by Sioux Dallas
The women had decided on white mums, coral or peach roses and two orchids for Liisa to carry on a white Bible. The flowers would be in tall containers on either side of the altar with the three candles. One candle for Liisa to light, one for Paul and then the two of them to light the largest one to show a lasting union.
White ribbons were placed in a double UU loop at the end of each pew with two roses crossed in the center of the loop.
Tall containers of roses would be at the reception. An arch of roses would be at one end of the ballroom for the couple to stand for pictures.
Sweet Taste Caterers were in charge of refreshments for the reception.
Ellen insisted on sitting on Paul’s side as his mother, but Ben would give Liisa away. When the minister asks, “Who gives this woman?” Ben and Ellen decided they would both stand and simply say, “We do.”
Cory was a member of a marching Pipe and Drum Corps. He wanted it to be a surprise to Liisa and Paul for his group to dress in kilts and pipe down the aisle in front of the bridesmaids. They choose “Scotland the Brave”. Ben and Ellen, the organist and the minister were aware that the band would perform.
Gloria was Liisa’s Matron of Honor with four bridesmaids. Ronald would serve as Paul’s best man with four groomsmen. Paul briefly wondered why Cory turned him down to be his best man, and instead suggested Ronald.
Gloria would wear a peach gown carrying a bouquet of peach roses with a wide white bow. The bridesmaids were to be in pastel gowns carrying a small bouquet blending with the color of their gown. The men would all have a peach rose. Ben would wear a black suit with white shirt and long black tie.
Ellen had chosen a beautiful gold satin dress with a matching hat and a short veil. The sleeves of the dress were three fourths length. Ellen had gloves dyed to match the dress. She owned a pair of gold heels, so they could be worn with the ensemble.
Several women of the church had volunteered to furnish dinner for the rehearsal. They had cooked in the church kitchen and decorated the hospitality room for the beloved couple.
There were several simple mistakes made due to nervousness, but they were laughed off. Dr. Brent Myers, the minister, had finally convinced Cory that he should play for the rehearsal. He explained that there would be enough sensitive nerves for the wedding without being surprised at the last minute.
Liisa and Paul were pleasantly surprised and grateful to Cory for his volunteering to show his love and respect for them. The ladies cooking for the dinner were warned that there would be eighteen band members eating also. They were thrilled for the couple and welcomed any friends of theirs.
Dr. Myers helped Paul and his attendants practice how to enter from a side door. Young men from the church were serving as ushers. They practiced how to bring in Ellen and visitors.
The church secretary had volunteered to help them line up and practice marching in correctly. She had the Matron of Honor and the bridesmaids in the narthex ready to march in and surprised them when she nodded for her husband to open the big double doors.
Liisa gasped when the Drum Major came in carrying the big staff with the gold knob on the end and a red velvet roping. Behind him came the Pipe Major followed by the Bandmaster and the members in twos playing “Scotland the Brave” merrily as they marched in. They marched to the front and then were seated on the front pew, on the bride’s side, that had been left for them.
The lady attendants went in with spacing as directed.
Ben proudly walked in with Liisa on his arm. She giggled because she was wearing shorts and a shirt. It was unusually warm. Ellen insisted that their angels were watching over them and bringing sunshine. It took several tries to practice correctly. Paul and Liisa had written a short statement in addition to the traditional wedding ceremony.
When the minister asked, “Is there anyone present who objects to this marriage?” Paul looked around and frowned. Everyone gave little chuckles. They all jerked with astonishment when a voice boomed from the back. “I object!”
Liisa whirled around. “Aaseg,” she mouthed in shock and promptly fainted.
Ben jumped to see about Liisa. Paul knelt beside her. Ellen felt as if she might faint. Everyone was frozen in shock.
“Who are you?” Cory yelled, running toward the man as if he would physically challenge him. “Who are you?” Cory asked again angrily.
“I am the one Liisa is to be married to. She was promised to me many years ago in Norway.” His accent was so strong they had to listen carefully to understand what he was saying. “My name is Aaseg Aygh and I am the son of Juran Aygh. We are family friends of the Lofotens.”
James joined Cory and asked that the man come to the front with them so it could be discussed. The man stamped to the front glaring at Liisa.
Ben brought Liisa out of the faint and helped her stand and go to sit by Ellen.
“Liisa,” Dr. Myers said, “do you feel like telling us what this is about.”
I remember now why I have amnesia. I had a call from a woman who told me that I was to come back for a scheduled wedding. I thought I could clear it up and forget it without the Johnsons knowing about it. Paul, remember the drawing that I made that was familiar, but I couldn’t remember who it was? You know, the pastel of the chubby man?”
“Yes, do you now remember?”
“Yes I do. He held the same position in Drammen as our mayor does here. When I explained to him that I didn’t even know Aaseg and couldn’t possibly and wouldn’t marry him. He understood what I was saying and tried to reason with Aaseg. Aaseg followed me to the mountain where I went to finish the painting I had done of him. That’s where I painted the portrait of him. The other gentleman came up and tried to reason again with Aaseg. They had a fist fight and both men fell over the side of the mountain. I thought I was seeing two deaths and was so frightened, I guess I just put it out of my mind.”
“Do you agree that that is what happened?” Cory asked Aaseg.
“Yah,” he answered, “but I thought she would honor the agreement with my parents and her grandfather.”
“You fell over the mountain and lived! Did the other man live also?” Paul asked.
“No. I’m sorry. He fell to the bottom and I hit on a rock shelf and was knocked out. When I came to, it took me a long time to crawl to the top. I was disappointed and hurt to find Liisa gone. I found by accident that she came back to the States. It has taken a long time for me to find her.”
“Are you saying you love her and want to marry her?” James questioned.
“Not really. Love comes after you get acquainted through marriage.”
Paul stood in front of Aaseg. “Well, I do love her with my whole heart. My family took Liisa into our home and into our hearts when she lost her parents. Buddy, she’s mine.” He stuck a determined jaw out as if to challenge Aaseg.
“Aaseg, I respect you, but I could never love you. I was born and raised here. I will never live anywhere else and I will never love anyone else but Paul. I’m sorry, but we don’t promise people here. Everyone decides for themselves who they want to marry. I want to marry Paul. And. I. Am. Going. To. Marry. Him,” she said firmly and slowly to make sure he got it.
Ben and Cory took Aaseg farther back and sat and talked to him. Liisa laid her head on Paul’s shoulder. He hugged her tightly to him and was worried because she was so pale. He put two fingers under her chin and raised her face to look at him.
“Honey, there is no way in ##% he can force you to marry him and I wouldn’t permit it anyway.”
“Paul!” Ellen said in shock. “There is no need to handle language like that. You’ve never heard it in our home.”
“I just want to make sure everyone knows how serious I am. And I’m angry.”
“Doesn’t excuse you,” his mother shook her head.
“Poor fellow. You have to feel sorry for him,” James said. “He has been brainwashed to one thing and has spent a lot of time and money trying to honor what he thinks is a family commitment.”
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Aaseg came walking slowly toward Liisa. “I must apologize. I would not like to force you to do anything. I would not force any woman to do something she didn’t want. I hope you can forgive me. I release you from this commitment since it was made as soon as you were born and you knew nothing about it. I see you truly love this man and he loves you. I don’t know you. We’re strangers. I wish you good wishes and a good life”
He turned and walked stiffly out of the church with a straight back and head held high.
The Pipe Major stood and, with a nervous sounding laugh, said, “I’m glad that’s settled. I thought we were going to have an old fashioned knock down drag out here for a minute. Is the marriage still on?”
“You bet your bottom dollar it is,” Paul said so forcefully that everyone laughed in relief.
“Shall we go through this one more time and then go eat?” Dr. Myers quickly got everyone organized and, thankfully, it went well.
“Another strange event to write in my memory book,” Liisa blew a relieved breath. “A very unusual proposal and. now this shock. Whooo. I hope nothing scary happens on our honeymoon.”
“Shut your mouth,” Paul said so quickly that everyone laughed again. “Let’s go eat. Come on Cory and group. You’re all invited.”
Ben had to help Ellen up and to walk because the shock had made her weak. She gave a weak smile up at Ben. “I thought for a minute there that I would have to fight for our daughter.”
“And you would have,” Ben laughed and kissed her. “You’re a fierce little mother hen.”
At first Liisa was up tight and couldn’t enjoy the rehearsal dinner. Everyone else was relaxed and happy, singing and teasing each other. No one mentioned Aaseg. She began to relax and enjoy the evening with friends.
To everyone’s relief, the marriage was beautiful. Word of the upset during rehearsals spread quickly and the church was packed with people who hadn’t planned on attending. The bagpipers were a big hit and the Pipe Major gave business cards to several who were interested in having them play at one of their functions.
Liisa was pleased with the photographer. She knew Ellen would take care of having pictures and a write-up for the papers. Ellen would also make sure the couple got copies for their wedding and memory book.
Liisa looked anxiously over the crowd thinking that Aaseg might have stayed. She was relieved to see that he was nowhere in sight. She felt sorry for him but felt no connection. She was relieved to know that the shock and fear of seeing both men tumble over the mountain had caused her to block it out and resulted in selective amnesia.
They returned from the honeymoon rested, happy and eager to start a life together.
The people who worked at the electronics store came to apologize to Liisa saying that they hadn’t even caught on that Mr. Harris had dressed as his wife. They, and everyone in town, had accepted the story that Mr. Harris had died while overseas.
“Thank you, but I don’t hold any of you responsible. He fooled all of us. I did think the voice was awfully low for a woman. Oh, well. It’s over now and we’re all fine. What is going to happen to the store and your jobs?”
“We don’t know. Mayor Briscom asked us to keep the store open as the supplies were needed by many people. We’ll wait and see what information the reading of the will gives us - if there is a will,” Carrie blew out a frustrated breath.
After several months, a distant cousin of Mr. Harris’ was located and informed that he could inherit the store. He lived in the west and wasn’t interested in the store or the money. He had never met his cousin and didn’t care to know about him, especially after hearing what he had done.
Mr. Harris would spend his life in prison without chance of parole. As his cousin didn’t want to bother with the store, Mr. Harris signed the store over to the city to do with as they pleased.
The city kept the present employees and used the store to help train high school students who were interested in electronics.
Aileen and Jenna kept in touch with Liisa several times a week. They were often joined by other friends for a quick lunch.
“I don’t understand why you kept it all a big secret,” Carolina complained. “We could have been there for you with comfort and maybe help. We would have wanted to stand by you under any circumstances.”
“My dear, sweet friends. I’ve told you before, but apparently I didn’t make it clear enough. The stalker had threatened to hurt or kill any one with whom I was friendly. I didn’t want any of you to fall into his clutches. It was devastating enough when Arnold was killed. Then when Uncle Ben and Paul were shot, I could have died. No, it was a terrible thing to live through, but I didn’t want to bring sorrow to any of you.”
“We’ll forgive you this time for not letting us help you,” Rosa smiled. “Just promise you won’t do it again.”
“Aack! Button your lips. Let’s hope nothing like that ever happens again,” Liisa cried out.
The following March, Liisa gave Paul a birthday dinner at home with family and a few friends. Bernie, Ted and Sven had remained friends. Sgt. Gregory stopped in the store every now and then to say something pleasant to Liisa.
At Paul’s birthday dinner the following March, Liisa whispered a secret to him. He drew back in surprise, gave a whoop of happiness and picked her up to swing her around.
Ellen came trotting over excited to know what the joyous news was. Ben hugged her and kept her from intruding on Paul and Liisa.
“With that exhibition, I can guess what the news is,” he smiled.
Ellen looked puzzled at him.
“I think we’re going to be grandparents again.”
Everyone looked in wonder as Ellen squealed and jumped up to hug Ben. He picked her up and swung around with her. Puffing, he set her down and said, “I hope you enjoyed that because I’m getting too old to do it again.”
Some Bonus Short Stories
by Sioux Dallas
The End Justifies the Means
“But Barry - you’ve just made Captain. Why did you leave the police force?” Allison Morgan looked with concern at her brother. “By the way, thanks for meeting my plane. I thought you were in for life. I know you went into law enforcement after Dad was killed on duty. You are an excellent attorney, but police work seemed to draw you. We could have been law partners. Maybe you’ll continue law now that you’re off the force. Or maybe you’ll try for the FBI. But why wait until you made Captain to leave? How are you earning a living now and why?”
“Whoa. Are you going to babble on non-stop all day or can I get a few words in, little sister?”
“Little sister,” she snorted. “All of four minutes younger.”
“I’m truly glad to see you, sis.”
Allison made a face at her brother and patted his leg. “Okay Barry. Talk.”
“Sis, you might doubt my sanity when you hear the story.”
“Barry, it’s possible I won’t agree with you, but I’ll always love you and will always be at your side. So tell.” She reached to the dashboard, turned the heat on and settled in a more comfortable position.
Barry took a deep breath. “About two months ago we had our first frost and you know how bitter cold ole windy Chicago can get. It was almost midnight and, for some reason, I decided to drive along Boomer Street near the railroad tracks. A foot patrolman was stabbed to death there a couple of weeks before. I was not in uniform and was driving an unmarked car. As I approached the corner of Boomer and Rau, I noticed two young girls standing on a comer. They were not dressed very warm. A tall, skinny man was talking to them and, just as I got close, he slapped one girl hard. I stopped quickly and got out of the car. The man grinned at me and said, “This is your lucky night, Buddy. These are two choice birds and you’ll get the honor breaking in a new one.” Barry drew a shaky breath.
“I took my folder out of my pocket and showed my badge and identification. I didn’t get to say anything. As soon as the street light hit my badge, the man ran. The girl he had slappe
d ran in another direction. I grabbed the smallest girl and demanded to know her name and age. Her name was Melissa Hill and she was fourteen. She begged me to let her go and finally told me that the man would punish her for talking to me. She refused to tell me his name or the name of the girl who had run.”
Allison realized it would be a sad story. She shifted in her seat and faced him.
“I gave Melissa my card and assured her that I wanted to help. She said, “Yeah, you’d help me go to jail.” I reminded her that prostitution is a crime but that I had friends who would give her shelter and take care of her until her parents could be contacted. She cried and told me that she had run away from home three days before and had come to Chicago hoping to be a model. She said, “I’m still a virgin, but I won’t be much longer. Tonight was to be my first job. The man who took me in expects me to help pay my way.”
“As she started to say something else, a shrill whistle rang out from an alley and she ran. I couldn’t find her in the darkness.”
“Oh, Barry. I know that broke your heart, but how did that influence you to leave the force? It seems to me that would boost your desire to be a more effective police officer.”
“You haven’t heard the rest of the story.”
“Sorry. Go on.”
“I had a call the next morning a little before five. A patrolman had found a nude body by the railroad tracks at the end of Rail Street. My card was on her stomach. I dressed hurriedly and drove over there.” His voice broke and he stopped to take a deep breath.
Allison gulped a sob and reached to pat his hand on the steering wheel. I can imagine how you felt, but it wasn’t your fault.”
He continued. “It was Melissa. She had been badly beaten. She had not only been savagely raped, but had also been sodomized. That fourteen-year-old baby had been tortured and left to bleed to death in the bitter cold. They do that to warn others who might be tempted to leave them or tell on them.”
Allison wiped the tears from her cheeks. “Horrendous. How she must have suffered and been so afraid.”