Chapter 12

The month of October was winding down. A couple of days after Jack had given Ennis his bad news, he gathered his courage again and told his parents. To his relief, they hadn't chewed him out the way that Ennis had. Jack totally understood why Ennis had reacted the way that he had, and didn't blame him, in fact had expected it. Since Ennis was a doctor, he liked to dot the i's and cross the t's, so before he'd left on the evening of their conversation, he'd told Jack that he'd be doing blood work to make sure everything was okay.

"Sure thing, Ennis," Jack had said, feeling too wrung out to say any more.

Jack's mom had been the most upset when he'd dropped his bombshell. She had tried to hide it, but he could see that her eyes were troubled. His dad on the other hand had been in high spirits. This had surprised Jack somewhat, even though he'd gotten the drift that his dad would like to see him find someone and settle down. Jack hadn't held back the fact that Lureen was expecting, although he didn't come clean that they'd only known each other two months, and that she'd gotten pregnant the first night that they'd met. He led them to believe that they had been dating for quite some time, and that's the story Lureen was going to tell her folks as well.

Maybe it was just that his dad was glad he'd be moving out, or maybe that he was looking forward to having a grandchild. Whatever it was, that day he had actually hugged Jack, smiled, laughed and patted him on the back. Jack couldn't remember him ever having done that before. Maybe there was a silver lining to this whole mess. Jack hoped so.

...

Jack and Lureen drove to Ennis and Alma's house for dinner on the last Saturday of October. Jack told Lureen that she was in for a treat because Ennis was cooking. Lureen had informed Alma of the big news just after Jack had told Ennis, and had asked her to be the matron of honor at the marriage ceremony. Alma had accepted without hesitation. Jack hadn't officially asked Ennis to stand up for him yet. He hadn't seen him since that night at the studio, only spoken to him on the phone. He knew Ennis would say yes, but he hated to see the look in his eyes that he knew he'd see when he asked him. Much like the look he'd seen in his mom's eyes.

Jack rang the door bell, and noticed pumpkins and other fall decorations on the porch. As Alma invited them in, Jack could smell dinner cooking. Lureen and Alma hugged each other as if they'd been best friends for years, and Alma greeted him with a, "Hi, Jack, congratulations!"

Jack gave Alma his best attempt at a happy smile. As Alma was taking Lureen upstairs saying something about Junior's Halloween costume, Ennis stepped out of the kitchen and offered Jack a beer.

Jack and Ennis retreated into the kitchen to talk as they drank their beer. Jack filled Ennis in on what had been going on, mainly how it went when he told his folks the news, and later took them to dinner so they could meet Lureen. He also told him what was happening with the wedding plans. Lureen's plan was to go to Las Vegas to get married. It wouldn't be a big wedding, just the two of them and their witnesses.

It was then that Jack asked Ennis to be his best man, and saw the look of uneasiness in his eyes as he answered, "Sure, Jack, you know I will."

The evening went well, all things considered. Ennis had prepared hot clam dip with crackers, fettuccine piccata, mixed greens with poppy seed dressing, rolls and wine...water for Lureen. For dessert, coffee, and pumpkin flan. After dinner Junior entertained them with her interesting walking style, with Alma going on and on about how much fun it would be when Jack and Lureen's baby was born. Junior and the baby could play together, and Lureen could out-fit the baby with the clothes Junior had outgrown if it was a girl. Yeah, Alma had it all planned.

Lureen gave Alma and Ennis the run down of the wedding plans which would be December 3rd at the Bellaigo on the Las Vegas strip.

"We wanted to have it sooner but with our schedules and getting Jack moved into my apartment, plus we've got to make a trip to Texas so he can meet my folks, well, it just couldn't be any sooner. We were lucky they even had the 3rd open. Any later and I'd be popping out of my wedding gown."

The girls then started talking about gowns, flowers and all things wedding, while Jack and Ennis occupied themselves with ESPN in the family room.

...

It worked out for Jack and Lureen to spend Thanksgiving in Texas at Jack's soon to be in-law's home. They flew in the Wednesday before, and left the Friday after. Jack was glad the visit hadn't been any longer. Well, they made it through, and that's what was important.

Lureen had big plans for the Saturday night after their return. Alma was throwing a bridal shower. All of the girls from the Purple Butterfly, plus Anna, Denise, and even Aunt Betty, were attending.

Jack had met all the girls who worked for Lureen. Against his better judgement, Jack had dropped by the boutique soon after they had decided to get married. He remembered Lureen standing there looking like the cat that swallowed the canary telling the girls what a catch she had while they all shook his hand and looked him up and down. The way they carried on, he could only imagine what Lureen had told them. He had been glad that he didn't embarrass easily.

On the same night as the shower, Jack had plans too. Keith had gotten wind of Jack's soon to be wedding and wanted to throw him a stag party, but to Jack's relief, Ennis had told Keith no. However, the three of them had agreed to at least meet at a bar to have a few drinks to celebrate the engagement. John, Harold and Jim were invited.

Keith had let Jack choose the place, and he'd decided on the Saddle Ranch Chop House. Ennis was the first to arrive, and shortly after, Jack, John and Harold joined him, having driven in together. They sat down at a booth and ordered drinks while they waited for Keith and Jim. Jack asked Ennis about Junior, and Ennis said the nanny was watching her for the evening.

Jack gave Ennis and the other two men the run down on his trip to Texas. He told them that Fayette Newsome was nice enough, but that L.D. was a piece of work. "I don't think he liked me much," Jack said with a small smile on his face.

"Well, he hasn't got any taste then," John said, and all four raised their glasses in a toast. Jack noticed Ennis was as surprised as he was at what John had said, and later he noticed out of the corner of his eye that Ennis smiled his approval each time Jack and his dad interacted.

Soon Keith arrived, hugged Ennis, and shook hands with Jack and John. Ennis introduced him to Jack's Uncle Harold. Keith joined them in a drink, and very shortly Jim arrived, rounding out the group, introductions made again

"Are you gonna be giving that thing a try?" Ennis asked Keith who was eyeing the mechanical bull.

"No, not me, but I wonder if some of these gals in the tight jeans might, and if so, I'll be watching." Keith glanced around at some of the ladies in the club.

"You'll soon be the only one of us not married, Keith. We'll have to start doing something about that," Jim said.

"Well, it seems like all your wives would rather be spending time with each other, not you, so what's the point?" Keith joked.

"Well, you can blame Jack here for that. He's the reason they're having that little party. He went and found a woman that he wanted to marry. A very beautiful woman I might add," laughed Harold.

"Bout time too. I thought we'd never get him married off," chuckled John. He even gave Jack a warm smile so Jack knew he was teasing.

"What kind of a party is it anyway? A shower of some kind?" Keith asked. "Not a bachlorette party where they have a naked man pop out of a cake?"

"No, I don't think any men are allowed, even naked ones in a cake," Jim said. "Anna said something about it being a lingerie shower, whatever that is."

"Oh, lord, you mean they have all that sexy stuff there? Betty just might faint dead away...or walk out, I don't know which!" roared Harold.

"Let's hope she doesn't cause a scene," said John, and Jack couldn't tell if he was serious or joking, but knowing Aunt Betty, Jack could just see it now.

Ennis and Jack didn't join in much with the conversations. They were both pretty subdued, although when lingerie was mentioned Ennis cracked a smile and shook his head slightly. Jack was giving it his best effort to look like the happy groom to be so no one would suspect what he really felt, and he didn't want Keith to think that he didn't appreciate the little party. He looked across the table at Ennis and thought, "Thank God there's someone who knows how I really feel about this wedding...if only..."

The night progressed with much partying. At one point Jack got Harold's attention and quietly asked him if he'd been talking to his dad. "Just wondering why he's been easier to get along with lately is all, thought maybe you had something to do with it," Jack said.

"Now, Jack, you know no one can tell your dad anything. He thinks he knows it all...a lot like someone else I know," Harold said smiling, with a gratifying look on his face.

When it came time for the karaoke to begin, Harold said, "I just might give that a try."

"Don't go making a fool out of yourself," John warned him with an amused smile.

"What? I can sing," Harold boomed.

In fact, he did get up and do a pretty good rendition of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire." That finally got Jack and Ennis chuckling and having a better time.

"No mechanical Bull, Harold?" John asked with a snicker. No one at their table wanted to ride the mechanical bull, although they enjoyed watching others try their luck.

"No, I'm too old for that. Let the young ones do it. Jack, what about you?" Harold asked, as he looked at his nephew.

"He'll cripple himself up for his wedding. Not a good idea," Keith laughed.

As the mechanical bull riding was coming to a close, the six of them were about ready to call it a night.

"I'm not as young as I used to be," said Harold, as they started to gather their jackets. Jack was pleased when John had volunteered to be the designated driver. He had said that he didn't mind since he was on the City Council and had a reputation to uphold.

"I'll talk to you before next Saturday, Ennis," Jack said, then to Keith said, "Thanks a lot, Keith, this was fun."

"Any friend of my little brother's is a friend of mine," Keith said, giving Jack a hug.

"One more week of freedom," said Harold as he slapped Jack on the back, and the three of them left.

...

Ennis, Keith and Jim were preparing to leave when Keith asked, "Ennis, are you okay? You don't seem quite like yourself tonight. What's wrong?"

"Don't start on me, Keith," Ennis said, not meaning to sound so gruff.

Keith held up both hands, "I'm not saying anything, Ennis. Goddamn, can't even talk to you."

Jim stepped in and said, "Hey you two, the night's been great so far, let's not ruin it."

Ennis was glad that Jim was there to settle things down. The three stayed a short time longer, then all said their goodbyes, telling Keith to be careful on the job. Ennis gave his brother a heart-felt hug and told him that he appreciated the gesture of suggesting this for Jack, and they all left for home.

...

Jack and Lureen's wedding day arrived, and the two couples were to meet at LAX to take the short flight to Las Vegas. Jack woke up at his parent's house that morning. Lureen had said that's how she wanted it, so their wedding night would be more special. Jack really didn't get what she meant, but went along with her. The ceremony was to be at 2:00 that afternoon. The flight was at 9:00 a.m. Jack wasn't nervous, rather kind of numb. He got himself ready, having packed most of his stuff the night before. He'd decided to dress up a bit and not wear Levi's. He had on navy blue slacks and a light blue shirt. When he got downstairs his mom and dad were in the kitchen.

"Have you got the rings?" his mom asked.

"Sure do, can't forget those."

Jack poured a cup of coffee and took the time to eat a bowl of cereal and some toast, then said he'd better be on his way to pick Lureen up.

"Next time we see you, you'll be a married man," his mom said, looking happy and sad at the same time.

John and Denise seemed to love Lureen. Jack was glad of that. At least she was someone they could think of as part of the family. He felt in his heart that he would learn to love her. He already did love her, but he hoped one day to be in love with her, to have sparks, and to feel more when he thought of her, and when he was with her.

He gave his mom a hug and kiss, and as he was almost ready to go, his dad gave him a hug, and told him he was doing the right thing and that he was proud of him. Jack nearly teared up, but fought against it. He felt a little bad that his folks wouldn't be at the wedding. Lureen didn't seem to feel bad at all about her parents not being there. This was her idea, just the two of them, Ennis and Alma. He understood why she hadn't wanted to wait around while a bigger wedding was planned. She wanted to be married in a pretty wedding gown, not a maternity dress, and here she was over three months along already. Time flies when you're having fun, he thought.

He arrived at Lureen's apartment in Santa Monica, and she was ready. At least that was nice, a woman who knew how to be ready on time. She looked radiant and happy, dressed in a pretty white skirt/jacket suit. They made good time to the airport. Lureen had her purse as well as her wedding gown, while Jack carried the two bags. They made it to their gate where Ennis and Alma were waiting, so that was a load off Jack's mind. He wanted everything to go smoothly. Alma was smiling, holding her matron of honor gown, and Ennis was even smiling, which made Jack feel better. They had left Junior with Anna and Jim. This was the first time they'd left her for so long, and Jack hoped they wouldn't be worried over the weekend. He appreciated that they were willing to do this for him and Lureen.

They boarded the plane, and the flight attendant placed the gowns in a closet. Jack knew that Lureen was nervous about them being damaged or wrinkled. He told her and Alma the stewardess knew what she was doing and that the bags they were in would protect them.

The girls chatted nearly non stop the whole flight. Jack listened to part of their conversation as Lureen told Alma that they would have to start house hunting as soon as they got back because the apartment was cramped even for two, let alone when the baby arrived. She told Alma her folks had given them a good sized check and that she accepted it since it was a wedding gift, and figured they could put it toward a house. Jack's folks had given them money, as well as Uncle Harold and Aunt Betty, Harold's idea no doubt, according to Jack. Jack's work schedule had picked up considerably, and Lureen's schedule was busy, so they'd postponed a honeymoon, and decided to use the money, along with what she and Jack had saved, to buy a house.

They planned to house hunt near Ennis and Alma's area, Brentwood Heights, because that would be close to Jack's studio. It would be a little further for her to get to The Purple Butterfly, but not that bad.

Lureen only planned to take the minimum amount of time off work for maternity leave so she could get right back to work, and her plan was to take the baby to the boutique with her most of the time. She thought that Jack might be able to take the baby with him occasionally too, if need be. That last part made Jack cringe a little, not knowing what he'd do with a baby in his studio while trying to work.

Ennis and Jack mostly listened to the girls talk, not having much to say themselves, except that Ennis mentioned his and Alma's wedding gift. He didn't say what it was, just that they might want to wait to use it until they moved into their house.

After taking a cab to the Bellagio and checking in, Jack was relieved that the rooms were ready. The girls said they would rest awhile before getting dressed.

Jack and Ennis headed down to the chapel to make sure things were in order, and found everything on schedule. Jack was happy that it looked as Lureen had described it to him. It wasn't easy planning things like this last minute and long distance, and he didn't want her disappointed. The Chapel was beautiful, with gentle hues of cream, rose, peach, antique green, and blue, and uniquely decorated with architectural sconces, graceful hand-blown glass chandeliers, lavish draperies, and amethyst glass windows traced with gold leaf and Italian stained glass.

Lureen choose red and white poinsettias along with pine boughs, pine cones and holly berries. Jack and Ennis were impressed. Jack made a quick phone call to make sure that the cake was on the way.

"Looks like someone's getting married today," Ennis said. "I wonder where the mistletoe is?"

"Mistletoe?" Jack asked, only half paying attention.

"Yeah, mistletoe to kiss under. It's gonna be Christmas soon." Ennis smiled and poked Jack in the ribs with his elbow.

Next, they checked on their tuxedos and found them ready. So far so good.

"I don't know why Lureen needed such a fancy gown with just us here and all," Jack said. "She said it's because the pictures will last forever, and she wants them to be perfect. That reminds me, we should make sure that the photographer is set. They have a professional staff of photographers here, which is convenient."

The afternoon was flying by. Two o'clock was getting closer, and it would be time for the ceremony. They were dressing in the rooms off the chapel.

...

When Ennis saw Jack heading down to the chapel from his room, he said, "You decided to shave after all these months?"

"Yeah, Lureen said the pictures would look better."

They wore black tuxedos with red vests and handkerchiefs. Ennis had a red bow tie, Jack had white. Jack pinned Ennis' boutonnière on him, which was a red rose bud. Ennis then pinned Jack's white rose bud on his lapel. They turned to look in the mirror.

"Wow, who are those two handsome men?" Ennis asked.

"Well, one of us is anyway," Jack smiled.

"Oh yeah...which one?"

"Never mind."

Ennis was glad to see Jack smiling, and even laughing some. He worried about him. "You nervous, bud?"

"Not too bad all things considered...Ennis, thank-you for everything. You've been great."

"No problem, that's what friends are for. I even have the rings," he smiled.

"Shit, I forgot to remind you. Lureen would kill us both." Jack and Lureen had chosen his and hers gold wedding bands. Lureen didn't have an engagement ring.

Soon the clock said it was time to begin the ceremony. Ennis walked over toward the girl's dressing room to check on them and overheard Lureen say that she felt her tummy was bulging in her dress.

"It is not, Lureen, you look beautiful. If I had even half as sexy a body as yours I'd be happy...maybe Ennis would be too," Alma said in a wistful tone.

Ennis tried to ignore Alma's remark and tapped on the door asking if they were ready to begin.

Lureen's gown was white strapless silk satin, accented with light weight beading. A wide red sash was tied into a bow hanging down the back, accenting the gown, and a chapel length train finished off the look. Alma was in a full length red strapless gown with a draped bodice, and bow at the side of the waist. Lureen carried a mixed bouquet of red amaryllis, red roses and china berries. Alma's bouquet was similar but smaller, and had white babies breath throughout.

Lureen took a deep breath and stepped out, ready to wed her Prince Charming.

Jack and Ennis stood in place. When Ennis saw Lureen, he thought to himself that she was a beautiful woman, no question about it, but he wished like hell that Jack hadn't been forced into this. He could have anyone that he wanted, and Ennis knew that his heart wasn't in this.

Jack smiled at his bride, and she smiled back. Alma looked pleased as punch, and Ennis' blood started to boil at the thought that she may have had something to do with this situation.

During the vows, Ennis focused on Jack, standing there looking so handsome in his tuxedo. Ennis could smell perfume, strong perfume, Alma and Lureen's mixed together, overpowering. Tuxedo...Jack's blue eyes. He recalled pinning Jack's rose bud on his lapel, and the scent of his aftershave which he could almost smell now if it wasn't for the perfume. He could smell it in his mind though, a woody citrus and spice scent.

All the scents and circumstance brought back his dream of last summer. In his mind he saw the beach, the surf, heard the sea gulls and waves, saw the man in the tuxedo. This time it wasn't a dream, he could see Jack's face clearly, but unlike the dream which was exhilarating because Jack was holding his hand, this made him feel sick at heart. Jack was holding Lureen's hand.

To Be Continued...