by Robin Deeter
One morning, he needed to go to Lyle’s Haberdashery to be fitted for a new tuxedo. He had one, but he wanted to wear a new one for his wedding. He sat on the corner waiting for a wagon to pass before he set out for the other side of the street. With dismay he realized that it would be an arduous task.
He set out on his journey, but he didn’t make it very far before his chair became mired in the mucky street. Rocking back and forth didn’t get him anywhere and in fact just mired him deeper in the mud.
“Well, shit,” he muttered.
“Need a hand?”
Looking over his shoulder, he saw Ray.
“Yeah. That’d be great.”
Ray tried to push the chair, but he only succeeded in almost dumping Wheels out of the chair when it tipped sharply forward.
“It’d be better to pull you,” Ray said, coming around the front of his chair.
He used his considerable strength to drag Wheels forward out of the hole. The chair suddenly let loose and Ray wound up on his backside in the mud. Both men laughed as Ray got up. Another man came along and between him and Ray, they managed to get Wheels to the other side.
“Thanks,” Wheels said. “Getting through mud like that is hard. I appreciate you rescuing me.”
The other fellow accepted Wheels’ thanks and went on his way.
“Looks like we’re going to the same place,” Ray said. “I want to get my tux, too. I know our wedding isn’t for a little while, but I don’t wait until the last minute.”
Wheels grinned. “I’m really happy for you, Ray.”
Ray said, “I’m happy for me, too. I never thought I’d be getting married, much less to a woman like Carly.”
“I know what you mean. I guess we’re a couple of lucky guys, huh?”
“Yeah. We sure are.” Ray looked up at the sky. “Looks like more rain moving in. Wheels, you’ll think this is strange, but I feel like I’m standing at a crossroads in my life. I’ve lived one way for so long that I’m not sure how I’m going to do at living it a completely different one.”
Wheels’ brow furrowed as he met Ray’s gaze. “Are you having second thoughts?”
“No. I want to marry Carly more than anything in the world, but I’m scared. You know what I used to do for a living. That’s not a normal life. What if I’m not good at living a normal life? I don’t want to let Carly down. She’s an important woman and I don’t want to do anything to hurt her position or her personally,” Ray responded.
Wheels understood what Ray was talking about. He had the same sort of concerns. Nora might not be the mayor, but she was the most important person in his life now and the thought of not living up to her expectations of him was daunting.
“Ray, the way I figure it, we just have to work hard every day to show our women how much we love them. That includes treating them with respect and helping them however we can. Despite your past, you’re a good man, Ray. Obviously Carly sees that. Have faith in yourself that you’re up to the challenge. I’ve never known you to back down from a dare.”
Ray drew in a fortifying breath. “You’re right. And this is a challenge I don’t intend to lose. Let’s go get this done.”
Wheels turned towards the store and then stopped at the rough sound his wheels made on the wooden sidewalk. They were coated in mud. Wheels didn’t think that the shop owner would appreciate muddy tracks on his floor.
“I can’t go in there like this,” he said.
Ray looked down at his boots, which were also muddy. “Yeah.” He grinned at Wheels. “How much do you trust me?”
“Uh, a lot,” Wheels said. “Why?”
Ray took off his boots and said, “Get ready.”
Wheels’ eyes widened when Ray put an arm under his legs. “What the hell are you doing?”
“Put your arm around me. I’m carrying you in here. We’re gonna get our tuxes come hell or high water.”
“You can’t carry me, Ray. You’re gonna break your back.”
Ray said, “No, I’m not. Now come on.”
Wheels laughed. “What the hell. Ok. It ain’t like I haven’t been dumped on the floor before.”
Grunting, Ray lifted Wheels out of his chair. “Jesus, what are you eating?”
Wheels flexed the muscles of his free arm. “It’s all of this. Hey, you’re getting practice for carrying Carly across the threshold.”
Ray laughed as he walked towards the door. “She’ll be a lot lighter.”
Wheels batted his eyes at Ray. “Why, Mr. Stratton, what beautiful eyes you have.”
“Knock that off or I’ll drop you on your ass right here,” Ray said, frowning.
Grinning, Wheels said, “All right. I’ll try to behave myself.”
They made it into the shop, startling Lyle Channing.
“Are you hurt, Wheels? Did you hurt yourself?” the older gentleman asked, rushing to the other two men.
“No, Lyle, but we need a chair before Ray drops me,” Wheels answered.
“Certainly.”
Lyle fetched a chair and Ray carefully placed Wheels on it.
“Are you all right?” Ray asked.
“Yeah. Fine.”
They explained to Lyle what had happened and he was relieved to hear that nothing terrible had befallen Wheels. He got to work and soon had the measurements he needed. It was a rather hilarious affair because Ray had to help Wheels move a couple of times so that Lyle could measure him properly. This meant that the two men had to get very close.
Wheels never missed an opportunity to laugh and now was no exception. He kept making off color remarks about the situation that embarrassed and amused Ray. Lyle had the time of his life and told the men to come back anytime to provide him with entertainment.
Ray carried Wheels back out to his chair and sat him in it.
“Whew! Hauling you around is about as tough as ranch work,” Ray said.
“Thanks for helping me out, Ray. Not everyone would have done that,” Wheels said.
Ray smiled as he put his boots back on. “That’s what friends are for. Besides, us future grooms have to stick together.”
“True. Got time for a beer?” Wheels asked. “I got plenty at home.”
“I’d like to, but I have to be getting back to work. Raincheck?”
“You got it.”
Ray said, “C’mon. I’ll help you get back across the street.”
Wheels said, “Let’s find a drier place to cross.”
Once they were back across the street, the two men shook hands and parted ways. Although they were already friends, the experience of being fitted for tuxedos together had drawn them closer somehow. Wheels rolled home, greeting people and thinking that life was indeed good.
Chapter Thirteen
A couple of days before her wedding, worry over the wedding night began assailing Nora. Most brides were nervous about it, but in her case, it was worse. She was thankful that her mother had been so forthcoming when she’d explained about such things, but it wasn’t the same as actually experiencing it.
She didn’t know who to discuss it with and she desperately needed advice. As she made lunch that day, it suddenly dawned on her that there was one person whom had the knowledge she needed.
That night after supper, she announced that she was going for a walk to clear her head and quickly set out for her destination.
*****
Nora stopped outside the back door of the Chowhound, gathering her courage. She almost walked away, but her love for Wheels drove her on. Her resolve strengthened again, she went inside, keeping her scarf over her head so no one recognized her.
Keeping her face averted, she asked a pretty brunette which room was Wendy’s. The brunette was a stranger to Nora, which was a relief. She knocked on the third door on the left, trying to ignore the laughter and other sounds that emanated from the other rooms.
The door opened and Nora faced a tall redhead.
“Can I help you?” she asked, curiosity in her vibrant green eyes.
Nora cleared her throat. “Yes. I need to talk to you about Wheels.” Wendy’s lithe beauty intimidated her. No wonder she’d caught Wheels’ eye.
A smile formed on Wendy’s lips. “You must be—”
“Yes.”
Wendy understood Nora’s nervousness. “Come on in, sweetie.”
Nora hadn’t known what to expect when she entered Wendy’s room, but it wasn’t the opulent space in which she found herself. Wendy put her wreath on her door and shut and locked it.
“Have a seat.” She motioned towards a chair.
Nora perched on the edge of it and took off her scarf.
Wendy gave her an appraising look. “I certainly see why Wheels is attracted to you. You’re a beautiful girl. Don’t look so scared, honey. Nothing bad is going to happen to you here.”
Nora laughed nervously. “I had all these pictures in my head of what this part of the building looked like, but it’s not nearly as bad as I imagined. I mean, you have a very nice room.”
Wendy said, “Thanks. I’m good at what I do and I make good money. I bet I can guess why you’re here. Wheels must have told you about his difficulties.”
Flame leapt into Nora’s cheeks and she dropped her eyes. “Yes, he did.”
“And you’re a virgin.”
Nora swallowed hard. “Yes.”
“Which makes it harder on you. You wouldn’t know exactly what to expect anyway, but this complicates things a little more. You must really love him if you came here to ask advice from a woman he’s been with, especially a whore.”
Nora found the courage to lift her chin and meet Wendy’s gaze. “Yes, I do. I love him more than anything or anyone and I’d fight anyone who tried to come between us.”
Wendy smiled approvingly. “Good. I’m no threat to you, Nora. I like my life just fine. I don’t want anything permanent with a man, even one as good as Wheels. I love Wheels, but as a friend. Women can be friends and lovers, unlike many people think. Anyway, you want to know how to do certain things with him, right?”
Nora clasped her shaking hands together. “That’s right. It’s very important to me that I …I please him.”
Wendy gave her a cunning smile. “Something tells me that you already do or he wouldn’t be marrying you. All right, Nora, the first thing you need to know is…”
*****
Nora paid close attention to what Wendy told her. She hadn’t expected to have a good time when she’d come to the Chowhound that night, but she did. It was strange, but she liked Wendy right away, laughing at her off-color jokes even though they made her blush. It was obvious as they conversed that Wendy thought a great deal of Wheels, which made Nora think more highly of Wendy.
Wendy said, “All of that will help you, but the most important thing is to listen to what he needs. He’ll tell you.”
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help,” Nora said, putting on her scarf.
Wendy said, “Don’t take this the wrong way, but Wheels is special to me. It’s not every customer I’d do this for. Past customer. I promise that I’m not after him.”
Nora smiled. “I believe you. This will sound odd, but I’m glad that he had someone like you in his life.”
Tears suddenly burned behind Wendy’s eyes and she blinked them away. “Thanks. That means a lot to me.” She surprised herself and Nora by hugging her. “Congratulations. He’s getting himself a great woman.”
“Thank you, Wendy.”
Wendy bid her goodbye and Nora hurried away from the Chowhound, knowing that she needed to get back home before her parents sent someone looking for her.
*****
“Are you sure about this?” Susan asked Wheels at the church two days later.
Wheels gave her an exasperated look. “Yes, Mama. We’ve talked about this. It’s just until the ceremony is over and then I’ll take them off. I’m not even gonna stand up until Pastor Clem says it’s time to get lined up at the altar.”
Susan sighed as she fussed with his tie. “All right. I’m sorry. You look so handsome.”
Wheels smiled. “Thanks, Mama. I’m going to be fine.”
“I know. I’m just being overprotective,” Susan said, tearing up. “It’s just that you’re my little boy and I love you so much.”
“Aw, Mama. Don’t cry.”
“I can’t help it. I’m so happy for you and I just love Nora. It’s just a little hard for me. I really have to let you go now,” she said.
Wheels laughed. “Mama, I’m not moving away or anything. I’m getting married. We’ll still be living right out back.”
“I know, I know!” Susan brought her emotions under control. “You’ll understand one day when your children get married or leave home. You want them to go and be happy, but you want to hold onto them, too.”
Wheels held out a hand to her. “Mama, I am happy. Believe me, I am.”
Susan took it and then hugged him. “I know and I’m glad you are. Just ignore me. I love you, honey. Now, I’m going to get out of here and let you be. See you out there.”
“I love you, too, Mama.”
He sighed as his mother left. Wheels knew that after his accident Susan had become so used to caring for him that it was difficult for her to finally let go completely. It was most mothers’ instincts to take care of their children no matter how old they became, and even more so in his case.
Wheels knew that Susan would adjust and so would he. It would be a completely new experience sharing a home with someone again, especially a woman. He grinned as he thought about his bride, the woman he would share the rest of his life with. His brother and father kept telling him that he was about to embark on a wonderful, confusing adventure; that of learning to live with a wife.
Just that morning, Vern had said, “Son, nothing is ever completely clear where women are concerned. A lot of times they say one thing when they mean another. Watch out if she keeps telling you that something is fine when you know darn well isn’t. The best us men can do is listen as close as we can, keep our things picked up, and tell her that you love her cookin’ even if you don’t. Other than that, you’ll have to learn as you go.”
Wheels laughed as he remembered that piece of advice. Carl and Aaron came in Pastor Clem’s office.
“Look at that smile,” Carl said. “I’d say you’re a happy man.”
Wheels said, “You bet I am. Is it time?”
Carl held up his braces. “As soon as we get these on you, we’ll be ready.”
“Let’s get to it, then,” Wheels said.
*****
Nora’s stomach churned as she sat in the little room off the narthex that had been taken over by her and her bridesmaids, Daphne, Maggie, and Rena. Her maid of honor, Daphne, touched her shoulder, making her jump.
Daphne smiled sympathetically. “Are you all right?”
“No. I’m scared to death,” Nora replied as her eyes filled with tears. “I’m going to let him down, I just know I am.”
Putting an arm around Nora’s shoulders, Daphne said, “No, you’re not. Most brides feel that way before their wedding. I did. I wanted to marry Brock so badly, but I worried that I wouldn’t measure up to his expectations. That hasn’t happened. In fact, he’s always telling me the opposite. I’m sure it’ll be the same with you and Wheels.”
Nora took a big breath and held it for a few moments, hoping that it would quell her queasiness. It helped a little, as did Daphne’s reassurance.
“I hope so. I love him so much,” Nora said.
Maggie patted her hand. “We can tell. I’m glad to be getting you as a sister-in-law. You’re so good for Wheels and you’ll be happy together.”
Nora smiled. “He’s good for me, too. He makes me laugh and he’s so kind and the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.”
Rena chuckled. “I feel the same way about Carl. He’s more reserved than Wheels, but he’s still a lot of fun. He has a drier sense of humor.”
“I love Carl,” Nora said. “I l
ove your whole family.”
Maggie said, “You’re part of our family now.”
Nora smiled as the door opened and her father came into the room followed by Ollie, Ginny, and Clyde. Ollie jumped up on Nora’s lap. He and Clyde were sharing the ring bearer duty while Ginny was their flower girl.
Ginny touched the lacey sleeve of Nora’s dress as her eyes roamed over her. “You look like a princess. You’re so pretty.”
Nora hugged her. “Thank you, sweetheart. And you look like a little angel.”
Ginny giggled and curtsied, spreading the skirt of her frilly while and pink dress. “Thank you, ma’am. You’re most kind.” She’d heard Brock and Aaron’s British impersonations and had picked it up from them.
They laughed at her playacting and praised Clyde on his appearance. He shrugged and said, “Guess I look ok.”
Rena said, “He’d much rather be in his old clothes.”
Ginny shook her finger at Clyde. “You better not mess up your suit today.”
Much to their amusement, Clyde scowled at her but stayed quiet.
Doug said, “Well, honey, ready to get married?”
Nora stood up and smoothed her dress down to combat her nerves, which had instantly kicked up again. Doug noted her tense expression and smiled, putting his hands on her shoulders.
“It’ll be all right, honey. Everyone has jitters before the wedding and then once it’s over, you wonder what the heck you were so scared about.”
“Did you have jitters?” she asked.
Doug chuckled. “Did I ever. I couldn’t stand still and I forgot to repeat after the pastor at first. Of course, I was so caught up in how beautiful your mother looked that I didn’t hear him right away. But once we said our I do’s, I was fine.”
It made Nora feel better to know that her usually stoic father had been scared on his wedding day. “Thank you, Pa.”