Chapter Twenty-One
September passed too slowly and too quickly all at the same time. With no one from the bride's side to help with planning or to pay for the wedding, Rose stepped in to be the honorary mother of the bride. The women from St. Michael's pitched in to help and so did various of Jerry's female relations. Jan Schwartz also provided assistance and advice.
Father John finally wrote the bishop to explain the circumstances and received a reply by email the following day giving him permission to officiate at Jerry's wedding and to consider Jerry's first marriage annulled. The banns were to be read on three successive Sundays.
Sylvie Doucet and Peggy MacDonald both convinced Miriam that she should talk to their churches about her conversion and the challenges facing Christians in areas where hard line Islamic groups were in control. Sylvie's Pentecostal congregation asked more questions about her faith journey than she was expecting. Peggy's Roman Catholic parish was far more concerned about the challenges facing Christians in the Beqaa Valley especially converts from Islam. Miriam was pleasantly surprised when Daniel Carleton came up to introduce his daughters and to let her know that he was aware of her sister Sara's situation.
With the divorce proceedings wrapping up so quickly and the IRB hearings requiring less work than Peggy had anticipated, there was enough money to settle the legal bills. Miriam received a job offer from a large grocery store in Tantallon to manage the produce department after Gert had put in a good word with the store manager.
Miriam splurged for lamb roasts and various specialty ingredients to produce a big feast to celebrate their engagement. About eighty guests filled the house and back yard on a very nice September Saturday. Another sixty neighbours dropped in with food so they could feel comfortable about inviting themselves to the party. After everything was ready to serve, Jan and Rose kicked Miriam out of her kitchen so she could spend the rest of the day by Jerry's side.
Mrs. Conrad surprised everyone by showing up at the party with a garment bag and a plate of meringues. Taking Miriam by the hand she said, “My dear, I said some awful things about you when you arrived in June and I hope you will forgive me.”
Miriam replied, politely, “I've already forgotten, Mrs. Conrad.”
“Thank you, dear, I hope I can make it up to you. I didn't know if you had a wedding dress picked out already and I know that you and Jerry have had some extra expenses recently. You are about the same size that I was when I married my dear Henry back in 1947. This was my grandmother's wedding dress that she wore in 1888 and that my mother wore in 1913. I always hoped I'd have a granddaughter or niece to pass it on to, but the girls in this younger generation are so big.” She paused to look around at the puzzled looks on people's faces. “Anyway, I'd like you to consider wearing this dress at your wedding.”
“I don't know what to say.”
Jaclyn, as curious as a cat, took the garment bag from Mrs. Conrad and opened it. Inside was a beautiful late Victorian ivory silk dress with a fitted bodice and a layered skirt with a short train. There was a small bustle and a corset in the bottom of the garment bag.
Jaclyn's eyes widened. “That so gorgeous, Mrs. Conrad. It makes me wish I was tiny like you and Miriam.”
“You're just the right size for you, Miss Mader, don't waste time wishing for things you can't change. You'll look beautiful for your Daniel when your turn comes.”
Miriam took a good look at the dress and wished that Micheline could be with her to see it. “Thank you, Mrs. Conrad. I'll try it on when I can invite you for tea without the men around.” Impulsively she gave the old woman a gentle hug and kissed her on both cheeks in the manner of the French.
“There's no call for that, girl. Just keep treating that man of yours right and it will be good enough for me.”
A few days later, Miriam invited the wedding planners over to Rose's after supper. Mrs. Conrad was there as well. Jaclyn helped Miriam into the dress. With a few small tucks here and there the dress would suit her well. The corset and bustle felt strange but she recognized that they needed to be there for the dress to fit properly.
“The only good mirror is in the front hall.” Miriam kept trying to see what the dress looked like but she couldn't get the full picture.
Jaclyn was bouncing. “You have got to go show Mum and Aunt Rose. I don't think you could find a better dress.”
Miriam made her careful way down the stairs, her left hand through the loop that held the train up for dancing, concentrating so hard on not tripping on her skirts that she didn't see the tears in Mrs. Conrad's eyes. When she got to the bottom of the stairs, she asked, “So, how does it look?”
All of the women began to talk at once, but it was easily apparent that the dress was very flattering. The comments trailed off and ended with Mrs. Conrad's whispered comment, “You look like an angel, dearie.”
Miriam stood in front of the full length mirror and twisted her hair up into a loose bun that she pinned with one of Rose's cable needles. She imagined what she would look like wearing a veil when Rose came over and draped her wedding shawl over Miriam's head.
Miriam turned around slowly and began to feel the reality of what was going to happen in less than three weeks. Rose commented, “You'll be a beautiful bride, my daughter. Just stunning.”
Miriam caught her reflection again. She almost believed that she could be as beautiful as what Jerry saw when he looked at her. She took Mrs. Conrad's hands and said, “Thank you again. I wish I had known my father's mother. By all accounts she was much like you.”
“I'll be praying for both of you.” Mrs. Conrad wiped a tear away and took a seat on a rocking chair.
Miriam went back upstairs to undress with Jaclyn's help. Jaclyn commented, “I think Jerry's going to have a lot of fun unwrapping you from this dress. You won't be able to take it off by yourself.”
Miriam cast her eyes down and blushed. “I'm hoping it will be fun. The kisses have been wonderful and my sister Elena says that the rest is wonderful when you love your husband.”
It was Jaclyn's turn to blush. “You mean you and Jerry...”
“Just kisses so far. We didn't want to rush things.”
Jaclyn sighed. “He's a good man, Miriam. I remember having a big crush on him when I was ten. I guess that was the summer after he met you, not that he would have noticed his little cousin.”
“I've seen the looks I'm getting from any number of the women around here. I know Jerry's a good man but everyone should know he's my man and I don't intend on giving him a reason to look at anyone else.”
“You won't have very much trouble. When you're in the same room it's so obvious that you're in love with each other. Eric was such an idiot thinking that he would every get you to notice him.”
“I did notice him. I thought he was cute, like a puppy is cute. On the other hand, it was the first time I saw Jerry get jealous. That was cute, too.”
Jaclyn laughed. “Yes. I guess it was. I still can't believe that you guys forgot where you were at the grad dance.”
Miriam rolled her eyes. “I guess we'll hear about that forever.”
“It was pretty impressive. Before you arrived here, Jerry was so tense all the time, except when he was around Mitchie. I think everyone was in shock when they realized it was him. We used to call him Mr. Grumpy at school.”
“I've only seen that side of him when Michelle was missing.”
“That's another thing, how can you be friends with Annabelle after what she did?”
“I was so mad at her when we got out of the car in Toronto. Then I saw her sitting in a shady part of the food court wearing sunglasses to try to hide the bruises that her former boyfriend gave her. I flashed back to what I went through with Rafiq and I couldn't hate her anymore. Before we left Toronto I promised that I would keep in touch as long as she was getting counselling. Last time I spoke with her she was working up the courage to have a long talk with each of her parents.”
“I don't know if I could be
so generous.”
“It's hard to stay mad at someone you pray for. She did mention that one of the women in her counselling group had invited her to church. I hope she goes. She needs a healthier community than the one where she found Phil.”
“We should get back downstairs, unless you don't care what my mum, Aunt Rose and Jan Schwartz are plotting for the wedding.”
“Rose knows what I want and she knows better than to try any surprises. But we should get downstairs.” Before she got up Miriam grabbed Jaclyn's hands. “Thank you for being my bridesmaid. I haven't had many true friends in my life so far.”
“It feels a bit strange with you being so much older, but I'm really glad you want my friendship, Miriam. It's kind of like having an older sister.”
By the time they'd gotten downstairs there were only small details left to decide. The Pentecostal church was very happy to donate the use of their building and hall for the wedding and reception. John had cleared his day to officiate and Jerry assured her that he had the formal wear rented and the wedding rings purchased. Miriam regretted not being able to cook for the reception, but Jan knew what her favourites were so the buffet menu was easy to set. With her dress needing only a few minor tucks, the only thing left was to send out the invitations which were due from the printers the next day.
The next two weeks were busy with both of them working but they found time to settle on the guest list. Miriam's sisters were the only people invited from her family, but she sent invitations to Peggy MacDonald and the Carletons. Jerry insisted that invitations would only go to family he'd actually met, but that amounted to almost two hundred people. Some of his work colleagues and many of the families from St. Michael's were also invited.
The week before Thanksgiving was a whirlwind of activity. Gert let Miriam quit a day early to do all of the last minute running around. She and Jerry were having supper with the people staying at his house when there was a knock on the door.
Jerry called, “Miriam! There are some people here to see you.”
Four familiar faces were smiling at her as she opened the door. “Elena! Micheline! You made it!” Miriam stood with joyful tears forming as she switched to Arabic and unleashed a torrent of greetings for her sisters and their husbands.
Turning to bring Jerry forward she introduced everyone. Although Miriam was the oldest she was definitely the little sister. Elena topped her older sister by a hand span and Micheline was visibly taller than Elena. Dr. Nesrallah put his hand forward to shake Jerry's hand while Micheline's husband nodded from the back row.
The supper guests all crowded into the hall as the new arrivals entered. Micheline asked something in Arabic and went quickly up the stairs after receiving the answer. All of the mothers nodded in a knowing fashion as they saw Micheline's gently rounded abdomen precede her up the stairs.
“This is wonderful.” Miriam led Elena to a chair in the parlour.
“Emile decided that he would go to a conference in Montreal next week and Tony's uncle in Ottawa needs some renovations done so we thought we'd all fly together to Montreal. Tony's uncle lent us a car to get here. I couldn't believe how long the drive was. Uncle Georges warned us how long it would take, but it seems like such a small distance on the map of Canada...” Elena was running on.
“I know, we drove to Toronto this summer. I wrote you about that, I'm sure.”
“You did.”
“I'm so happy to see you. I'm sorry I can't have you stay with me. Most of Jerry's family wants to be here for the wedding.”
“We rented a two bedroom cottage on Shore Road. The map says it's very close to here. Tony wanted to make sure we could cook for ourselves and observe halal.”
“There is nothing haraam on the wedding feast menu so you will be able to eat at the reception.” They looked over to see Maggie's husband chatting happily in French with Tony and Emile. Micheline came into the parlour looking much relieved.
“Miriam. I always knew that you wouldn't be able to hide your conversion forever.” Micheline smiled. “I'm sorry that Uncle Mahmoud was such an idiot. Tony worked for a Christian construction company for a couple of years and thought they were good people. He doesn't understand or agree with your decision, but he's not ashamed to admit he knows you. That's one of the reasons we were glad that we had to leave Nabatieh.” Micheline rested her hands on her belly.
Michelle was introduced to the sisters who commented that she looked like an angel. Miriam commented in Arabic that looks could be deceiving but that she was a very sweet girl.
Emile and Elena practised their English and various of Jerry's family practised their French. Jerry and Maggie kept the tea and coffee flowing to allow Miriam to catch up with her sisters' news. The sisters spoke until Micheline couldn't stay awake any longer and everyone took their leave. The children were put to bed and the remaining adults continued to talk until almost midnight.
Jerry took advantage of having people in the house to walk Miriam back to Rose's for the last time. “You must be happy to see Micheline. We knew that Elena and Emile were coming, but I wasn't expecting to see Micheline. Do they have news of Sara?”
“She called Micheline a couple of times from the refugee camp she's living in. It's a long wait for a phone if you don't have money. She's hanging on. The authorities are having a problem placing her somewhere because she's a widow but because of her age they should be treating her as an orphan. Elena says that most of the displaced people from around Manzieh have returned to rebuild.”
“I wish we could do more to help Sara.”
“Me, too. But Sara is still alive and mostly well. I think we can wait a few days before we need to think about this again.”
“I think it's something that Mrs. Ernst can handle.” Miriam snuggled into Jerry at his reminder of the next day's event. They said goodnight with a long lingering kiss. Miriam said, “Until tomorrow, dearest.”
Rose was waiting with a cup of chamomile tea. “That was a nice surprise. Your sisters seemed very happy to see you.”
“It was very good to see them. In a way I'm glad that Jerry and I are only going away for three nights. I'll be able to spend a bit more time with them next week after work.”
Rose gave Miriam a fond look. “I'm going to miss having you in the house.”
“We're only two doors down. I'm sure we'll find time to sit together.” Miriam took a deep breath. “This time tomorrow I'll be married. I never thought that would happen.” Miriam had a deeply contented look on her face.
“Is Sara bigger than you?” Rose looked curious.
“She was a bit taller than Elena the last time I saw her. If she's getting good nutrition she could end up the same height as Micheline but she's slender like me.”
Rose smirked. “Then it worked out right. The little sister is supposed to be the last one married.”
Miriam puzzled that one for a bit then got the English joke and laughed. “I'm not the baby sister.”
Jack poked his head in the kitchen. “It's getting late. Everyone is supposed to be here at eleven, but you know that Jaclyn will be early.”
Miriam got up and gave Rose a hug. “Thank you for all your kindness. I don't know what I would have done without you, Mum.”
Rose's eyes got moist and said, “I got the best of the deal, daughter. And unlike my other kids I don't have a long drive to visit you.”
“Good night, Rose.”
Miriam went into her room with the single bed for the last time. She looked at the three suitcases, the backpack and the laundry bag by the wall. She had a change of clothes for the morning and her wedding outfit in the closet, but everything else was packed except for her Bible, the same Bible that started the long chain of events that led her back to Jerry. She said her prayers, mostly thanksgivings, before she fell asleep.
The day of the wedding dawned foggy with a light drizzle. Despite the late night, both Miriam and Jerry were up with the first light at seven-thirty. Jerry dropped Michelle off shortly af
ter eight and tried to see Miriam, but Rose told him to go away.
Miriam listened from the kitchen as Jerry tried to argue with his aunt, but she put her foot down and said that some people considered it bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony and she didn't want to hear about it from Ethel for the next decade. Jerry eventually went away, taking the suitcase Miriam had packed for the honeymoon.
About ten minutes later Gert showed up with a wedding present, Miriam's last pay envelope and a thank you card. Miriam promised to invite her to supper soon.
A few minutes after Gert left Jan Schwartz dropped in with a plate of carrot muffins. As Jack predicted Jaclyn showed up forty-five minutes early with her bridesmaid outfit declaring loudly that her mother was driving her crazy.
Miriam's sisters dropped by for a cup of coffee and sat for a muffin. Micheline waxed poetic about the antique dress and how pretty it was here, if cold. As they were leaving for their cottage, Teresa Storey came by with the bride's bouquet and stayed for coffee.
Miriam was starting to get annoyed with the constant parade of visitors but she pasted on a smile and took yet another deep breath.
Jerry's brother Richard handed Jerry another cup of coffee and told him to stop pacing. “It's your second wedding, Jerry. You know what to expect.”
Jerry sat down at the kitchen table. “It's really my first wedding, Rick. Belle and I got married at city hall with only her parents for witnesses. They didn't even take us out for lunch afterward and we never had a honeymoon.” Jerry sipped his coffee. “This is all new for me.”
“At least you've got the right woman this time, Jer. Miriam's a treasure.” Jerry got a besotted look at the reminder of his lady love. Richard sat amusedly watching Jerry as he downed his coffee, checked the clock and got up to pace again. Dorothy's eyes were twinkling in merriment to see her calm practical boy so nervous. John and Bill both looked at each other as though they wanted to tease Jerry, but suppressed the urge, at least for a moment. Maggie sat with her needlepoint remembering preparing for her wedding, pacing in the same part of the kitchen as Jerry.
The hairdresser and the makeup artist came on time at half past eleven after everyone had a light lunch. There was yet another knock at the door. Rose said, “I'll get it.”
She returned with a beaming smile and said, “Miriam, you have another visitor.”
Miriam closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. If she had to make small talk with yet another well wishing neighbour she was going to scream.
The familiar face of Peggy MacDonald appeared in the door. “Hi Miriam. I brought you a wedding gift.”
Miriam opened her mouth to scold Peggy, but stilled in shock. Emerging from behind Peggy was a totally unexpected face peeking out from a hijab. Recovering quickly, she rushed forward, “Sara!”
The sisters hugged and made incoherent happy sounds for a couple of minutes before Miriam looked at Peggy and said, “How? When?”
“The immigrant support group at St. Mary's were so touched by your testimony and your worries about Sara that they asked me to put in the paperwork to sponsor Sara. Dan Carleton's daughters worked the phones until they found someone who was willing to go into the camps to find Sara and put her in touch with Immigration. Then there was a piece of good luck for us when the Canadian Forces offered its empty seats to any sponsored refugees that were headed for Halifax and beyond. Because my name was on the sponsorship form as the contact, I got the call from the airbase about five hours ago.”
Miriam asked Sara, in Arabic, “Did you understand that?”
Sara replied, in halting English, “I have been taking the English classes in the camp, to hope to live with you. Nice Canadian lady told me it happen maybe soon.” She switched back to Arabic. “You look happy. Peggy told me about your special day.”
Miriam's headache got worse. “The wedding! Oh, what are we going to do? Where will you stay?” Miriam slumped in a chair in the kitchen. “What will Elena and Micheline say?” Michelle climbed into Miriam's lap to give her a hug. Miriam explained that Michelle was her fiancé's daughter and with Sara there would be four people living in the house after the wedding.
Rose stepped over to give Miriam a hug. “I can put her in your old room until you're back from your honeymoon.” Rose switched to her awkward French. “It will give me more opportunity for to practice to speaking the French.”
Sara sat next to Miriam looking tired but happy. Peggy sat across from Miriam with an impish grin. “We stopped by the dress shop in Halifax that carries some Islamic clothing on the way down here. I bought Sara a dress she could wear to your wedding. We also picked up some extra clothes and some colder weather gear. She arrived with more than you did, but not much more.”
Miriam looked at her friends and took several deep breaths, feeling the tension and her headache ease. “Thank you, both of you. This is a wonderful gift but don't ever surprise me like that again Peggy. It wouldn't have killed you to call me from the airport.”
Peggy tried to look apologetic, but it didn't work. “I'll try to remember that. Now, I can see someone with combs hovering.” Peggy looked at Rose. “Mrs. Carson, can we get Sara settled? She needs to take a shower and change.”
Switching to French, Rose said, “Come with me, Sara. I'll show you to your room and where to find the shower. And don't worry about running out of water. Stay in until you feel clean.”
Miriam kissed Sara on the cheek and said, “Go with Rose, then come back and talk to me when you've changed.”
Miriam moved back to the kitchen stool to sit. The hairdresser was in rhapsody about Miriam's long thick black hair. A bit of hairspray, a multitude of hairpins and several appreciative noises later, Miriam's hair was up in a braided chignon that displayed her delicate neck and shoulders.
Jaclyn's hair was light brown and curly, so the hairdresser was muttering imprecations but eventually got her hair up in an almost neat bun with a few artful curls escaping to frame her face. Michelle got a much needed trim and managed to keep reasonably clean until it was time to put on the dresses.
Jaclyn helped Miriam into the corset and bustle then got Rose and Teresa to help Miriam into the dress. Miriam took a deep breath then looked at her engagement ring before moving it to her right hand.
She joined everyone downstairs. Her sisters had returned with their husbands and the noise level went astoundingly high when Sara came out of the kitchen to see who was speaking Arabic. The photographer took what seemed like a thousand pictures before everyone was loaded into the cars and limousines for the fifteen minute drive to the church.
Jerry and Richard were waiting nervously in the pastor's office for the signal that the limousine had arrived. Richard tried to tell some jokes and get Jerry to relax but it wasn't really working. Finally Father John came to get them and reminded Jerry where he needed to stand.
Jerry's brothers Bill and John were acting as ushers. Jerry saw Bill lead Miriam's sisters to a pew near the front and noted that a third woman in a hijab had joined them. He started to puzzle this out when John led Aunt Rose to the spot reserved for the mother of the bride then looked back to see the most glorious sight he'd ever seen.
As the music started Jaclyn began to process to the front of the church. A few paces back, Jack was escorting Miriam who looked like a tiny perfect princess. They stopped at the assigned spot and Father John began the service with the time honoured words of the Book of Common Prayer: “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God...”
Jerry and Miriam both said their promises in clear voices. Then Father John asked, “Are there rings?” Richard nodded and handed them to the priest who pronounced the blessing, “Sanctify, O Lord, these rings that they may be to these thy servants a token of their solemn vows and a pledge of pure and endless love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen”
Jerry took Miriam's ring and said, with prompting by John, “With this ring, I thee wed, with my body I thee honour, and
all my worldly goods with thee I share: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.” With trembling hands he placed the ring on Miriam's fingers. Miriam moved her engagement ring back to her left hand.
Then Miriam took Jerry's ring and said, “This ring I give thee in token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love.” Miriam placed the ring on Jerry's hand with a firm and steady motion.
Father John directed them to kneel and asked God's blessing for Jerry and Miriam then asked them to stand. Joining their right hands together and wrapping his stole around their clasped hands he proclaimed: “Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder.”
Smiling broadly, Father John said the words Jerry had been waiting nine years to hear: “Forasmuch as Jeremiah and Miriam have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of rings and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be man and wife together, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” He paused to beam at his friends. “Jerry, you may greet your bride.”
With reverent hands, Jerry lifted the lace shawl up and folded it carefully back over Miriam's head. Holding her hands in his, he leaned down for a gentle but possessive kiss then stood up and lost himself in the wonder of Miriam's deep brown eyes.
The large crowd of witnesses responded to this kiss with tears and sighs, with quick kisses between husbands and wives, or clasped hands. Michelle asked, in a bell like voice that reached to the corners, “Auntie Rose, is that another good kind of kiss?”
Rose responded loud enough for most people to hear, “It is the very best kind, Mitchie.”
Miriam's family was struck by how much more personal this ceremony was than the ones they had attended. The promises to each other, especially public promises of love, were not part of their weddings. The weddings of Micheline and Sara had been little more than having Uncle Walid sign the contract with the fathers of their husbands at the mosque and then escorting them to their husband for the banquet to welcome them into their new family.
Father John was saying some more words that neither Miriam nor Jerry really heard, although they knew from reading the service in the prayer book that it was a petition to bless them and keep them in steadfast faith to God and to one another.
Jaclyn and Richard stepped close to remind them they needed to sign the registry. A quartet from St. Michael's sang the psalm and an anthem while the registry and the legal paperwork was signed and witnessed. Then Father John led them back to the front and directed them to kneel while the congregation was led in prayers. In closing, John said the prayers of blessing for an abiding faith, for a godly home, for the gift of children to be raised in the faith, for patience and faithfulness and love and wisdom in their marriage, and the final benediction asking for God's grace in their life together.
Miriam and Jerry processed out of the church followed by Jaclyn and Richard then stopped in front of the church for more photographs. They took the short walk over to the reception hall and as soon as they got into the lobby Jerry claimed another, longer, kiss from Miriam.
Richard cleared his throat and reminded them of their duties to the guests.
Jerry said, “We talk to everyone once, we eat a plate of food and we start off the dancing. Then Miriam throws the bouquet and we get to leave, right.”
“Not quite. You have to have a second dance after the bouquet. Then you can leave.” Jaclyn was smirking. “You sound like you want to be alone or something.”
Miriam thought about trying to glare, but that would take too much energy. Instead she snuggled further into Jerry and let that speak for her.
It took almost two hours for them to speak to everyone as they entered the hall. Michelle insisted on Jerry holding her with his free arm until Jerry felt like his arm was about to fall off. Then Teresa showed up with her children and Michelle was off and running. Mrs. Conrad gave them her silent blessing with moist eyes and a smile but couldn't say a word.
Miriam kept an eye on Sara as she could. Her sister was slowly relaxing as people came up to speak with her although she spent most of her time speaking with Elena and Micheline.
Emile came forward with Tony. Emile spoke in English so that Jerry could understand. “Miriam, before we left Beirut I spoke with your cousin Saleh, who is now wali to you. He assigned his guardianship rights to me as his agent. By Shariah, having committed apostasy you became impure. As of yesterday evening, when I was satisfied that you had no intention of returning to Islam, the Nadif family no longer recognized its obligation to provide you with a guardian. I should have let you know before we left but your sisters wouldn't give me a chance to speak to you.” Emile smiled. “This means that as of yesterday you were free to marry as you wished although no Muslim man of good character would be allowed to marry you. For what it's worth, if you and Jerry had been Muslim the family's permission would have been swiftly granted with great joy. For my own part and for the Nesrallah family, I wish you both joy and the blessings of Allah in your life.” Tony gave his blessing in Arabic.
The two men shook Jerry's hand and bowed to their sister-in-law then returned to their wives. Jerry asked, “Did you understand what that was about?”
Miriam smiled up at her husband. “Yes. It means that Emile and Tony approve of you but that the Nadif clan formally disowned me effective yesterday to erase the shame that I brought to the family. So, for about half a day, until two hours ago, I was completely my own woman and could do as I pleased. But now I am yours and you are mine and this pleases me greatly.” She dragged his head down for a brief kiss before speaking with the next set of cousins.
They moved on to the dinner and endured the usual ribald teasing and speeches. Peggy MacDonald sat with John Ernst. Miriam thought she saw some sparks of interest between the two of them and pointed it out to Jerry. He made a mental note to invite Peggy to the house the next time John was visiting.
The first dance was a slow foxtrot that was just Miriam and Jerry to start. Then they separated to bring Jaclyn and Richard onto the floor, then Rose, Jack, Dorothy and Jaclyn's father. With the fourth repeat they split again until by the seventh repeat Jerry was reunited with Miriam, Jaclyn was dancing with Daniel and Richard was dancing with his wife amid a large crowd of dancers.
When the dance floor cleared, Jaclyn put Miriam in the centre and told her to toss her bouquet backward over her head. As soon as she threw it she turned around and saw it land on Peggy's lap. She was so deep in conversation sitting at the table with John that she hadn't noticed the bouquet being tossed. Blushing furiously, Peggy stood up to acknowledge the tradition and looked wistfully at the bouquet.
While some quiet music was being played, Jerry and Miriam carried baskets of wedding cake to all the tables to say thank you and to take their leave. They spent some extra time with Michelle and Miriam's sisters to reassure them that they would be back Monday evening for supper.
The second dance started just after the last piece of cake had been distributed and final instructions had been given to Jack and Rose about the wedding gifts. The final goodbyes were said to Michelle and Sara before they took their places on the dance floor.
This time the dance was just the two of them. Miriam fell into the gliding rhythmic steps that Jerry led her through, amazed that this tall solid gentle man was really hers. Her heart had found its home.
Jerry looked down in amazement at his tiny precious woman. Gazing in wonder at Miriam's raven tresses he felt the world start to shrink.
Miriam savoured the feel of Jerry's strong hand holding hers and the feel of his chest under her right hand. She was acutely aware of Jerry's left hand warming up her back. She looked up into his loving blue eyes and the rest of the world started to disappear.
Jerry could feel the laces and boning of the old fashioned corset that gave the dress part of it
s magnificent shape. Miriam's graceful slender body provided the rest. His thumb and forefinger rested on the top edge of the dress and the warm bare skin above it. The warmth and scent of his woman in his arms was almost overwhelming.
Miriam succumbed to a desire to press herself closer to him as their dancing became more synchronized. Even through the corset she could feel her chest pressing against her husband, awakening desires she hadn't dared act on before.
Jerry felt his wife press closer and their dancing slowed down until they were standing alone in their own universe. The universe grew smaller until there were only blue eyes staring into brown eyes and lips merging amid the scent of the other. Desire rose as they lost themselves in each other. Time stood still for them as they repeated The Kiss.
The room erupted into laughter, applause and catcalls as they separated. Bowing to each corner of the room, they skipped joyfully, hand in hand, to grab their coats before heading off to their new life together.
###
About the Author
Bill is a professional accountant who lives in Ottawa, Ontario. His wife and four sons think that he travels too much for work, but the quiet evenings in the hotel give him the time to write. The two dogs don't seem to react any differently whether he goes to the other end of the country for a week or just to the grocery store for milk.
Other books by Bill Sanderson
Choosing Hope
When Kyle drugged her drink Lily ran and called David to rescue her, again. But Kyle keeps threatening Lily and refusing to let her go, so David made sure she was safe. This time Lily notices that David is not just her uncle's friend who is willing to help. This time she sees a man who is kind and honourable and loving ... the kind of man she's always dreamed of marrying.
But when Kyle takes his brutal revenge on Lily she finds herself pregnant. Is it David's child or Kyle's?
In the end, Lily makes the only choice she can - she chooses hope.
A May-September Wedding
Shortly after thirty-five year old Phyllida Schuyler lost her husband, Brenda Richardson, her long time best friend, next door neighbour and mentor, was diagnosed with cancer. Brenda makes her husband Cal promise to help Phyl out where he can and gets the same promise from Phyl. Having daughters who are best friends throws them together frequently. Their attraction and mutual respect is leading slowly but surely toward love but there is a major problem – Cal has three children older than Phyl.
Getting His Attention
Thirteen year old Connie Pereira fell in love with the boy next door the summer he helped her father build the new deck on the house. But Terry O'Connell never noticed her. Now he's the CEO of a world class computer graphics company based in Vancouver with multiple Emmy and Oscar nominations and the most eligible bachelor in town. But Connie is all grown up now. Armed with a camera, a full scholarship to the University of British Columbia and a brand new sun dress, Connie has only one mission – getting his attention.
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