taking care of you and making you happy. You are my whole life and I want nothing more than to be your wife tonight.”
She reached down to kiss him again before he could protest about her purpose in life. She wanted him to be happy in every possible way. He did such a good job of taking care of her.
He was kissing her back too, solid and eager. His hands were keeping themselves busy in her hair and on her waist and back. Until he suddenly stopped and rolled Elena off onto the bed, jumped up and then threw her over his shoulder as she laughed at his enthusiasm.
There was a Jacuzzi hot tub in their bathroom and they were about to make good use of it.
* * *
No one woke them in the morning, which was fine with them. It was eleven before they even thought about moving from the soft yellow sheets. They just lay there, playing with each others fingers, looking at each other. Thinking about this day that had no plans and wanted none. They knew they needed to make some but were too peaceful at the moment.
Were they far enough away from the community to stay there, for a while at least? They would meet Roger and Amy for lunch and talk about it. But first, they had to force themselves out of this bed.
Elena hoped Amy’s night was as great as hers. She was pretty sure it was.
“Alright, sleepyhead, we’ve got to start moving...eventually.” Alex was rubbing her back, trying to coerce her out of the wonderfully warm down blankets and his arms around her.
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