A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.
Ingrid Bergman

"If I can have the Bride and Groom over here now, we'll cut the cake." Mrs. Calsax called out while looking over to Lois and Clark who were talking to the young singer.

"Excuse us Josh, it seems duty calls." Clark said laughing as he and Lois got up and went over to the cake.

Picking up the knife, Lois moved closer to Clark so he could place his hand on top of hers as they cut the first piece of cake. Each took a small piece and seeing the look in the other's eyes both threw it aiming at the other's mouth as they both ducked and started laughing.

Mrs. Calsax shook her head, "Darn that Funniest Home Videos show." Then she too started laughing. "Well, that was cute. Now if you'll both try again."

Still laughing but getting control they once again faced each other, cake in hand. Clark noticed the bit of cake Lois had picked was mostly icing and he figured why that was so. As he started to gently feed Lois the bit of mostly cake he had chosen she smeared her bit of icing all over his mouth. He immediately grabbed her before she had time to react and with his very messy face and mouth kissed her. Then pulled away as they both again began laughing, this time hysterically both faces now smeared with icing.

"I think that is enough of cake feeding for tonight. I see their house is going to be full of laughter. I'll cut the rest of the cake and then you are all welcome to help yourselves." Mrs. Calsax laughed thinking to herself, I don't remember Clark being so funny. I guess the big city has really changed him a lot.

"Hey, Lois, Clark I got that whole thing on film. It's prime. She's right, you might want to submit it to that funniest video show!"

"I don't think that will be in the cards Jimmy, but I am glad you got it on tape. It should be fun to show to our grandkids some day."

He was still wiping his face with a napkin then turned to Lois and said, "Here let me help". He took a new napkin and proceeded to smear the icing from her mouth to her nose and cheeks.

"OK, that is enough Mr. Kent or you will be grounded tonight!" She said with special meaning arching her eyebrows and placing her hands on her hips as she tried to contain her laughter.

Jason and Kala came over wanting to join in the fun. Lois and Clark looked at each other and both seemed to have the same thought, some example we are setting for the kids. Then they started laughing all over again.

Martha came up and joined them and said with a amirk on her face. "I'll get some cake for the kids and forks too. Would either of you like to have an actual piece of cake?"

"Hmmmm, I would like a real piece of cake that was good. I would rather have a little more cake and less icing though" Clark said still laughing at Lois.

"Oh, I bet you would. I'll take a small piece as well, Mom. You don't mind if I call you that do you Martha?"

"Why, no dear. I'm honored you want to call me mom." After kissing Lois's cheek she walked over to the cake table and allowed both kids to select pieces of their own. Then she selected pieces for Lois and Clark. After giving them their plates, she selected pieces of Ben and herself.

As everyone was eating their cake glasses of champagne were distributed to all the guests.

Richard clinked his glass and cleared his throat. Holding up his glass and looking at the bride and groom he started, "As Best Man I get the privilege of making the first toast to the bride and groom. As many of you may know Lois and I were engaged for several years. I never realized why she would never make that final commitment. Seeing the love displayed here today I no longer need to question why. These too were meant to be together. You can see the love in their eyes, the way they look at one another and the way they move together. I'm happy, no I'm thrilled to be included as a close friend in the new life they will now share. Lois, Clark, I wish you both all the best. I just hope I can someday soon find the same happiness that you two share."

Lois and Clark both smiled at Richard and joined everyone as they took a sip of the champagne.

Richard continued smiling. "Clark, let me offer you this word of advice in the form of a quote from Ogden Nash, To keep your marriage brimming, with love in the wedding cup, whenever you're wrong, admit it; whenever you're right, shut up."

"Yes, I would agree that is very good advice, Richard. Thank you and for the wonderful toast as well."

Lois gave both men a playful glare.

"Now if we can have the bride and groom over here we'll have the garter and bouquet throw." Mrs Calsax smiled, very much enjoying her job.

Lois was first and before she turned around she noted Chloe's location and aimed her throw of the bridal bouquet in her direction. Two other women, Ms. Widow and Noux vied for the bouquet but Chloe did indeed make the catch. Holding up the prize she looked over at Richard and arched her eyebrow as she blushed.

Lois sat down in a chair provided for her, pulling her long gown up to her knee. She presented her leg to Clark who kneeled down by her raising the dress a bit higher to expose the pink garter.

"Hmmm. How did I know that was going to be pink?" he said quietly so only she could hear as he gently started removing the garter allowing his hand to stroke her well shaped leg as he admired it with his eyes."

Hiding a shiver from his intimate touch she bent down and whispered so only he could hear, "Just no peeking, you don't want to spoil your surprise Mr. X-ray vision"

Looking up into her eyes, he smiled impishly and again said only for her ears, "I wouldn't want to do that. I haven't peeked all night, promise."

Standing up with the garter in his hand he followed Lois's example and aimed it like a rubber ban directly at Richard.

Since Richard was standing off to the side of the main group of men no one was even there to compete with him. He blushed as he easily caught the garter.

Walking over to Chloe he said,"Guess we are up on deck so to speak. I'm going to be staying at Ben's farm alone tonight if you would like to join me."

"Hmm, sounds very tempting," she cooed seductively.

"I didn't want to fly home after drinking. Lucy and her family, Perry and Jimmy have all booked rooms at a motel down the street. I'm supposed to fly them home tomorrow. I can take you back to Metropolis on one of those trips if you like."

Richard was standing with his hands in his pockets as he talked. Chloe put her arm through his and pulled up close, "I would love to. Do you mind if we stop at my dad's house so I can pick up my things?"

Smiling Richard answered, "No problem. We'll leave as soon as the Lois and Clark make their exit." He noticed Clark was finally being cornered by Perry who was steering him outside to the patio while Lois had gone to change into her traveling clothes.

"Perry, I know you wanted me to change my mind about quitting but, I just don't see it happening." Clark said decisively.

"Clark, if it's because you don't like me trying to control you, both of you, let me put your mind to rest," Perry said moving close to Clark inside what would be considered personal space by just about anyone.

"There it is again, both of you, just what do you mean by that ambiguous statement?" Clark said taking a step back.

"Oh, I think you know what I mean, son. You and Superman. He doesn't like me trying to control him, does he?"

"What does Superman have to do with it? He doesn't control me either."

Perry moving back in a step toward Clark looked him directly in the eye, "So you say, but we both know that's not the case. I suggest you reconsider you resignation, son."

Clark now incredulous, said, "Perry are you threatening me, because that's what this is sounding like. I will not allow you to blackmail me."

"No, son, I don't mean to threaten you." His voice softened as if realizing he had been too assertive, perhaps even aggressive. "Just know you don't have to leave to have the freedom you want or think you need. I'm willing to let you work on your terms, whatever they may be. You can let me know when you get back. I'm just looking after the best interests of the paper that's all. You are a dammed good reporter no mater what else you may be. By the way this whole conversation is Off the Record. Oh, and don't let it bother you on your honeymoon, like I said we'll talk when you get back." He walked back into the reception hall and out the door heading for the hotel.

Clark stood there for a minute, thinking to himself Perry definitely knows. He did say it was off the record, does that mean he's going to keep quiet. He went back into the reception hall, almost running into Jimmy.

"CK, that was some wedding. Are you two about to leave now? I want to be sure and get the final pictures. Did you know I was a wedding photographer for a while to make extra money? CK, Mr. Kent, are you listening?"

"OH Jimmy, yes I'm listening and yes we will be leaving shortly. I just need to go change and find Lois. And thank you for doing this for us. We really appreciate it." He said as he left the room distracted.

He decided to wait to tell Lois about the confrontation with Perry. Yes better to wait till they are alone, he thought to himself. They could figure out together what should be done. Thinking again he did say off the record at least that was something.

After changing into a more casual suit, he found and knocked on the room where Lois was changing. She opened the door a crack saying she would be out in just a minute. That he couldn't come in because it would spoil his surprise and then closed the door.

Martha came up behind him with the kids. Clark picked the kids up one up at a time, kissing their cheeks and hugging them. He reminded each in turn to be good while at grandma's. They were to spend the week on the farm with Ben and Martha. Arrangements were made with the school for them to do their school work at the farm with Martha helping.

Clark promised to fly Lois back to the farm on Thursday for Thanksgiving Day. That way the whole family could be together for their first Thanksgiving as a family. Even Richard was expected to join them and from the look of things, Chloe as well.

Lois came out and kissed everyone giving both kids a long hug and kiss. "I'm going to miss you both. Be good and mind your grandma."

"Thanks Mar….Mom," Lois said smiling. "We'll see you Thursday... early." She smiled and blew kisses at both kids as she and Clark walked out the door.

As they exited the guests had lined up along the sides of the entrance and soon there were bubbles everywhere.

The couple ran to the waiting Wayne Enterprises helicopter which was already revving up with Bruce at the controls.

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I wish to thank my Beta reader SHADOLibrarian once again for her valuable input and editing

Please Review Thank you to those who do.