Family Love

by Jeanne Mccann

  “Payton, I’m going to wash my hair so I have time to dry and style it.”

  “Okay, honey. Can I do anything else?”

  “I don’t think so. We’ll dress Max and Molly here. Our dresses, shoes, and things are already in the car. The flowers are in the refrig¨erator. Don’t let me forget them. Rings, do you have the rings?”

  “Yes, they are with my dress. What about your vows, do you know what you’re going to say?”

  “Of course. Do you?”

  “Yes. I have them memorized.”

  “Everything is going to be perfect. The photographer will be at the hall, and Dad is bringing his video camera.”

  “I think that’s it. I’m going to call and see how Tamara and Lindy are doing.”

  “Good, sweetie.”

  Payton sat down in the kitchen and dialed the telephone.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi, this is Payton. Is this Maria?”

  “Hi, Payton.”

  “Are you guys getting ready?”

  “Sort of. Banta has to stay in his room for an hour. He’s been making Mom and Lindy mad all day.”

  “Is your mom or Lindy close by?”

  “Yes. Mom, it’s Payton.” Maria yelled loudly.

  “Hi, Payton. You and Reina want another child?” Tamara sounded frustrated.

  “Is Banta having trouble?”

  “He’s doing everything he can to irritate all of us. Lindy is talking to him right now.”

  “What’s the problem?”

  “I’m not sure, but something is bothering him.”

  “How is everything else going?”

  “Payton, we should have eloped,” Tamara groaned.

  Payton laughed out loud. “Are you nervous?”

  “No, but the kids are wired and Lindy has been tearful all day.”

  “She loves you.”

  “I know, and I love her to death.” Tamara sighed. “I just wish her parents had come.”

  “So do 1.1 wish they would treat Lindy better.”

  “She is their only child.” Lindy’s parents had never accepted that fact that she was gay, and they certainly didn’t believe in gay mar¨riages.

  “Your parents will be there.”

  “Still it isn’t the same. At least Reina’s brother sent a card and a present. Lindy’s parents won’t even acknowledge the fact that we are getting married. I hate it that they cancelled at the last minute. It is so unfair.”

  “Just love her Tamara. That’s all she needs.”

  “Payton, I truly do. I can’t thank you enough for convincing her to tell me how she felt.”

  “Oh, I think introducing Reina and I has more than returned the favor. Tell Lindy I called.”

  “I will, honey. Thanks for calling. And Payton? I am so happy for you and Reina.”

  “So am I, Tamara. Thank you.”

  “See you soon.”

  “Goodbye.” Payton sat quietly at the table in the kitchen. It must be much harder to have your parents choose not to attend your wed¨ding than not having any around. It made her feel very sad for Lindy. They continually broke Lindy’s heart. Lindy was such a loving, and generous woman, and she didn’t deserve to be hurt.

  By four o’clock, Frank and Virginia headed back to the hotel so they could get ready. Reina and Payton had a little more than an hour before they had to leave. Payton took a shower and washed her hair after Reina washed Molly and Max. Then, while Reina helped Molly dress and pin her hair up, Payton dressed Max in his tuxedo and bow tie. She then combed his curly hair.

  “You know what, Max? I think you’re going to be the best-looking man there.” Max just grinned. “Let’s go show your mom and Molly.”

  “Look, Mom!” Max burst into Molly’s room.

  “Max, you look so nice.” Reina smiled at her handsome son.

  “Molly, you look all grown up and beautiful.” Payton stared at the little girl. She had on a long navy blue dress on with black shoes. Her hair was full of curls, and pulled up and back into a curly ponytail tied with a matching blue ribbon.

  “Thanks, Payton. Mom told me that after tonight you would be just like my mom, only I call you Payton. She said you would take care of Max and me forever, and always be with my mom because you love her.” Molly spoke seriously to Payton as Max listened intently.

  Payton’s heart swelled as she responded. “Your mom is right. I’ll love you and Max forever, I will always take care of you, and I love your mom very much. I will always be with her.”

  “Good.” Molly smiled happily. Reina and Payton exchanged a long look.

  “You make beautiful children, Reina.”

  Reina blushed with pleasure. “I wish I could have one that looked like you.”

  Payton’s heart thudded with Reina’s words. “I love that you’re hav¨ing another child.”

  Reina protectively placed her hand on her stomach. “I’m looking forward to having this child with you.”

  Max broke the spell by climbing on his mother’s lap. He grinned while his mother kissed him.

  “Okay Molly and Max, Payton and I know that you’ll play quietly in Molly’s room until we’re done getting ready. And please try and keep your clothes nice.”

  “We promise, Mom.”

  “Good, we won’t be long.”

  Payton and Reina rapidly finished their makeup and prepared to leave. “I’ve got the kid’s packs and the flowers.”

  “And I’ve got both of our wallets, the car keys, and our makeup.” Reina checked the items in her bag. “And the cell phone. We are ready.”

  “Good. Okay everyone, get in the car.”

  The four were quickly on their way, surprisingly on time, and well organized. They arrived the same time as Tamara and Lindy and their children. After several excited greetings they all trooped into the building.

  “Do you have the flowers?” Tamara asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Great, let’s go put them in the refrigerator until we’re ready to wear them,” Lindy suggested.

  “I want to check the decorations and the caterer.”

  “Go ahead, Tamara. Why don’t you go with her, Payton? Reina and I will put our things in the dressing rooms.”

  The simple decorations were beautiful and the rows of chairs were perfectly arranged. They weren’t expecting more than sixty people so it was going to be a small intimate ceremony. The caterer was busily preparing the food and drink and everything was going according to plan. Even the musicians were there, along with the photographer, who was setting up his gear.

  “Everyone and everything is going according to plan. The minis¨ter is due at six-thirty.” Tamara breathed a sigh of relief.

  “It’s going to be perfect. Did you bring your rings?”

  “Yes, Lindy has them.”

  “You have your vows?”

  “Yes. Lindy and I wrote ours separately. We haven’t told each other what they are.”

  “Either have Reina and I.”

  “I’m glad the two of you are sharing this with us.” So are we.

  “We’d better go see how Banta is doing.”

  “Did Lindy find out what was bothering him?”

  “It has something to do about his not being part of the family. We aren’t sure what he’s thinking, but Lindy and I explained that the cer¨emony tonight would make us one big happy family.”

  “Did he understand?”

  “I think so, but it is kind of hard to tell. He has so much going on inside him, and he is such a scared little boy.”

  “He’ll be fine.”

  “I hope so.”

  “I know so. He has you and Lindy.”

  Meanwhile, Lindy and Reina were dealing with all the very excited children. “Let’s go put these things in the dressing rooms.”

  “Okay kids, let’s go join your mothers,” Lindy suggested as Payton and Tamara returned.

  “Banta, you look very handsome,” Payton remarked as he and Max stood side by side.

&
nbsp; “Thanks, Payton.”

  “Everyone of you kids look fantastic.” And they did. All three girls were wearing pretty dresses, their hair styled. The five children glowed with pleasure as the group walked through the decorated hall.

  “Everything looks beautiful,” Lindy acknowledged with a sigh of relief. “I can’t believe everything worked out.”

  “Lindy, how could it not work out? You and Tamara have been planning this for months. Besides, you both worked very hard.”

  “So have you and Reina.”

  “So, best friend, let’s go get married.” Payton grinned.

  “Payton, it’s magical isn’t it?” Lindy’s eyes glowed.

  “Yes, it is.” Payton squeezed her best friend’s hand.

  “Come on guys, let’s go bug Tamara and Reina.”

  The five children were showing their excitement as they tripped down the hallway to the dressing rooms. Payton glanced at her watch. It was a little after six. She knocked on Reina’s door.

  “Hi, honey. How does the hall look?”

  “Beautiful. Everything is going perfectly.” Payton leaned into Reina and whispered in her ear. “One hour.”

  “I know.” Reina kissed her gently.

  “Can you and Tamara keep the three girls in here? We’ll keep Banta and Max with us.”

  “Okay, honey. Will you go get the flowers for me?”

  “Sure, I’ll be right back. Lindy, you take Max and Banta with you and start getting dressed. I’ll be there in a minute.”

  “You got it. Come on men, you’re with me.”

  “Girls, you come in here.”

  Payton headed to the kitchen refrigerator for the flowers, stopping to speak to the caterer. Snagging the box of flowers, she went back to the dressing rooms and once again knocked on Reina’s door.

  “Flowers, madam.” Payton grinned at Reina.

  “Thank you, honey. Take the boy’s boutonnieres and the flowers for you and Lindy.”

  “Got them, see you shortly.”

  “Payton?”

  “Yes?” I love you.

  “I love you, too.” Payton grinned as Reina shut the door, smiling. Payton returned to her dressing room to find Lindy giggling with the two boys.

  “Lindy, how about I sit with the boys while you get dressed?”

  “They will be good, they promised scouts’ honor. So we can both get dressed.”

  “Great.” The two of them visited while they proceeded to get dressed.

  “Payton, that dress is gorgeous. It’s perfect on you.”

  “Thank you. You look pretty terrific yourself.” Payton meant what she said. Lindy was wearing a coral red, sleeveless, long dress that accented her slender body. The dress clung and shimmered as Lindy moved. She had on matching earrings and shoes; her hair fell to her shoulders in a smooth curtain of shiny brown. She was just finishing her makeup. Payton stood in front of the full-length mirror to see what her dress looked like. It was an oriental sheath dress in a deep turquoise silk, with pale cream-colored orchids painted on the ele¨gant fabric. The long sleeves fit snuggly, the dress buttoned at the neck in the traditional mandarin style across the chest and down her left side to just below her hip, where it flared open in a slit to the floor. She was wearing matching shoes and her only jewelry was a pair of shiny gold earrings. She had left her hair in its natural style, loosely waving in a naturally disheveled look. She had applied light eye makeup and a little blush. She wanted to look her very best for Reina.

  “What time is it?”

  “It’s six-thirty. We had better hurry up. People are going to start arriving, and I need to check on the music.”

  “Let me pin your flower on your dress.” Lindy stood restlessly in front of Payton.

  “Hold still.”

  “I need to see Tamara.”

  “Lindy, everything is going to be fine. Relax, please.”

  “Payton, all of a sudden I am so nervous.”

  “I know, honey.” Payton smiled as she finished attaching the flower. “Pin Banta’s boutonniere on his jacket.”

  “Hey, little man, how are you doing?” Payton kneeled in front of Max.

  “You look pretty.” Max slid his arms around Payton’s neck.

  “Thank you, Max. You look so nice I had to dress up, doll. Let me pin this flower on your jacket and then we’ll go see if Randy and Hat-tie are here.”

  Max stood quietly in front of Payton as she gently finished and straightened Max’s bow tie. “Max, I love you buddy.” Payton’s eyes filled with tears as Max grinned at her.

  A knock at the door interrupted them. “Come on in.”

  “It’s Frank, Payton. Are you girls dressed?”

  “Yes, come on in, Frank.”

  “Wow, you girls look beautiful.” His eyes gave away his pleasure. “Max and Banta, you look very handsome.”

  “You look very nice yourself, Frank.” Lindy and Banta joined the three of them.

  “Thank you, Lindy. Now, I am here to see if you two are ready. Reina and Tamara are waiting to enter the hall with the two of you. I’m going to take Max and Banta with me. The girls are already out there with Ed and Eva.”

  “We’re ready, Frank. Banta and Max, you go with Grandpa. We’ll be out in a minute.”

  “Payton let me pin your flower. Your orchid matches your dress.”

  “Lindy, do you have your rings?”

  “Right here.”

  “Are you ready?” The two friends grinned widely at each other, and then hugged. Another knock at the door caught their attention.

  “Yes?”

  “Payton, it’s Reina and Tamara. Are you two ready?”

  “Yes, honey.” Payton opened the door. Reina was waiting in the hallway with Tamara. Payton walked toward Reina, her eyes devour¨ing her. She was wearing a deep purple long dress. It was strapless, displaying Reina’s beautiful shoulders. Because Reina knew how much Payton loved her hair, she had worn it loose and full of waves, hanging to her waist.

  “Reina, I can’t tell you how beautiful you look.” Payton took Reina’s hands, her eyes filling with tears.

  “Payton, I love you in that dress.” Reina pulled Payton against her body, her eyes glittering. “You look so sexy.”

  They held each other for several minutes, savoring the moment, their faces tucked against each other.

  “Ready, ladies?” Payton and Reina turned to Lindy and Payton, who were standing in each other’s arms.

  “Yes.”

  The four of them began their walk in the direction of the hall where the sounds of music, and people echoed through the open doorway. They stopped just before entering.

  “Lindy, you and Tamara go first,” Reina requested.

  “Here we go,” Tamara whispered. She and Lindy held hands as they entered the hall.

  “I love you, Payton.” Reina kissed her softly.

  “I love you, Reina.” They also held hands as they entered the room. Payton was surprised to see the size of the crowd seated in the room. Lindy and Tamara already stood to one side of the minister. Reina and Payton joined the two of them up in front.

  “Good evening, my name is Ruth Bader. I am a Protestant minis¨ter and we are all here today to celebrate and bless the union of Lindy Sampson and Tamara Mitchell, and Reina Landers and Payton Bender. These two couples have chosen to commit themselves to each other for life. This takes love, trust, and a lot of hard work.

  Please join me in blessing their union while we listen to them exchange their vows. Lindy and Tamara, would you like to begin?”

  Lindy spoke first. “From the day I met you I have known we belong together. I love your heart, your mind, and body. I will be your best friend, lover, and family for the rest of our lives.”

  Tamara held Lindy’s shaking hands as she spoke, gazing lovingly. “You make me laugh and see the joy in life and I am blessed to be with you forever. You and your children taught me what family means and I will love each and every one of you for the rest of my life.�
�� Lindy couldn’t keep the tears from falling.

  “My life changed when I met you.” Tamara spoke slowly and clearly. “You taught me how to love. You showed me how important honesty, trust, and commitment, was to a lifetime of happiness. I love the way you sleep with your hand against your cheek, and the way you look at me, and without a word tell me you love me. I will love you for the rest of my life. My children are your children. They are lucky to have such a loving woman to help raise them. We are family.”

  “Reina and Payton, would you like to exchange your vows?”

  Payton held tightly to Reina’s hands as they faced each other. She was very close to crying, and she could see Reina’s eyes were full of tears.

  “Payton, I wish your parents were here so I could thank them for raising such a wonderful woman. What do I love about you? The first time I saw you, you were kneeling, talking to our children. All three of you were laughing, and I thought you were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. But I fell in love with you in one crystal clear moment, when you showed me that loving our children was just as important as loving me. I will love you forever and longer. You are my soul mate, my partner, and my lover, and I will be thankful the rest of my life for you. Our children will grow up to be special adults because of your loving influence.”

  “Reina, every moment 1 look at you I thank God for bringing you into my life. You have brought two of the most perfect children into the world. You have opened your family and your heart to me. I will love you for the rest of your life. I will be your best friend and lover. I promise to protect Max and Molly and our new child while they grow into loving, wonderful adults, just like their beautiful mother. I will say thanks every day for all that you and your children are bring¨ing to my life.” Payton’s voice cracked with emotion while tears rolled down Reina’s cheeks as she listened to Payton.

  “Now, would Maria, Amena, and Banta, join Tamara and Lindy? Max and Molly, will you come up here and join Reina and Payton?” The minister requested.

  The children did as they were asked, and Molly held onto Reina’s hand while Max took hold of Payton’s. Tamara and Lindy’s children stood in front of them.

  “These two couples have asked that I bless their families. They have chosen not only to commit themselves to each other but also to their children. I extend the blessings of the people gathered here in wishing all of you a life filled with many happy moments. May you stand by each other during the troubling times, and may your love for each other grow stronger with each passing day.”