Pele with a big grin, but feigning concern, “Do you think she’d leave me for that?”
Radi, shot glass in hand, chimed in, “She is a smart girl. That might just be the sign that tips her off to what she’s really getting into.”
Pele’s eyes widened in fake fear, “Well then, you better get this right, Cole. I don’t want to tip her off to that! “
Laughing, Cole bantered back, “Oh don’t you worry. I think she might have a pretty good idea of just what she’s got herself into.”
“I’m afraid you might be right. Do you think she’s still coming?” Pele shot back.
“Okay, a cheer to the second man down. May the third be close behind,” interrupted Radi, eyebrows raised in Cole’s direction.
Cole, smiling, “Oh you never know, that just might happen sooner than you think.”
Pele looked over quickly. “Really?! That’s exciting news! When are you popping the question?”
“Oh, I can’t spoil all the surprise. I gotta make sure Ava is the first to know! I know how great you two knuckleheads are at keeping secrets,” Cole responded, making a motion zipping his lips with his finger.
Radi and Pele complained loudly in unison, “Hey, that’s not fair!” But Cole was not sharing more for now, and they did not want to spoil it for him. Cole also reinforced the fact that the focus today was really on Pele and Keece.
“Wow, it’s pretty wild,” added Pele, “that after all those years of searching for Mrs. Right, we’ll now all be married, or close to it, within a couple of years.
Radi, ever the factual scientist, “Yes, and to women who meet the criteria, although we did loosen the standards a bit. But still, it is quite remarkable.”
Pele and Cole exchanged a glance, each rolling their eyes a bit at the experiment reference again.
Radi raised his glass and continued, “Here’s to CodeY. May we all have happy, healthy, and wonderful families!”
Pele could not help but add, “Thanks to CodeY for introducing me to Keece, but I would have married her regardless, even if she completely failed all the tests.”
Before Radi could jump in with his arguments about how meeting the criteria made it easier to fall in love, Cole chimed in, “We’re all lucky to find women we want to marry,” diffusing any response from Radi for the moment.
They all cheered and downed the shot.
“Shall we go mingle a bit before showtime?” asked Cole, feeling the warm sensation of the alcohol radiate through his chest.
Pele, eager to get started replied, “Let’s do it. I need to find my mom and make sure she’s all set with her reading.”
As they headed out, they saw Sophie and Ava first. Sophie was glowing with a very pregnant belly. As soon as she saw them, she held up Ava’s hand, “Did you two see this?”
Radi and Pele shot a look at Cole, who had a large mischievous and very proud grin on his face.
“You bastard! You couldn’t tell us!” laughed Pele as he shoved Cole playfully.
They all congratulated the newly engaged couple.
Cole confessed to Pele, a little sheepishly, “So sorry man. I didn’t want to steal any of your thunder today, but last night was her birthday, and I had all the wheels in motion to pop the big question before I realized it was the day before your big day. And I was afraid I’d spill the beans if I postponed.”
Pele, his arm draped warmly across Cole’s shoulders, replied, “So that’s why you were conspicuously missing from our rehearsal dinner! No worries. I’m just happy you finally pulled the trigger. Besides, I’d rather have some of the spotlight deflected. I know Keece and I will get plenty of attention today!”
“How did the rehearsal shindig go? We were both sorry to miss that.” Cole asked, clearly regretting he and Ava missed the event, but still happy it was for a good reason.
Radi chimed in, “Fantastic. The Brig was an excellent choice. Casual, the usual good food and plenty of drink! And a great crowd, especially when it came to the toasts! I’m really sorry you missed those. The best was when Pele’s brother, Beckham, got up. First of all, I thought every woman in the place was going to swoon. But then, not only is the dude one of the hottest guys on the planet, he knows how to deliver a story! He had us all rolling from tales of Pele’s childhood mishaps.”
Pele shaking his head, smiled. “Yah, now you guys have a sense of what it was like to grow up as Adonis’ little brother. There were always plenty of very hot women around, but none ever noticed me!”
They laughed. Then Radi added, “Well, one very hot lady certainly only had eyes on you last night. And I would bet that continues today, and for a very long time…unless of course, she wakes up one day and sees you for the bastard you truly are!”
Cole quickly raised his glass. “To Keece!”
They all cheered, and Pele added sincerely, “To Keece! Truly the love of my life.”
Radi rolled his eyes. “Oh my God, we better get on with this ceremony before things get any sappier around here!”
Polo had been such a foundational part of their relationship, Keece and Pele had decided the polo fields were the perfect setting to celebrate their marriage. The ceremony was simple and sweet, with a backdrop of the meticulously groomed field, Morgan Run golf course, and a few rugged low hills in the distance. Pele and his groomsmen; Radi, Cole, Beckham, and Keece’s brother, Pax, stood before a simple arch, laden with a bright garland of flowers. The bridesmaids, Layla, Sidney, Jess and another friend, Danielle, entered in stylish periwinkle dresses, garnished with matching floral bouquets in their hands and hair. The music was soft and lyrical, provided by an acoustic guitarist.
Keece entered with her parents, her dress elegant, modest, but beautiful; a light eggshell color, covered in a delicate lace, snugly hugging her figure, then dropping loosely to the ground with a small, modest train. The sun surrounded her with its warm glow as it slowly descended into the horizon behind. Her beaming smile and bright blue eyes twinkled as she gracefully walked down the aisle to meet Pele.
The ceremony was simple, but sincere. Everything went off almost without a hitch, except when Keece almost lit her dress on fire. As she and Pele brought their individual candles together to light the unity candle, an unexpected burst of wind extended the flame on her candle towards a piece of lace on her sleeve. Fortunately, a swift reaction by Pele pushing her hand back and the flame out of harm’s way saved the day. The quick jump and gasp from Keece and the ensuing giggles had a disarming effect on everyone, easing any formality and making the whole event more lighthearted and relaxed.
After the ceremony, the guests mingled and drank champagne, wine, lemonade punch, or their favorite craft cocktail, while the Polo club pros put on a short demonstration.
After the polo demonstration, the DJ came over the loudspeaker, “And now I’d like to introduce the happy couple. Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Dr. Pele Rosen and his lovely wife, Mrs. Keece Riley Rosen!” The crowd cheered and laughed as Pele and Keece came zipping in on a shiny white golf cart decorated in lace and flowers, with tin cans clanging behind.
The announcer continued, “I’d like to also introduce the wedding party, Radi Kapur and Layla Jameson.” The two of them entered next, Radi peeling around a corner, almost losing Layla, and then coming to an abrupt stop in the next sporty golf cart.
“Look at that driving! Watch out for this team folks. I hope his hitter has her seat belt on and helmet firmly strapped in place!” joked the DJ.
“And now, Cole Janson and Sidney Rubello.”
Jess and Pax were next, followed by Beckham and Danielle, each couple speeding onto the field in their own golf cart. The men driving, already reckless, the women strapped into the passenger seats, their hand mallets at the ready.
The DJ went on, “Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a special treat for you. All of you will have the opportunity to get a taste of polo, but from a little safer seat on a golf cart, rather than a real pony. How many of you would like to try that?�
�
The audience cheered, a few laughed nervously.
“First, we’re going to have the lovely wedding party put on a demonstration, then you will all have an opportunity. Do you see those handsome and beautiful polo pros lined up over there? They have all graciously volunteered to be your drivers. You will each get the chance to climb aboard, strap in, swing your hand mallet and hopefully score a goal! Are we ready to get started? Any bets on who the winners will be?”
The crowd cheered enthusiastically again. “Let’s see which one of these teams can show you how it’s really done!”
With that, a referee tossed a ball, similar to a small soccer ball, onto the field and the carts rushed after it, jockeying for position. It was instant melee. Everyone laughing and wheeling about trying to get the best position for a hit. Then somehow, Cole and Sidney broke free with a shot, Sidney swung again, but the ball veered off to the right. Pele and Keece, who were on the same team, swung over to get it. Pele nearly ran over the ball, but Keece, complaining loudly in jest about her driver’s skills, still managed to get the ball and bopped it up ahead. They were in hot pursuit for a follow-up shot, but Pax and Jess were coming in hard from the left. Pele and Keece barely got there first. Keece slugged the ball under the cart over towards Cole and Sidney, who managed to bump it into the goal.
“Score,” screamed the DJ. The crowd went wild!
The carts rushed back to center for the next throw-in. The play continued with several bumps and scrapes, and occasional traffic jams. Everyone was in hysterics. At one point, Radi came up on the wrong side, with the ball on his left, instead of on Layla’s side on the right. He grabbed the mallet from her and hit the ball for them from the driver’s side. There were loud calls for cheating, but no one skipped a beat, they continued the frenzied chase for the next shot. Cole got ahead this time and coached Sidney into making a fabulous back shot. He then spun around so fast he almost launched her out of the cart. Fortunately, her belt held. Keece then missed the perfect shot on goal because her dress started to fall out of the cart, and she couldn’t see the ball under it. Everyone laughed as she scrambled around, trying to find it in the folds of white lace, doing her best not get any grass stains in the process. One of the other teams swooped in to steal it and passed it up to Radi and Layla, who managed to score.
Radi yelled to Pele, “You think because you’re the special guest, I’m going to let you win?!”
“Oh, you watch,” replied Pele. “We don’t need any special treatment!” With that, he charged for the ball at the toss in. Keece dribbled twice and then made a fantastic shot on goal. The crowd went crazy, and the DJ immediately called the end to the chukker. The teams stumbled out of their carts, laughing and trash-talking each other.
After the initial round, the pros took over driving the carts, and the audience got their chance to play. Everyone took a turn, some swinging wildly, a few showing a special talent for balancing their cocktail in one hand while hitting the ball with the other. After several chukkers, giving everyone a turn, it was time for dinner. The tiki lamps were lit as the last remnants of the soft orange and pink sunset faded away.
The crowd filtered into the dining area, drawn in by the rich aromas of barbequing meats. A fine traditional Argentine asado was spread before them, a tribute to the Argentines’ influence on polo. Fresh empanadas, ceviche, and shrimp were followed by an assortment of grilled meats, fish, and vegetables. Three acoustic guitarists accompanied the meal.
As dinner wound down, the toasts began, several stories from both Keece’s and Pele’s dating pasts brought laughter and a few sentimental tears, but it was clear all were happy for the newlyweds. The DJ brought a close to the toasts and invited the guests to the dance floor where Pele and Keece swirled through a short, dramatic tango. The audience cheered and then joined in as the music evolved into a mix of new and old popular dance tunes.
Chapter 16
A year later, Radi, Cole, and Pele were hanging out in Radi’s backyard, barbequing while watching the World Cup soccer finals. Radi’s new son, Devan, nine months old now, was in his jumper swing, gurgling with joy as he bounced around entertaining himself.
Cole on the phone sounded frustrated, “I don’t know. I do my best, but I have three surgeries that day and you know how that often goes. I know you can make the decision for both of us.” Then, trying to sound supportive, “You know I trust your great taste.”—“I know. I know,” he continued. “I’ll do what I can, but if you have to do it Thursday, I can’t make any.”
“Love you too,” he said into the phone after it had clearly already been hung up abruptly.
He sighed and looked over at Pele and Radi. “Man, I’ll be happy when this wedding crap is over! All we do is fight over it! I’m sure you understand, having been through the craziness yourselves. It gets better after the wedding, right?”
“Sophie wasn’t that bad, but her mom turned into the classic Tiger Mom! She pounced on both of us constantly! “Radi, did you set up the car. Sophie, have you picked the flowers? Have you done this? Have you done that?” It was probably good, because I’m not sure we would have gotten it all done in time if she hadn’t, but it was a painful process!” exclaimed Radi.
Pele gave Cole a reassuring hug. “Yes, it will be better after the big day.” At least Pele hoped so. He couldn’t remember having that kind of fight with Keece over their wedding planning. Sure, there were times when they had to make some tough choices, but dealing with it usually turned out to be more comedic than stressful.
He remembered once, when they were working on the list, there was one couple they couldn’t quite squeeze in and still stick to their budget. If they added them, they felt like they had to add several others, and then, when would it stop? So, they drew the line, but Keece joked, “What if we just told Josie and Adam they’re welcome to come as long as they pay their way?”
“Oh, I’m sure that will go over well!” replied Pele sarcastically.
Keece giggled. “Can you imagine? It’s almost worth doing just to see how bad the scandal would be.”
Pele smiling, shook his head. “Or maybe not.”
Another time, when they were struggling with where to sit a few awkward relatives for dinner, Keece commented, “Maybe we could just give uncle Walter and cousin Marla their own table in the kitchen?”
Pele laughed. “Brilliant! Except we can’t risk the kitchen staff revolting on us!”
Pele loved this about her. Both rarely got uptight, more often one or the other managed to find the humor in things instead. Ava, Cole’s soon to be wife, was definitely not the same. Pele truly believed that some of Ava’s Latin fire was good for Cole, but it could be challenging when she was on a mission. There was often no dissuading her, no matter how much Cole tried to talk her into what seemed like a more reasonable solution.
Sophie and Keece were out helping Ava with wedding preparations, giving the guys a chance to hang out. A rare opportunity these days with kids and wives taking up so much more of their time.
Pele commented to Cole, “I’m sorry we couldn’t get away for a Vegas bachelor party this time.”
“No worries,” answered Cole. “With all this nutty wedding prep and my crazy work schedule, It’s good to just hang with the likes of you. Besides, it’s been way too long since I’ve waxed you both in Patron Polo!”
“Oh, don’t think we’re gonna go easy on you just cause you’re the guest of honor!” replied Pele.
“Yeah, you better brush up on those skills my man. When Sophie is out and I take care of Devan, he loves to watch Daddy play. Daddy’s getting quite good with his skills, isn’t he Devan?” Radi said as he reached over to tickle the baby.
Cole rolled his eyes. “Oh right. Startin’ him in early, are ya?” And then smiling, he said directly to Devan, “No offense little man, but I’m not sure you’re providing the kind of competition Dadda here needs to brush up his skills. But no worries, I give you a few months before you can trounce him! In t
he meantime, you just leave it up to Uncle Pele and me. We’ll take him down for you.”
They all laughed.
“By-the-way,” continued Cole, talking to Pele now, “When’s your little one due to arrive on the scene?”
“Six months, assuming everything goes smoothly,” answered Pele.
“So far so good,” confirmed Radi. “And I’m sure everything will be fine. When do you go in for the next round of testing?”
“Next week. Mostly to find out the sex, but I think there are a few other minor tests as well,” responded Pele.
“Any preference? Prince or princess?” asked Cole.
“Not at all. As long as it’s willing to play a little soccer with me, who cares!” said Pele happily, giving a little kick behind his back to a nearby soccer ball.
CodeY Page 12