Chapter 10
Clark Kent looked at himself in the full length mirror while adjusting his bowtie. He remembered the last time he wore a tuxedo. It was at Lois' Pulitzer gala. The night that catapulted his life into his destiny. He grinned at his reflection as the memories came flowing into his mind.
Three years ago he had joined the Daily Planet, entered Metropolis University, started his career as Superman and began to date Lois Lane.
He'd never forget that night when she told him how things were going to be between them. It was Caleb's third birthday party, the first that Clark had attended. How he kept from spoiling his son rotten on that day he would never know. Maybe he had learned a few things from Jonathan Kent afterall.
Lois had made her famous beef bourguignon, the only dish she could make, and it was truly a treat for the taste buds. He had eaten three helpings. He assisted with cleaning up the ice cream and cake after all the guests had left. Chloe was reading Caleb a story to prepare him for sleep. He and Lois were finally alone and he couldn't resist her any longer. He remembered feeling like he never wanted to leave her. How their life together would now be perfect. They had always been affectionate. But on that night, he wanted to renew the intimacy they shared before Caleb was born. He pinned Lois against a wall and started his seduction of her mouth and her body. Lois had initially succumbed but for some reason she started pressing against his chest with her hands as if she were trying to stop him.
"What?" he said mid-kiss.
"Smallville, we need to talk," she said as she pushed harder.
"We'll talk later," he said pressing his point and his hips against her.
"Clark, if we keep this up, I'll be past the point of no return," she said breathlessly ending with a nervous chuckle.
"Yea, I know," he said kissing in that one place below her ear that always made her moan. There were just some things a man never forgot.
"I'm serious," she said just after she moaned.
"Serious?" said Clark looking into her face. He had to admit she looked pretty serious. He gulped wondering if he was in the dog house or not.
"Can we sit down?" she asked softly.
"Yea, sure," he said as he pulled a chair from the table for her. He sat next to her and took the hand she extended to him.
"Listen, I just want you to know that I love you and all these little stolen kisses and embraces . . . well, they've been wonderful . . .but, I can't help feeling like we need to slow down, y'know?"
"What do you mean slow down? Lois, we were separated for so long and we have a child together."
"I know, but . . .this may sound silly, but . . . could we date?" Her face showed her apprehension as to what his answer might be.
"Well, yea, sure. We work together and I usually see you when I pick up Caleb. Aren't we dating already?" He cringed when she saw her reaction to that little statement. Kent, you need to tread carefully here.
"Have you asked me out for a date?"
He thought long and hard about that.
"Ever?"
Uh oh. "No, not that I can remember," he said feeling a bit shocked by the revelation. "I guess I better do something about that, huh."
"Only if you want to," she said with a half smirk.
"Okay, Lois will you go out with me Friday night after work?"
"What have you got planned?"
"We'll let it be a surprise," he said somewhat confidently.
"You don't know either, huh," she grinned.
"Nope," he grinned as Lois laughed. "C'mere, you," he said pulling her into his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck.
"This isn't exactly slowing down, y'know," she said just before he kissed her and began caressing her once again.
"I want you so much," he said soft and low. "Sometimes I just don't want to stop. I want to be with you. Feel you wrapped around me like that night . . ."
"Smallville," she said still kissing him but pulling her body away. "I want you, too. It's just that . . "
"Dammit. I hunger for you," he said exasperated.
She looked forlorn and Clark knew she was as frustrated as he was. Then that smirk of hers appeared.
"Didn't you get enough beef bourguignon?"
He hugged her tightly against him. "I'll never get enough of you." His kiss explored her mouth and she retaliated with eagerness. He knew how passionate she was. They'd be together in no time flat if they kept this up. But would she regret . . .
Her lips left his mouth instantly and she was on the other side of the table. And they say I have superpowers. She was straightening her clothes trying to stand upright. Her heart was beating fast and he could smell her excitement. He watched her gain control of herself. Her will was nearly as strong as his. He had always admired that about her, but at this moment he wasn't so sure.
"We're . . going to have to get . . .a code word or something," she said breathily while her eyes made a plea to him to help her. "We haven't even had our first date yet."
Clark let out a long sigh. His body ached for her and her warmth. "What would you suggest?"
"I don't know," she said looking everywhere but at him as if she found him irresistible. As if the temptation of him was too much for her. "What about . . . beef bourguignon?"
"Okay, so when we get too close to the "point of no return" as you put it . . . then we say the code word?"
She nodded and gulped still feeling the affects of their previous journey to the point of no return. "And we stop . . . y'know."
He got out of his chair and folded his arms. "Sounds like a lot of cold showers for me," he said looking disappointed just before his half smirk formed on his face. "I guess I could make a quick trip to the Fortress."
Lois tried to suppress her grin. "Yea, I guess you could."
He leaned against the wall still with his arms folded as though he didn't want to free his hands and break their pact. He could see she was still vulnerable to him as her nose flared looking at him. They were crazy about each other. There was no denying that. Maybe she was right. He'd try it and see. There was lots of cold water at the Fortress. He grinned at her and she grinned back. I love you, Lois.
Clark looked out the window and saw Perry White and his wife get out of their car and walk towards the building. He looked at the neatly trimmed grounds and felt the serenity it instilled in him. He knew who he was and what he wanted.
His thoughts traveled back to six months ago when he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Met U with a degree in journalism. To say it was an accelerated education was an understatement, but he had a goal in mind besides the diploma. Perry and his wife, his mom, Lois and Caleb all had come to the graduation ceremonies. And as soon as the graduates were dismissed, he left to find Lois. He didn't care if there were thousands of people milling around. He'd get her alone.
He chuckled remembering how he barely gave Lois time to congratulate him when he kissed her and dragged her off leaving everyone with their mouths agape.
He found the place he was presently looking at through the window. He remembered the organ music playing as he got on one knee before her, and began to speak the words he had said over and over in his mind during the graduation ceremony. When he finished, her eyes filled with tears as she nodded her head and smiled. "Yes, I'll marry you." He slid the diamond that had been in Martha Clark Kent's family for generations on her finger and she sobbed tears of joy.
Clark placed his hand on the warm glass and thought how big his heart felt that day. She consented to their future. Something they both wanted with all their hearts. Dating had been good for them. They had grown closer, knew even more about each other and loved even deeper. His Lois was wise. He grinned as he heard the door open behind him.
"Here, Daddy. Mommy told me to give this to you," said his five and half year old who handed him a white box. "She said you had to open it now. I need help with my bowtie, too."
"Sit on the desk," said the tall man while opening the box. Caleb hopped up on the big mahogany desk.
Clark pulled out a red satin bow with long laces. Also inside was a note.
"What's THAT for?" asked Caleb as his heels bumped the side of the desk.
"I'm not sure," said Clark as he opened the note. "Don't kick the desk."
"Sorry," said Caleb as he crossed his arms and waited somewhat impatiently looking very much like his mother.
Clark still held the bow in his hand as he read the note.
My dearest Clark aka Smallville,
You can tie this bow on me anywhere you like. :)
I love you so very much, My Heart.
Tonight and forever more, you can have all the 'beef bourguignon' you want.
Eternally yours 'my superman',
Lois
Clark grinned as he folded the note and put it and the bow back in the box. His carrying case was nearby and he placed them into it. He turned towards his son.
"What's it say?" asked Caleb as Clark's cheeks got beet red.
"Your mom loves me," he said while looking at Caleb's bowtie.
Caleb rolled his eyes. "Big deal. She says that all the time."
Clark chuckled as he adjusted the bowtie. "I think that's go it. You look very handsome in a tux." He smoothed the hair from his son's forehead.
Caleb slid off the desk. "Thanks, but the collar is kinda tight," he said placing a finger under the item in question and grimacing.
Clark took something out of his carrying case and went back to his son. He squatted beside him and adjusted the collar and the tie once again.
"Daddy, when am I going to get glasses?" asked Caleb as his father looked through his glasses at his handiwork.
"I don't know. Your mom and I haven't decided yet," he said with a lopsided grin.
"After your trip?"
"Maybe."
"Oh yea. I was wondering if I could go see Jor-El while you were gone."
"I suppose so. Did you ask Kara if she would take you?"
"Yea, and she said yes," his son nodded.
"Uh, why do you want to go see Jor-El?'
"He said he found . . ." Caleb quit his direct eye contact and Clark became suspicious.
"He found what?"
"Dad, he said Mommy wouldn't be 'lergic to him."
"What? What are you talking about?"
"Your puppy."
Clark fell backwards on the floor. "My what?"
"Jor-El says he sent him first. Can I bring him home? Please, Daddy!"
He saw the pleading eyes of his son. Lois is going to kill me. "Okay, on one condition." Caleb nodded enthusiastically. Clark pulled his son nearer conspiratorially. "You have to name him, 'Krypto'."
"Okay!" said his son grinning from ear to ear as he threw his arms around his father's neck.
"Kryptonian handshake," said the father as they went through a ritual of hand movements.
"That isn't kre-tonian. I've seen it on tv," said Caleb rolling his eyes.
"Yea, well," said Clark as he rose off the floor. He picked up the envelope he had gotten from his carry all. "You and I only do that handshake together, so that makes it kryptonian. Here. Give this to your mom and tell her I said she had to open it now."
"It's not her birthday," the son said walking away and opening the door.
"It's a special day. A very special day," said Clark grinning. "See you up front." The boy shut the door behind him and Clark waited for someone to come get him.
Lois looked at herself in the full length mirror and took a deep breath. This too shall pass. She was more nervous then the night of her gala. She thought of Clark that night and grinned. Her 'something old' was firmly on her wrist, a symbol of her and Clark's eternal love. She rubbed a finger over the bracelet's stone. She made him promise he wouldn't peek before the ceremony, but she just realized she had forgotten to make him promise not to listen in. She rolled her eyes as her cousin opened the door to let in her son.
"Caleb, you look so handsome," said his grandmother as she kissed his cheek and quickly rubbed off the lipstick she had deposited there.
He walked over to his mother looking a little desperate. "Mommy, Daddy says you have to open this now." He handed her a large legal-sized envelope that had a smaller envelope taped to the outside.
"Okay, baby." She said smoothing the hair from his forehead. "You've had enough lipstick, right?"
"Yea," he grinned from ear to ear. "Is the bowtie straight?"
"Yea," she said softly. "You look so much like your dad." She watched him blush. Just like his father.
She opened the smaller envelope. It was a note from Clark.
My dearest one—and only,
I know you never asked for this, but it is something I wanted to do for you. I love you, Lois, more than I can ever say. Forever and always.
I spoke with old Judge Osborne in Lowell County. He's a wizard with his knowledge of the law. After explaining the circumstances in a matter of minutes, Oz said it was possible and he would be happy to draw up the papers.
Reporter, this is for you. You will be the only Mrs. Clark Kent of record.
Yours—past, present and future,
Smallville
"Oh my God!" screeched Lois as she tore open the large envelop containing the posthumous annulment papers and notices. She started to cry. Never did she think that Clark would . . . Softly she whispered so only he could hear. "Thank you, my love."
"What is it? Oh no, your makeup," said Chloe as she quickly handed her a tissue. Lois handed the papers to Mrs. Kent as she dabbed her eyes.
"Oh my," said Martha as a small grin began to form on her face. "Good for you, son," she whispered.
Chloe looked over Mrs. Kent's shoulder. "Whoa! Clark doesn't mess around, does he?"
"What's it say?" asked Caleb as his mother checked her face in the mirror.
"Don't want this to be a Goth wedding," mumbled Lois as she bent over and smiled at her son. She shrugged her shoulders to stall for an answer. "Your dad . . . loves me."
"Oh," said Caleb as he rolled his eyes. "Parents are weird."
"Are you ready, soldier?" asked General Sam Lane as he stuck his head through the door.
"Grandpa!" said Caleb as he leaped into the big man's arms.
"Hey, sport," he said smiling. "Are you ready for this? Your dad's going to make an honest woman of your mother."
"Daddy!" said Lois as she looked ready to kill him.
"Mommy's always honest," said Caleb looking a little puzzled.
"Thanks, Cal," said Lois as Martha and Chloe adjusted her train so she could turn towards the door.
"I'm sorry. Lois. Mrs. Kent. I didn't mean . . ."
"Grandpa," whispered Caleb.
"What?" he asked bending down towards him grateful for the distraction.
"I'm getting a puppy," whispered the boy.
"You are. That's great . . ."
"What?" said Lois incredulously. "How? Where?"
"Kara's taking me 'up north'." He said motioning his head in the direction mentioned.
Lois groaned. 'Up north' meant the Fortress and Jor-El.
"You won't be 'lergic and Daddy said it was okay . . ."
"Let me guess. You're going to name it, Krypto."
The boy's eyebrows met in the middle of his forehead. "How did you know?"
"I know your father," she said shaking her head looking slightly amused.
Martha started to chuckle and Chloe joined her.
Lois took a deep breath. "I'm going to deal with this when I get back. Daddy, let's get down that aisle."
Clark stood at the front of the altar with his best man, Jimmy Olsen by his side. He had checked to make sure James had taken care of the rings. "Don't worry, big guy. I tied them to the pillow myself."
He shifted his weight from foot to foot as the scent of his boutonniere filled his nostrils. Caleb was beginning the procession down the aisle as he walked arm in arm with his grandmother. He seemed so serious and full of responsibility. Clark didn't think he could ever stop being fascinated by his son. The soon-to-be senior Mrs. Kent sat in the front row and hugged her grandson. The boy looked at his dad and Clark gave him a wink. Cal grinned and ran up the side aisle to continue with his ring bearer duties.
Clark noticed his son stopped and gave someone a hug. It was Diana Prince, who was sitting in the back. She looked at Clark and he gave her a smile. She was representing the Justice League and he was glad she had made it. Some of the other members were guarding Metropolis and would continue doing so while he and Lois were away on their honeymoon.
His thoughts went back to 'the troubles' that occurred shortly after he, as Superman, joined the Justice League. The front pages of newspapers all over the world seemed to grab hold of the idea that he and Wonder Woman were romantically involved. The Daily Planet had buried it in the entertainment section. Perry said it wasn't hard news. But Lois . . .he took a deep breath as he recalled how she reacted. He never approached the subject with her. She being Lois, decided to find out what she didn't understand. She wanted facts to deal with, not emotions that drove her nuts.
She asked him what was going on. He explained that he and Diana were good friends and there was nothing romantic about their relationship. He remembered she looked him dead in the eye and said, "Okay. Cause if you don't want me any more just say the word." and then walked off. He wasn't sure what to think, but decided she must have trusted him.
Two weeks later Lois did an interview with the Princess of Themyscira which was published as an exclusive in the Daily Planet. Ever since then, Lois and Diana seemed to have the utmost respect for one another. He let out a sigh as the procession continued.
Clark watched Lucy Lane sit in the front row of the other side of the aisle with Pete Ross. They had been dating for the past year after meeting in Europe. Pete was a corporate lawyer who was beginning to dabble in politics and Lucy seemed to have found her touchstone in him. He smiled at them and they grinned back.
Caleb returned to the top of the aisle with a little girl from his daycare he had a crush on, Lili Lace, the appointed flower girl. He held the ring pillow up proudly and walked slow enough for Lili to release flowers from her basket. When they were halfway down the aisle, Chloe appeared in the doorway. She gave Clark a big smile and he grinned.
Even though he had x-ray vision he squinted his eyes to catch a glimpse of Lois. He had heard her reaction to his gift earlier. And it pleased him to know that he had made her so happy.
When Chloe reached the halfway point, Lois and her father stood at the top of aisle. She was a vision in white. Her dress was incredibly sexy. It molded her curves and made his x-ray vision totally unnecessary. His heart pounded against his chest.
Lois leaned forward and looked to her right. She grinned at someone and he saw Diana give her two thumbs up. Lois winked at her and then straightened to proceed down the aisle. She licked her lips before taking her first step and Clark could feel his body react to her. She moved with a graceful athleticism that was uniquely Lois. His pulse rose as she grinned at her cousin who had made it near the altar. She looked confident and joyous.
He couldn't take his eyes off her and then he heard her closed mouth whisper that only he could hear. "Krypto." He smiled from ear to ear and rubbed his chin trying not to laugh. He watched her eyes sparkle with delight and her megawatt smile reassured him that she loved him with all her heart.
When Sam Lane handed her over to him, Clark clasped her hand and kissed it. Lois kissed his cheek and immediately wiped away the lipstick she left.
"That comes later," whispered the pastor grinning.
"Oops, sorry," whispered Lois as she and Clark suppressed giggles as the pastor began to speak.
Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God. . . and therefore, is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly.
Clark squeezed Lois' hand as he listened intently to the words. Lois looked at the pastor with brevity and nodded her agreement.
If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace.
The church was silent.
Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy – and for the help and comfort given on one another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained.
Clark looked at Caleb standing beside Jimmy. His little face was so serious. Lois and he had often discussed giving Caleb a stable, loving environment in which to grow. Their love was joyously personified in their son.
Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between two people. Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between them. It is the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life. It is a moral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention. Marriage should be a life long consecration of the ideal of loving kindness – backed with the will to make it last.
Clark felt Lois squeeze his hand as she gave him a small smile. Always my love.
"The rings," said the pastor. Jimmy bent down as Caleb brought over the pillow. He untied the rings and handed them to the pastor.
Clark watched his son solemnly stand back beside Jimmy. He winked at him and Caleb grinned. He felt Lois nudge him with her elbow as she leaned her head forward and smiled and whispered to their son. "Good job."
May these rings be blessed as the symbol of these two lives now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go – may they always return to one another.
Clark looked at Lois as her lips formed a smile. He had already made that promise to her and had kept it time and time again. Whether he was in space for days at a time or in the depths of the earth, he always returned to her.
Lois squeezed his hand as he thought of the night he had come back from a particularly brutal battle in space and all he thought about was seeing her. Even though they had made their pact, he entered her bedroom. She was still sleeping. When she awoke, she only spoke one word while lifting the covers to him. "C'mere." He took off his tattered cape, uniform and boots and slid into bed beside her. She kissed his forehead and pulled him close to her. "Sleep, baby," she said as she cuddled next to him and he held her in the dark. He closed his eyes and thanked God she was there. All his troubled thoughts and memories seemed to depart as precious sleep and Lois' love overtook him.
"And now the exchange of vows," said the pastor as he handed a ring to the groom. Clark slid the ring onto Lois' finger.
"I, Clark Jerome Kent, take you, Lois Joann Lane, to be my wife in the holy estate of matrimony."
Lois cringed when he said her middle name and his smile for her went wider. "I will love you, comfort you, honor and keep you, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish, forsaking all others, keeping myself only unto you as long as we both shall live."
Lois let out a sigh as she took Clark's ring from the pastor and placed it on his finger. "I, Lois Joann Lane, take you, Clark Jerome Kent, to be my husband in the holy estate of matrimony." She gulped as her voice became softer. Tears were streaming down her face and Clark could feel a tear of his own escape down his nose. "I will love you, comfort you, honor and keep you, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish, forsaking all others, keeping myself only unto you as long as we both shall live."
Clark and Lois had discussed whether he would outlive her or not. He seemed to age normally, but whether or not his invulnerability extended his age, he could not be certain. Despite what the future might bring. He and Lois didn't want to be without one another. They had vowed to each other that their love would be forever and always.
In as much as Clark and Lois have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring, they are now joined. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. You may now kiss the bride.
Clark took Lois into his arms and kissed her. He leaned her back so he was her only support. She clung to him as she started to laugh while kissing him.
"Ladies and gentlemen, by the power vested in me, Mr. and Mrs. Clark Kent!" shouted the pastor over the applause.
Clark helped Lois turn in her dress as Chloe made sure the train didn't trip her. They faced their family and friends smiling. Clark watched the entire church stand and applaud with hoots and hollers. Jimmy patted his back. The photographer flashed pictures. He pulled Lois against his side and he yelled, "Yea!" Lois laughed and kissed his neck.
Clark leaned over and picked up Caleb as he and Lois kissed their son. Setting their son back on his feet, he and Lois started down the aisle. When they got outside, Clark looked at the beautiful afternoon sun. He felt alive and renewed.
On top of the tall building across the street stood a lone figure. His black cape waved in the breeze. Clark watched Bruce put a fist in the air and he grinned.
He took Lois' face in his hands and kissed her. "Let's get this party started," he said smiling as he picked her up and carried her to the limo.
"Smallville," she giggled. "I love you."
--Never the End--