After the Fall – Chapter 26
After only three weeks of planning and preparation, everything was coming together amazingly well. And after thirteen plus years of waiting, the big day was finally here.
CJ's posse of females gathered at Zoey's house, a bit weary from the late night bachelorette festivities but all in all, not too worse for wear. The bride was glowing. It could have been from the pregnancy hormones or just the shear joy of knowing she'd finally be Mrs. Mattlock Houston by the end of the day. Either way she was so abundantly happy she barely felt nervous. Her friends all marveled at her composure as her hair and make up were done in between enjoying a bagel and some juice for breakfast.
Her bridal party was fairly large, after all, how could she avoid including all of her closest friends and family in the long-waited occasion? Jolie, Zoey, Chris, Maureen, Carol, and Elaine would all stand beside her. Carlotta would be there, too, sitting next to Maggie in the front pew after being escorted by one of Matt's groomsmen. Will, Murray, Fred, Johnny, and Jordan were joined by Vince Novelli, who had flown in on the red eye just hours prior. Mama Novelli just had to accompany her son - there was no way she was going to miss this event – the same sentiment expressed time and time again by all their guests.
Dubbed as the wedding of the decade, the press were onto them, staking out the church and reception hall since early in the morning while live updates were being broadcast on the local network in the hours leading up to the wedding. All of this commotion might have made any other bride beset with nerves, but not CJ. She was marrying her best friend today - finally, and she was having his baby – again. With all the drama in the past year, overlooking the small things came easy, especially when she focused on everything the day had to offer.
"Oh, my CJ!" her friends quipped. "You always did look good in white."
"You look beautiful Mom," said Jolie.
"Thank you sweetheart."
"Boy, seeing my parents get married is by far the best birthday present a girl could get!"
As CJ embraced her daughter she spotted an emotional mother of the bride out of the corner of her eye. It seemed her mother was human after all.
Matt was in one of the rooms off the church sanctuary, true to form, nervously tying and retying and retying his tie.
"Some things never change," Vince chuckled.
"Don't just stand there and shake your head at me, Vince. Help me with this damn thing!"
"Are you kidding? Do you think I can do it any better?"
"Well, who's gonna help me tie my tie then?"
Will spoke up. "Why don't you ask Mr. Sartorial Splendor? He'll be arriving any minute."
Matt thought that was a good idea and removed his tie for the interim.
"Expecting any trouble?" Vince asked, looking out the window. "God, I can't believe I just said that. How stupid of me."
Will shook his head slowly, fragile at the moment because he thought he could handle his booze better than Murray could the previous night.
"Trouble always follows Matt, CJ too. That's why they're perfect for each other. In fact I think Jolie's inherited that gift, and I'm sure the next kid will be just like them."
Matt leered at him.
"Thanks, Cuz."
"You bet."
"Anyway Vince, I did hire extra security in case of uninvited guests."
He nodded at the window.
"Like them?"
"It seems they've been with me every step of the way throughout all the major events in my life. Wouldn't be the same without them!" he humored.
"Guess that's what being a rich, good-looking and successful private ye will get ya," noted Will.
Speak of the devil. No sooner than Matt mentioned the press than a commotion erupted amongst them. Matt, Vince and Will peered through a gap in the drapes watching them argue amongst themselves over who had the rights to get the closest shot.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to them, one of the reporters was using the distraction to slip past security guards and into the church. The door to the room suddenly opened and a camera bulb flashed in Matt's face.
"What the hell?"
Vince tried to subdue the invader by himself but the photographer turned out to be a bit stronger than him. As Vince's body went propelling towards the floor, he fell against Will, significantly impairing what little balance he had. Matt instinctively sprung into action by swinging his arm back and bringing it into the photographer's face like a missile. The photographer ducked and swung back, hitting Matt square in the jaw. Matt went hurling to the floor as Johnny and Jordan, who had just arrived, stood in the doorway and shook their heads at the elderly warriors. They rushed over to the photographer and subdued him easily by grabbing hold of his arms while Matt sprang to his feet, grabbed the camera and pulled out the film.
"Send me a bill," he said as the boys escorted the invader off.
Matt wiped his hand along his chin and then looked at it. He was bleeding, and his skin was swelling up and bruising.
"Oh, great. This will look splendid in all of our wedding photos," he said as he looked in the mirror.
"You need ice. Anybody got ice?" Vince inquired.
"I'm afraid ice alone may not do it," mentioned Will.
They stood wondering for a moment what to do as Roy arrived with Jolie in tow.
"What happened to you?" Roy asked as soon as he took a look at him.
"A photographer's fist," Will answered.
Jolie came closer and placed her hand on his chin, turning his head to examine the wound.
"I think I know what to do."
After Jolie applied some first aid and makeup, Roy adjusted Matt's tie and gave him a manly slap-hug on his back. Matt excused his groomsmen for a few minutes wanting a moment alone with his pride and joy.
He took Jolie by her hands, holding her arms out and twirling her around.
"Would you look at you! My goodness you're pretty!"
While Jolie blushed, a picture formed in Matt's mind of walking her down the aisle some day. God, she was growing up so fast!
"Being your birthday and all, I wanted to give you a little something. Thirteen is a very special age, and it's been quite a year for you. I'm very proud of you. Through it all, you acted like a real champ."
He handed her a little jewelry box, professionally wrapped in shimmering purple paper with a yellow bow on top.
"Go ahead – open it."
She lifted the lid and her eyes lit up.
"Oh, Houston! It's beautiful!"
She pulled out a dainty necklace, a pure gold charm in the shape of a duck, with a diamond marking the eye.
"I figured that this is much more sophisticated for a lady of your experience and grace to have than an old stuffed animal."
She threw her arms around him and squeezed him.
"Oh, Houston! Thank you so much! I love it! This is definitely the best birthday gift ever!"
She turned her back to him so that he could help her with the necklace, then walked over the mirror, admiring it on her while also catching a reflection of her father's proud face.
She turned and smiled at him.
"I don't know how you did it or if I ever told you, but I'm so glad you found me. For a while I thought I would be trapped in that hole forever."
He smiled.
"I never would have never stopped looking for you."
"I think I knew that, but I was still so scared, even after I saw Janie."
He arched an eyebrow at her.
"Janie?"
"Yeah, she appeared to me as an angel or something when I was in that hole. She smiled and then she just evaporated and disappeared into thin air."
This news stunned Matt.
"Can you tell me what she looked like?"
"Sure. She was wearing a yellow dress and had blonde hair, tied in bows."
Matt's heart raced, recalling that same image.
"I saw her when I was in the woods, too Jolie. She showed me which direction to go to find you."
"Oh my God! You saw her, too?"
"Yeah."
Murray poked his head in the door, tapping his watch.
"Hey you two! Better get a move on. The wedding's about to start!"
They headed towards the door about to get in their places when Jolie stopped and turned to look her father in the eyes.
"I love you, Dad."
Matt smiled and blinked several times, stunned to finally hear her call him Dad, and with I love you to boot.
"I love you, too."
The organist played softly as all the guests arrived and were seated. Maggie admired the way the flowers and candles adorned the charming church as Johnny escorted her to her seat and Jordan escorted Carlotta. Vince came right after them, escorting his mother as she took her place along side them.
Having recovered somewhat from his injury, Matt walked out from the side door, smiling with his groomsmen following in line behind him. Maggie thought all the groomsmen looked very handsome, especially Jordan who seem to remind her of her late husband.
The music changed and they all turned their focus to the women dressed in matching sleeveless floor length lilac-colored gowns. First to walk down the aisle was Chris followed by Elaine, Zoey and lastly Jolie. Matt was sure there were some teenage boys bound to make their move on his gorgeous daughter and did a quick scan for any potential suitors while making a mental note to stock up on ammunition. He winked at her as she took her place in at the altar.
The music changed again, doing a crescendo as the tempo slowed down to a stately march. Roy came into view with the most beautiful woman in the world on his arm. Dressed in white satin gown with what looked to be diamonds hand sewn into her bodice, her skirt of several layers of silk brushed along the floor. Her gown was sleeveless like her bridesmaids and divulged a bit of cleavage accentuated by her changing bustline, thanks in part to her pregnancy. She had her hair up in a loose twist with a few curls cascading around her hairline with a tiny bouquet of flowers clipped in the twist in lieu of a veil.
She beamed at Matt as Roy held tight to her, and not until she joined him at the altar did her expression wane when she saw the strange swelling on his face.
Through her gritted teeth she murmured sideways at him, "What happened to you?"
"I'll tell you later," he subtly responded as he fixed his focus on the minister.
"Dearly beloved, we are joined together today to join these two people in holy matrimony. Their journey has been a long road to get here, marked by family drama, health issues, and tragedy. But through it all Mattlock and Callista Jolene have been the best of friends, always there for each other, through thick and thin, never once waning of their love for one another."
CJ spoke sideways, "Did he just call me by my given name?"
"Uh huh," Matt discretely replied.
Hiccup.
"So let's get on with the ceremony shall we? Let's see what comes next, oh yeah, your vows. You got rings?"
Murray nudged Will with his arm.
"Oh, uh yeah … ah right here."
Hiccup.
"Okay, Mattlock do you take Callista …"
Matt leaned in and whispered softly.
"It's CJ, remember?"
"Huh?"
"CJ. Everybody calls her CJ. She never goes by her given name. She hates it."
The minister shook his head.
"Oh, okay Mattlock, do you take BJ to be your lawful wedded wife?"
CJ rolled her eyes. This minister was beginning to tick her off!
It was her turn to speak up.
"It's CJ. C... J... Get it?"
Most of the wedding party and few people in the first pew heard her correct the minister.
Hiccup.
"Okay, take three. Do you Mattlock take thee CJ to be your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, 'til death do you part, so help you God?"
Matt narrowed his eyes at the minister trying to figure out if he was pledging his love or swearing in.
"Yes, I do."
Hiccup.
"And do you CJ, take thee Mattlock to be your lawful wedded husband, to have and hold, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, 'til death do you part, with liberty and justice for all."
CJ arched an eyebrow at him.
"I do..."
The minister started to wonder why everybody was looking at him oddly.
"Okay, let's see ah … oh you may place the rings on each others fingers."
"We did that already."
"You did? Oh, okay, let's see here … okay, I got this. Oh … okay I'm going to just cut to the chase. I have an early morning Advent service to prepare for … With the power invested in me and under California law, I now announce you husband and wife."
Hiccup.
"You may kiss your bride."
At least he got that right. Matt turned to CJ and placed a long, intense and passionate kiss on her lips much to the pleasure of everyone in the room.
"Ah ladies and gentleman, may I now introduce to you for the first time. Mr. and Mrs. Mattlock Austin."
The whole bridal party turned and shouted at him.
"It's Houston!"
Their voices were so loud he nearly fell over.
He took another glance at his notes.
"Oh sorry. Mr. and Mrs. Mattlock Houston!"
Everyone cheered and applauded for the happy couple unaware the drunken minister was fading fast.
"Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than … it's a bird, it's a plane …"
His words faded as he slowly sank to the floor. It seemed the stress of the holiday season was too much for him. Somewhere between the rehearsal and the wedding, he must have been drinking wine instead of water.
CJ and Matt headed down the aisle and stopped in the narthex, kissing again as the wedding party joined them. One by one they all greeted each guest until the sanctuary was empty except for the snoring minister by the altar. To think that they were afraid that violence or danger would make their appearance at their wedding, they never thought that a drunken minister would be the highlight! Good thing he already signed the marriage license with all the correct information and good thing that CJ had already looked it over carefully like the Harvard-trained lawyer she was. Someday real soon they figured they'd look back on this and laugh.
Matt and CJ climbed into the limo and immediately tore into one another. Their kisses intensified and Matt was sure he'd take right there and then in the limo. They were close to removing clothes or at least lifting away certain parts of clothes when they both broke free of their lips and burst into laughter.
"Did you hear what he said?"
"I can't believe it!"
"He must have had been on some bender before the ceremony. I mean who knew that a man of the cloth could tie one on!"
"And apparently not too well!"
Someday soon was today as they erupted into laughter again as the limo sped to reception hall.
All throughout the reception CJ and Matt rarely spent a second away from each other. Their hands remained clasped as they greeted all of their guests and whenever the spoons hit the glasses, they obliged their guests ten-fold by remaining lip-locked for more than a few seconds.
About the only time they parted is when Matt took the dance floor with Jolie. CJ smiled and cried at the same time when she saw them together, thinking back to a time in her life when she thought she'd never see them dance at a wedding with each other, let alone even meet. From across the room she could see Carlotta crying at the sight and CJ knew why for she was feeling it, too. Even on her big day she couldn't stop thinking about the husband she shared her life with for the previous thirteen years, and the other father in Jolie's life that would never get the chance to dance at his daughter's wedding.
The song ended and Matt walked over and took CJ's hand, leading her back to the dance floor.
He noticed her wistful expression and brought her close to him, nuzzling his cheek against hers.
"You okay?" he whispered in her ear.
"Are you kidding? I'm having the time of my life!"
He pulled her even closer, not totally convince of her answer.
"How about you?" she asked.
"The best day of my life, and it's not just because I finally married my best friend."
"Oh?"
"Earlier, just before the ceremony, Jolie told me she loved me … and called me 'Dad'."
CJ smiled and kissed him, thinking back to a day so long ago when she and her best friend spent an afternoon of fishing together, and kissed for the very first time.
"I still can't believe you caught more fish than me, CJ."
She proudly shrugged her shoulders.
"I just got lucky I guess."
"Lucky? I say there's something in the bait you used. Some kind of secret ingredient that lured all the fish to your line."
"Well, actually … it's an ancient Parsons family fishing secret. If I tell you, I'll have to kill you."
"Oh really now! You wouldn't kill me. I'm your best friend, CJ."
"It's just a joke, Houston. I'd sooner kiss you than kill you any day."
He stopped and softened his voice.
"Would you?"
She looked at him puzzled.
"Would I what?"
"Kiss me."
"Kiss you?"
"Yeah."
Before she could give him an answer or even think for that matter, he made the decision for her by grabbing her fishing pole from her hands and tossing it aside. As she watched it fall to the ground, he pulled her close by wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Houston, what are you doing?"
"I'm gonna kiss you."
She studied his dark brown eyes a second contemplating all the ramifications that would come with that motion. But, it was only for a second as she saw the opportunity to slip out of his grip by ducking down and out of his arms, fleeing his embrace.
"CJ!"
"If you want to kiss me, you're gonna have to catch me!" she yelled as she tore off towards the house, leaving Matt to chase after her with the tackle box and fishing poles to carry.
He approached the house a few minutes later, breathing hard, and with CJ clearly beating him by a mile.
"That was dirty, Parsons. Down right dirty."
She grinned in between breaths.
"Yeah, well what are you going to do about it, huh?"
Oh, he knew exactly what he was going to do about it. Only this time, he was going to be quicker and more assertive.
"This."
He grabbed her arms forcefully with both of his hands and brought his lips onto hers with a strong attack and quick release.
She shrugged her shoulders, acting totally unphased by his action.
"Okay I guess you earned it, Houston, seeing that you're going off to war tomorrow."
Oh, she had to remind him! He was trying to forget about that for a few hours.
She saw the expression on his face dramatically change as he moved to sit down on the porch swing, leaving a place for her to sit down next to him.
"Houston?"
He was staring out into space for a few seconds before he responded.
"I'm scared, CJ."
She had no words for him, and fortunately didn't need them. For Matt it was a comfort just to have her near.
Bill Houston went downstairs for breakfast the next morning and caught the view of the two companions in the living room together. Somewhere between dinner and the late show, they had drifted off to sound sleep. Matt had his feat propped up on the ottoman with his head leaning on the back of the sofa and his hand resting on CJ's shoulder. CJ laid across the sofa with the side of her head resting on a pillow on Matt's lap and a blanket wrapped around her.
Bill shook his head and smiled, knowing in his heart that these two young souls, who had been best of friends for eight years now, could easily fall in love if they weren't so dang stubborn. Someday he knew they would be married to each other, but probably only after a long and arduous courtship.
He was right.