by P. Mattern
His woolgathering over, Charley turned and picked up both Celeste and Ariel in the same hug.
Celeste playfully felt Charley’s upper arm muscle through his tux.
“SOMEBODY’S been working out!” she said happily and approvingly.
“And getting handsomer and handsomer… you must be twice - bitten now!!!” Ariel added.
Charley had the grace to blush a little.
“Yeah”, he said somewhat shyly. ”It was inevitable. Fress is so bossy and she insisted.”
Fress who had been trying to sneak up behind Charley realized that she had been detected and that Charley’s last remarks had been for her benefit. She started giggling.
“Yes it’s TRUE - I FORCED this big strapping lad into Blood Bondage!” she joked, much to Celeste and Ariel’s amusement.
Celeste and Ariel danced the Horah next, to the delight of the crowd who joined in, dancing in a circle and laughing. Dining, dancing and drinking continued for several hours.
Finally it was time for the wedding crowd to see Celeste and Ariel off, although those invited would be able to party well into the wee hours of the morning, with string quintets, disc jockeys and local bands, including Orry’s band, providing the entertainment.
The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow on the party guests as they waited in two lines alongside of the walkway to Celest and Ariel’s white stretch summer limo which was festooned with white crepe paper and balloons.
Ariel had changed into a striking sleeveless going away dress that had a see through bodice and sleeves in a light blue going into an opaque sweetheart neckline, with the blues gradiating down to a dark blue color on the hemline. As she and Celeste stood for a moment in the main entrance of the hall an absolute roar of approval went up from their guests.
Everyone got ready to throw rice. Charley was positioned between Fress and Cass on one side of the walkway, everyone vibing on the joy of the newlyweds.
Taking a deep breath before running through the wedding crowd Celeste and Ariel, hand in hand, ran laughing toward the limo as the air filled with handfuls of rice. Catcalls, congratulatory cries and whoops followed them as they slid into the back of the limo, waving and laughing.
Cass tried to get Charley’s attention by pulling on the sleeve of his tux but Charley just nodded and continued to stare, smiling, after Celeste and Ariel. Undaunted, Cass began talking loudly over the din of the wedding celebration.
“Hey Charley, I just wanted you to know that your mom and I are together now - we’re a couple man!! Isn’t that great? So that makes us even MORE like family!“ Leaning closer toward Charley’s surprised face he continued. ”Just wanted to tell you man to man. We’ve kept it on the QT up to this point - but I LOVE your mom. Man. We’re meant to be together. And I hope you’re cool with that. “He finished, nodding his head as though he’d said everything he’d meant to say and was pleased with himself. Charley’ head snapped around to face Cass. His celebratory and festive smile had been wiped off his face, and in its place a look of anger, disbelief, and incredulity indicated that he was not at pleased. “WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?” Charley bellowed loudly, grabbing Cass by the collar of his tux.
End of Book 1, THE FULL MOON OF CHARLEY RABBIT=)))
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