by Pat Warren
Flames shot out of Denise’s blue eyes. “Then why’d you hesitate? Why didn’t you jump right in and say I do, huh? Answer me that, Norman.”
Running a hand through his thick black hair, Norman shuffled his feet nervously. “I told you, I had a lump in my throat, honey. I had to swallow, then I answered real fast. Nerves probably. You know what they say, guys are always nervous on their wedding day.”
“Brides are supposed to be nervous on their wedding day, not grooms.” She narrowed her eyes, studying his face. “No, you’re lying. I can always tell ’cause your nose kind of twitches when you lie. Like when you told me you were bowling with the guys and lost track of the time and you were late for our rehearsal dinner. Remember that? You were with her, weren’t you?”
“No, I swear, on my mother’s grave.”
Denise looked shocked, then furious. “Your mother’s not dead, Norman.”
“Oh, yeah. I meant my father’s grave.” He swiped at his damp forehead. “You got me so rattled I can’t think. Please, honey, let’s go back in and let the minister finish. Everyone’s waiting at the restaurant for our reception, I got the plane tickets for our honeymoon and—”
The door opened and a short, dark-haired woman wearing a colorful kaftan in a wild print stepped into the room, a frown on her face. As Jeff and Tish watched in fascination, she walked over to the frazzled couple. “Denise, Norman, I have to have an answer. We have other appointments.” With a wave, she indicated Jeff and Tish. “Are you coming back in so we can continue? Surely this is a minor misunderstanding.”
Denise, who was a good head taller than the newcomer, squared her pudgy shoulders and shifted her irate gaze to the woman. “Minor? You think it’s minor when the man I’m about to marry is thinking of his former girlfriend as he’s about to take his vows?”
“Now, honey,” Norman began, his voice soft compared to her screeching, “please believe me. I think only of you. I want only you.” He dared to take her elbow. “Let’s go back in and—”
“Get your hands off me! Go find Zelda. I’m through with you.” That said, she turned in a swirl of gauzy skirts and satin train and marched through the front door, slamming it behind her.
Looking stunned, Norman just stared after her.
The petite woman sent Jeff and Tish an apologetic smile, then touched Norman’s arm. “I’m sorry things didn’t work out. However, I’m afraid we’ll still have to charge you since we fulfilled our part of the agreement.”
A look of weary acceptance on his face, Norman reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded check. “Here.” Eyes downcast, he left the building.
The woman rearranged the folds of her kaftan and turned again to Tish and Jeff. “We apologize. These things happen, though rarely. We’ll be ready for you in a moment.” She quickly disappeared and closed the door.
“Well, that was interesting,” Jeff said.
Tish looked puzzled. “Can you imagine, she wouldn’t go through with it because he hesitated? I feel like going after him to let him know he’s better off without a woman who’d break off a wedding for something so minor.”
Jeff shrugged. “Maybe there’ve been other incidents. It didn’t seem to me that they were exactly star-crossed lovers.”
“No, you’re right.” Looking up at him, she laughed. “Quite the way to start off our wedding, eh?” And she giggled.
Joining in, Jeff took her hand. “Years from now, we’ll look back on this and—”
“—and be glad we didn’t have some ordinary wedding where everything was perfect, right?”
“Right.” Pulling her to him, Jeff kissed her.
“Ahem.” The woman in the kaftan was back, having entered on little cat feet for neither had heard her.
“You must be our four o’clock,” she said sweetly, smiling as if nothing out of the ordinary had taken place. “I’m Evelyn. Please, follow me.”
As she floated through the doorway, filmy skirts flying, Jeff leaned down to whisper in Tish’s ear. “I love you. Just wanted you to know.”
“And I love you,” she said, taking his arm. “This is fun, Jeff, something to tell our grandchildren. We can always have a traditional wedding later, but this, well, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Let’s enjoy it.”
He kissed the top of her head, enormously pleased she was being such a good sport. He’d had a feeling that most of the Las Vegas wedding chapels were a little quirky. From what they’d seen so far, they apparently attracted quirky couples as well.
They followed Evelyn.
The main room was equally flashy with two rows of benches covered in red velvet on each side with an aisle between, then three stairs leading up to an area carpeted in white and surrounded by heavy cardinal-red drapes fringed with tassels. Waiting at the top was a tall man dressed in white from top to bottom, his tuxedo circa 1950 or earlier.
Jeff tried to keep a straight face as Evelyn arranged the two of them on the bottom step, then took her place alongside Tish. A short balding man wearing white pants and a Hawaiian shirt in a print that matched Evelyn’s dress stepped out from behind the folds of the drapes and walked over to stand next to Jeff. Holding Tish’s hand tightly in his, Jeff knew if he looked at her, he’d lose control and burst into laughter.
The man in white, whose thinning black hair was carefully combed over his narrow head, a white prayer book tightly gripped in one hand, finally spoke. “We welcome you, Tish Buckner and Jeffrey Kirby, to the Chapel of Dreams where you will be united in holy matrimony. I’m Reverend Alexander Kaminski and your witnesses are Evelyn and Tom Doran. Have you other guests coming or shall we begin?”
“No other guests, Reverend,” Jeff answered.
“Very well,” he said in his slightly nasal tone as he held the prayer book in a death grip and closed his eyes.
Suddenly, the wedding march blared forth from hidden speakers, jolting Jeff and Tish who both looked around, startled. Jeff dared to look at her, his eyes dancing. This would be one to remember all right, he thought.
They waited out the song which seemed interminable, the abrupt silence following it also a shock to the senses. Finally, Reverend Kaminski opened his eyes and his book and raised one hand, beckoning them to come forward.
Jeff and Tish slowly walked up the steps until they were standing in front of the preacher.
“Dearly beloved,” he began.
No dearly beloveds here, Jeff thought as the man droned on. He felt a pang of regret at the absence of East and Ally as well as some of their friends. This would be legally binding, but one day, they’d have a real wedding with everyone they cared about as witnesses. And a big joyful reception.
They responded as instructed and spoke their vows. Then it was time for Jeff to bring out the ring. He noticed that despite the untraditional surroundings, Tish’s eyes were misty as she gazed into his while he placed the platinum band on the third finger of her left hand. He laced her fingers through his as they both turned back toward Reverend Kaminski who finished the ceremony in short order. Probably had a four-thirty booked, Jeff thought. Or perhaps a four-fifteen. Weddings were a big business in Vegas.
“I now pronounce you man and wife,” the Reverend said. “You may kiss your bride.”
Turning to his wife, Jeff gathered her close and smiled into her eyes before capturing her mouth in a long, thorough kiss filled with promise. As he let her go, he felt a tapping on his shoulder, looked up and saw the Reverend thrusting out his hand.
“Congratulations,” he said, shaking first Jeff’s hand, then Tish’s. “Please pay Evelyn on the way out.” With that, he turned and walked toward the drapes, disappearing within its folds.
So much for ambiance and good wishes, Jeff thought, shaking hands with the two silent witnesses. They followed Evelyn out to the foyer where Jeff handed her a check he’d already made out. “I believe this is the amount you mentioned.”
She glanced at the check and nodded. “Yes, thank you.” She handed him the signed m
arriage license. “Good luck.” A quick smile and she hurried off.
Jeff sighed deeply, then checked his watch. “Thirteen minutes. Must be a record.”
But Tish wasn’t upset. “Hey, get ’em in, get ’em married and get ’em out. That’s their motto.”
“You’re right,” he said, slipping his arm about her. “You should have heard Evelyn on the phone. Will you be wanting a cake? That will be X number of dollars. Flowers? Music? The long or short ceremony? A limo? A photographer? A reception? Yeah, we can do that, for a price.” He shook his head. “Kind of impersonal, when you think about it.”
Tish hugged his arm as they stepped out into the waning late afternoon sun. “Not to worry, sweetie. Who needs pomp and circumstance? We’re just as married as those who spend thousands on a big wedding and reception.”
But Jeff felt as if he’d somehow cheated her. “I know, but I wanted more for you.”
She stopped as they reached the waiting limo. “Don’t, Jeff. Don’t let the way it was done spoil the happiness we should be celebrating right now.”
She was right, of course, so he nodded and finally found a smile. “When did you get so wise?”
“When I fell in love with you.”
“Mmm, was that ever the right answer.” He kissed her, right there on the curb, then helped her into the limo. “We’ve got this thing rented for two more hours. Want me to tell the driver to drive us around a while or do you want to go back to the suite?”
“Let’s go for a drive,” Tish answered. “And maybe I could have just one more tiny sip of champagne, Doctor?”
“All right, but just one tiny sip.” He slid the window open and instructed the driver, then closed the two of them off in their intimate little world. One sip of champagne and then they leaned back, stretched out their legs and, arms around one another, lazily gazed at the passing scenery.
It was nine o’clock by the time they got back to their hotel. After their limo ride, they decided they were hungry so they wandered through the Venetian’s lobby, stopping at each of the restaurants to check them out and peruse the menus posted by the entrance. Finally Jeff told Tish to decide and she said the baby felt like Chinese. So they stopped in the oriental restaurant and each ordered something different so they could sample a variety of dishes.
They ate with chopsticks, neither very adept, but it was fun trying. Then, their hunger appeased, they strolled hand in hand through the noisy, crowded casino. After watching for a while, Jeff urged Tish to try and got her a couple of rolls of silver dollars. To his amusement, she took her time choosing just the right machine, one where Elvis sang a song each time a large or small jackpot was scored. She sat down on the stool while Jeff stood behind her, watching.
To Tish’s utter amazement and delight, she hit a jackpot for three hundred dollars after only twenty minutes. Smiling, she watched the hotel employee count the money and hand it to her.
“You’re on a roll now, babe. Pick out a new machine.”
But Tish shook her head, hiding a yawn behind her hand. “No, I’m going to take my money and fold. Otherwise, I’ll just give it all back to them.”
“Or double it,” Jeff added, ever the optimist.
She took hold of his hand and tugged him toward the elevators. “This mother-to-be is tired.”
Of course, that did it since Jeff didn’t want her to overdo and jeopardize the baby. He struggled with a yawn as well as he inserted the card key in their door, suddenly aware that he’d worked all last night and had been up all day. He’d been so revved up arranging the wedding and all, that the excitement had kept him going.
“What do you say we undress and snuggle down?” Tish suggested, already stepping out of her shoes.
“I’m all for that.” Jeff shed his jacket, then wandered over to check out the movies offered by the hotel. But the rustle of silk behind him caught his attention. He turned and saw Tish take a floor-length pale-blue gown from her leather bag. The movies forgotten, he moved to her and took her in his arms.
“Why don’t you put that on so I can take it off you?” he whispered in her ear, kissing her silken throat. After all, it was their wedding night.
“It’s such a lovely gown. Don’t you think I should leave it on?” she asked as a shiver skittered up her spine under his knowing touch.
“For a while, maybe.”
“I think I’ll take a relaxing bubble bath,” Tish said.
Jeff let her go, watching her take the gown into the bathroom and close the door. Perhaps Tish was suddenly shy with the thought that this was their wedding night. They’d made love in Arizona under the stars and on a blanket by the stream many times. And a couple of times in his small apartment.
But this was different. This was their wedding night and they were in a lovely hotel in a luxury suite. Although the wedding itself had been offbeat, he was certain that Tish like most women would always remember her wedding night.
He would make it special, for both of them.
Chapter 10
Sometime later, Tish stepped out of the bathroom in a steamy cloud of her favorite scent. Just past the doorway, she stopped, her eyes going wide with wonder.
It was amazing what you could accomplish in a luxury hotel with a little time, a credit card and a concierge with a romantic soul, Jeff thought, smiling at her expression. He let her absorb the changes he’d arranged so quickly and discreetly.
There were candles, nearly a dozen, ranging from tall and slender to chunky and fragrant, on the nightstands, the tables, even the television. The pungent aroma of vanilla wafted through the warm room. Music from the stereo in the sitting area drifted to the upper level, something low and bluesy. The drapes had been opened wide, leaving only the sheers that allowed a full moon to add to the candlelight’s magic.
Her eyes shining, Tish turned to Jeff. He’d removed his jacket and tie as well as his shoes. He stood in his stocking feet watching her. “You’ve been busy,” she said, smiling up at him.
She was heart-stoppingly beautiful, he thought, the pale blue of her gown a lovely contrast to her golden skin. Her hair glistened in the candlelight. The silky material clung to her lush curves and ended at her bare feet, her toenails painted a bright pink. She was feminine perfection, Jeff decided, and she was his.
“Just setting the scene,” he answered, moving her into the circle of his arms, holding her lightly. Prolonging the pleasure, he let her need build slowly as his fingertips caressed her smooth back.
“It seems as if you’ve done this a time or two,” she whispered as her skin began to tingle beneath his clever hands.
He aligned their bodies more perfectly, more intimately, and watched her eyes go smoky. “Not like this.” He drew in a breath and her scent wrapped around him. “Your cologne. I don’t know what it’s called, but I can’t get it off my mind. Like you.”
“A chemist friend makes it up for me. He’s very talented.”
There was that quick flare of jealousy that he was unable to prevent before he tapped it down. “And he is…”
“Out of my life.”
He gazed deeply into her eyes. “And all other men you’ve ever known?” he asked, wanting to know, needing the words.
“What other men? There are no other men in my life. I like to concentrate on one thing at a time. And since meeting you, there’s been no one else. Is that what you wanted to hear?”
He drew her closer, where she could feel his rising need. “It is what I wanted to hear. What do you want to hear?”
His hands had moved inside the gown, touching the flesh of her back, gliding down her rib cage. He felt her breathing go shallow. “You’re doing just fine without my coaching.”
“I understand that women have fantasies, too, not just men.”
“A few. I’d rather hear the truth, how you really see me, not what you think I want to hear or what you believe I fantasize about.”
“The truth?” Jeff nuzzled her neck with his mouth and felt her shiver. “
Okay, the truth according to Jeffrey Kirby.” He drew back as if to check her over. “You’re lovely, a very feminine woman, yet you’re strong inside. You have the most incredible eyes, so expressive…”
“They’re too close together.” She was swaying now, moving with him.
“Your hair is…”
“Like I said before, an ordinary, boring brown.”
He pulled back and gave her an exaggerated frown. “Hey! You wanted the truth as I see it, didn’t you? Don’t interrupt and don’t contradict.” He bent to nibble her ear.
She laughed at his playful reprimand, obviously enjoying this. When his tongue outlined her lips, skimming the surface from corner to corner, then back again, the journey very slow, very seductive, all laughter left her. She didn’t move, didn’t seem able to as her face registered the shock of sensation ricocheting through her. Her lips trembled where his tongue glided and her hands curled around his forearms.
Jeff noticed her flushed face, saw the stunned passion in her eyes, always new, always glorious. A slow climb up the mountain was always more exhilarating than a frantic rush. He wanted to coax her along until she was edgy and eager. He thought about her beauty, the sweetness of it, the wonder. And he thought about how short, how precious life was—and how fortunate a man he was to have Tish Buckner Kirby here in his arms, his to love all night long, all life long.
Tish touched a shaky hand to his chest as she caught her breath.
“Tell me what you feel,” Jeff said, curious.
She took her time finding the right words. “You make me feel more alive than I’ve felt in…in so long I can’t put a time frame on it. I see mysterious green eyes with just a hint of danger in them, or are they just shadowy in the moonlight? Either way, I find that oddly exciting. That you can make me tremble so readily, want so desperately, still surprises me, even though it’s been like that from the day I met you.”
Suddenly, he pulled her into position and heard her quick gasp. “May I have this dance?” he asked. Both of them shoeless, he led her down the two steps to the carpeted sitting room, the low thrum of a love song whispering from the stereo. His thighs in his suit pants were rubbing against hers wrapped in satin, the gentle friction of their movements causing his blood to heat.