Ch. 26
Jesse sat at the kitchen table looking over a bridal catalog. Bright sunlight filtered through the kitchen window casting a warm glow across her and the table. She absent-mindedly rubbed her hand up and down her thigh as she inspected each dress. The wedding was 20 weeks away and she still hadn't found a dress she liked. She sighed as she shoved it across the table. Rising slowly she used the table for support. The pain was almost nonexistent, but stiffness presented a problem. She stretched her leg as she placed the crutches under her arm. It was almost time for therapy and Mike was nowhere to be found.
She headed down the narrow hall way to their bedroom. She quietly pushed the door open. Mike stood in front of the full length mirror wearing his department dress uniform. Jess gave a sultry smile as she looked him up and down; she loved his new ripped body.
"Damn, Michael! I never thought a dress uniform could look so good, especially stretched tightly over your cute ass. Mmmm, I can't wait to enjoy you in bed again." Jess whispered as she ran her hand softly across his butt.
His cheeks turned a bright shade of red as he turned to face her. He still felt awkward hearing Jess's often sexual comments on his physique. He tried telling himself that she did have a right to enjoy his body; he enjoyed hers, so it was only fair. Besides she never made those kinds of comments in public; she kept them for the privacy of their home. Although John did accidentally hear one of her more perverse ones when the crew was over for a barbeque. John quietly ribbed him about it for weeks.
"So what's the occasion? You never wear your dress uniform unless something very important is happening."
He took her in his arms and held her tightly.
"I'm not one for tuxedos, so I was thinking of wearing it for our wedding. It looks like I need to take it in for alteration; my apparently cute ass is a little too big and my waist is a little too small. Speaking of attire have you found your dress yet?"
"Nope, I can't seem to find one that's not a mile long in the back." She replied as she untucked his bright white shirt and ran her hands up his chest. She gave a playful smile as her fingers traced the outline of his taunt abs.
Mike shivered at her delicate touch. As he enjoyed her tender caresses he closed his eyes attempting to control the warmth that ran through his body. Hearing the zipper on his pants caused his breathing to become erratic; he desired her. He reluctantly grabbed her hands before she could go any further.
"Jesse." He breathed. "Baby, we have to wait; I don't want to hurt you."
Feeling like he just rejected her, she pulled away from him and sat on the bed. Trying to figure out how to comfort her he sat next to her. He cringed seeing the hurt on her face.
"Baby, I'll ask again today. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. Jess I miss being with you too, but I don't want to hurt you. Your recovery is going well and I don't want to mess that up. I promise I'll make it up to you; just be patient."
She nodded sadly as she left her seat on the bed. Watching his fiancé return slowly to the living room caused his heart to ache. Though she made excellent progress in therapy, her mobility was still limited. How he wished he could turn back time and change what happened to her almost a year ago.
E!
Four weeks later Jesse sat alone in a small exam room studying the various items on the wall. As she sat on the cold exam table, she felt guilty about being glad Mike was at work. She had a question she didn't feel comfortable asking in front of him; it was about something that both valued. As Dr. Roberts shuffled in he gave her a warm smile.
"Jess, where's your companion?"
She shrugged," He had to work today, so it's just me."
He pulled up the small roll around stool and palpitated her leg gently causing her to shift uncomfortably.
"What's your level of pain been like?" He asked as he adjusted his think framed glasses.
"I have mostly good days, but there have been a couple of days this month that were almost unbearable. Luckily they were days that Mike was at work; I could take a pain pill and curl up in bed. I do have to say that the bad days are a lot fewer than before the surgery."
"Good, I'm happy to hear that. Any discomfort during sex?"
She shook her head; she was elated when a month ago Dr. Roberts gave them the go ahead. "Nope, Mike's real careful and the pillow under my hips helps a lot."
"Good! I reviewed the x-rays we took yesterday; the bones are healing nicely. The arthritis is a tad more prominent; I'd like to increase the dosage on your anti-inflammatory. Call me if your pain increases any before our next visit. Any questions?"
Dr. Roberts scribbled the prescription on a small pad, and then handed it to her. Jess shifted awkwardly on the table. She inhaled deeply; she had to know.
"Actually yes I do. I was..uh…was…um…"
"Out with it child, I've heard almost everything you'd could think of from various patients."
"Doc, I was wondering if…if I would be able to bear children."
He chuckled softly; it was a common question among younger women that suffered a pelvic trauma.
"I don't foresee any problem, but I'll have to monitor you closely during that time. You may end up on bed rest your last trimester; we will have to wait and see. Be advised that natural birth may not be an option."
"That's ok, Doc as long as I can provide children for my soon to be husband. We both value them so much and would welcome a large family."
E!
"Michael! Michael!"
Hearing her frantically call his name Mike bolted out of the bedroom wearing nothing but his boxers. He slipped on the hall rug and fell to one knee. Fearing she'd somehow hurt herself, he quickly ran to the kitchen. Jess gave him a bewildered look from the kitchen table as he leaned out of breath on the counter.
"Jesse, are you all right?!" he asked still trying to catch his breath. He stretched upright attempting to increase his air intake.
She turned in the wooden chair to face him. "Yes, why wouldn't I be? I haven't fallen in months."
He gave her an exasperated look.
"You yelled for me and now you act like nothing's wrong."
"Nothing is wrong. I just wanted to tell you I found it!" she said excitedly.
He pulled his chair out from under the table crowded with numerous bridal magazines and catalogs. He shook his head; it was a false alarm. She was just excited about finally finding a dress she liked.
"It's about time; the wedding is next month. I was afraid you'd walk down the aisle in jeans and a t-shirt. Of course I'd accept you either way."
She laughed light-heartedly as she laid a catalog in front of him. She pointed to a simple A-line tea length dress featuring an off the shoulder neckline. Delicate paisley printed lace wrapped just below the shoulders down the model's back and stopped at the small of her back. The same lace trimmed the bottom of the dress.
"You know its bad luck for the groom to see the dress before the wedding."
She pulled the book back in front of her and stuck her tongue out at him.
"Michael, we are still together after everything we've been through; I doubt you seeing the dress will wreck our future."
He laughed as he stacked the magazines in a neat pile. She was right; the past year had been hell, but he felt closer to her now than ever.
"If that's the one you want then get it; it will look way better on you than her."
"So have you found your best man, yet?"
"I was asking Johnny, but you beat me to it by asking him to escort you. I asked Cap yesterday, but he hasn't gotten back to me yet. Oh, the guys did agree the dress uniform was a better choice seeing we met in the department."
E!
"Jesse, are you sure?" John asked in concern as he held her crutches.
She asked him to take them to the altar and place them carefully out of sight. She didn't want to walk down with them, but agreed to use them during the ceremony.
"Yes Johnny I'm sure. I may have to lean a little on you, but I'm sure I can make the short distance."
He held the bridge of his nose between his fingers as he stared at the red carpet. She was taking a huge risk.
"Jess, if you fall it will be more of an embarrassment than walking down with them. Everyone here doesn't care if you walk with them; they just are thrilled that you and Mike are finally tying the knot. Trust me they won't be focused on the crutches; they will be captivated by your beauty."
She blushed at his complement as she placed them under her arms.
"Yeah, well you don't look too bad yourself."
He carefully adjusted the head band of the long delicate veil covering the top of her head. He studied her carefully, and then gently pushed it back from her shoulders.
"Don't let Mike hear you say that. Besides I'm doomed to be a bachelor for life."
"No you're not; the right girl just hasn't come along yet. Trust me she'll arrive when you least expect it. Ask Michael, he will tell you all about it."
The door to the bridal room opened partially and Cap stuck his head in. He gave Jess a warm smile.
"You ready? Family's being seating now; you might want to head down to the main door to the sanctuary. Jesse I have to say other than my wife I've never seen such a beautiful bride. Mike is one lucky man."
John stuck his chest out proudly as he scratched it with his middle finger.
"I'm one lucky guy to be able to give her to him."
Cap rolled his eyes as he closed the door. "Twit." He mumbled under his breath.
E!
In the groom's room Mike paced anxiously back and forth. He didn't know why he was so nervous; he loved her beyond all measure. Maybe it was that after today she'd be known as Mrs. Michael Stoker. Being married was a huge responsibility; especially if they had children. Captain Stanley watched as his engineer paced from one side to the other. Stretching his tall lean frame he rose from the antique chair next to the door.
Enough is enough. Gee, Pal what are you afraid of?
He stepped in Mike's path and stopped him with his hand. He forced Mike to sit on a narrow bench.
"Michael, what are you so afraid of?"
Mike shrugged as he placed his head in his hands.
"I don't know Hank; I guess I wonder if I'm good enough to be her husband."
Cap took a seat next to him and placed his hand on Mike's shoulder.
"Mike, you are just what she needs. I don't know about your faith or if you even have one, but I assure you God destined for you two to be together. He's gifted you with patience, understanding, and love beyond anything I've ever seen. Jesse didn't land in our station by chance; she arrived because you needed each other. I'm not saying it will be easy, but it is worth it. Now come on; we have some celebrating to do."
E!
John and Jess waited patiently for their turn to walk down the aisle. She twisted the handles of her crutches anxiously. He wrapped his arm around her.
"Why are you nervous? It's just people from the station and their family. My parents even made it down from Montana. You'll love them and I know they'll love you. Hell the way I look at it you two have been married for a while; now it's just legal."
He turned his ear toward the altar as he placed his hand softly on the small of her back.
"They're playing our tune."
The doors opened to show the entire A-shift and their families. The station wives did an excellent job of decorating the small chapel. Red carnations interlaced with delicate white ribbons adorned the ends on the pews. John carefully guided her down the aisle to Mike. Mike's eyes filled with tears; he'd never seen anything so beautiful. Jess beamed as she and John came to a stop in front of the pastor.
"Who gives this bride away?" the pastor asked as he glanced up from his bible.
John stood straighter as he answered, "The A-shift of Station 51."
The elderly pastor gave them a bewildered look as he nodded. He'd never heard that one before, but in his opinion firefighters were odd to begin with. He still couldn't believe they'd chosen dress uniforms over the traditional tuxedos. He adjusted his bifocals before addressing the small group gathered in front of him.
"Family and friends, we gather here today to celebrate the union of Michael Stoker and Jesse Johnson. The couple has decided to exchange vows written by their own hand."
Mike frantically checked his pockets; he panicked when he couldn't find them. Cap chuckled as he handed a small sheet of paper to him.
"You forgot this, Pal." He whispered.
Mike's face turned bright red as he unfolded the paper. He cleared his throat quietly.
"Jesse, the first time I saw you my heart stopped as I was captivated by your beauty. Getting to know the real you took a lot of time and effort, but I am glad I didn't give up. Most of the time I love your free spirit; sometimes it drives me up the wall. Like the time you snuck out of the house because I wouldn't take you to the beach."
Chuckles filled the room causing Mike to grin widely.
"I have seen you at your best and worst. Though our first year together was filled with more hardships than I care to count, I wouldn't trade it for the world because it taught me the true meaning of love. Baby, I vow to help you love life, to always hold you with tenderness, and have the patience that love demands. I will forever be there to laugh with you, to lift you up when you are down, and to love you unconditionally for as long as I live."
Jess wiped the tears from her eyes as he placed a narrow white gold band on her finger. She inhaled deeply before taking a small scrap of paper from John.
"Michael, I never though in a million years that I would find the love of my life in a fire station, you are my friend, my smile, and my constant companion. You loved me when I didn't love myself. You gave me love when I didn't deserve it. You helped pull me from the darkness and into the light. I take you as my best friend, lover, and constant companion. I promise to love you no matter what this life throws at us."
The pastor moved closer to the couple; he raised his hands and addressed the group.
"By the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you man and wife. Friends and family I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stoker. You may now kiss your bride."
Whoops and hollers rose from the men of station 51 as Mike gave her a tender and passion filled kiss. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder as he faced his friends.
"Barbeque and beer at the Stoker house at three, everyone is invited. Yes Stoker's Secret sauce was used in the making of said barbeque."
E!
Mike held his bride tightly from behind as the two shared the neon green lounge chair. As soon as they arrived at home both exchanged their wedding clothes for shorts and t-shirts before making final preparations for the small group of people they invited. She lay using him as a human chair with her head nestled next to his. She inhaled deeply taking in his scent. It was official he was hers forever.
They watched their friends enjoy each other's company in their large back yard. Sunlight filtered softly through the trees. Apollo went from person to person attempting to score some left overs, but he was shooed away by everyone except John who gave him an uneaten rib. Mike reached over and pulled out a couple of beers from the small cooler beside him.
"Need a refill?" He asked pointing to the can in her hand.
"Sure." She replied as she accepted his offering.
She popped the tab then proceeded to down half the can in one drink. Mike laughed softly; he swore Jess could out drink a college student at a frat party.
"So are you going to tell me where we are going tomorrow?"
He took a long drink before answering. "Nope, I told you it's a surprise, but I promise you'll love it."
She turned so she could see his face as she placed her can on the ground beside her. She tenderly stroked his face and moved closer to him. She placed her lips inches from his.
"Sure you don't want to tell me?" She asked seductively.
"Jesse Lynn Stoker, I'm not telling!" He whispered. Closing the gap between them, he gave her an intensely passionate kiss. Feeling him tenderly caress her body caused her to give a soft moan. She couldn't wait till they were alone.
"EWWW Gross!" yelled Jenny DeSoto.
"Their married; they can if they want to. Mom and Dad do it all the time!" Chris DeSoto countered.
"Nuh uh, I've never seen them kiss like THAT!"
Mike pulled back blushing; he'd forgotten Roy and Joann brought the kids. He looked to Roy and mouthed 'sorry'. Roy just smiled and waved back. Jess laid her head against Mike's shoulder and breathed a sigh of contentment. In her opinion right now life couldn't get any better; she had a man and adopted family that loved her.
E!
"So where did Mike and Jess go for their honeymoon?" John asked as he pulled up a chair to the table.
Cap looked up from the stack of reports in front of him. He laid his pen on the table as he stood.
"Would you believe Maui?"
John stared in amazement as he placed two fingers on the table "Wow, Maui, how long did he have to save up for that?!"
Roy rolled his eyes as he entered the kitchen; sometimes his partner was just too noisy. He blew the steam off his cup of coffee.
"If you have to know; it was a gift from his parents. They couldn't make the wedding, so they sent Mike and Jess there."
Chet snickered from the couch. "How much you want to bet that Jesse comes back pregnant?"
Throwing a rolled up piece of newspaper, John gave him a disgusted look. Chet held up his hands defensively.
"Hey they're married! Mike doesn't have to be careful anymore. Besides Maui is a romantic place."
John turned away from him.
"Oh, Chet shut up!"