Chapter 52
Sunday dawned bright and early, but for Lou the sun had not set the previous day since she had not been able to sleep a wink all night long. Today was the day, she thought as she slipped out of bed. This was it; she was getting married. The idea both excited and scared her at the same time. She couldn't wait to start a life with Kid, but she couldn't help but wonder in apprehension if she would be the wife he deserved. Those fears were what had kept her awake last night as she had prayed to God that the marriage she was going to be blessed into would succeed. Her main concern was Kid and making him happy. She had to believe she could, and this morning as she looked at her figure clad in her pajamas in the full-length mirror, she told herself to forget her worries and focus on the special moment she was about to live.
"Good morning!" Theresa called, pushing the door open. "Ready for your big day?"
"I guess… I'm quite nervous."
Theresa smiled, feeling as if she were the elder sister when the case was the opposite. "It's natural… You remember how I was on my wedding day? I was like jelly… even worse. You don't have to worry. Things are gonna be fine."
"Yeah… I know."
"Then let's have some breakfast before we get you dressed. Emily phoned and is on her way here."
Like Theresa had rightly said, their friend got to the apartment as the family was finishing their breakfast. They were in a cheerful mood, especially since the two women's brother, Jeremiah, had arrived yesterday to attend his elder sister's wedding.
Emily and Theresa got down to business and helped Lou to get ready. Despite their insistence for many days, Louise had flatly refused to hire somebody to do her hair. She kept repeating that she did not want to make a fuss over her wedding; she wanted it to be as simple as possible. No frills, she had continually said. To their disappointment the two girls did not manage to persuade her, and Theresa was surprised that after all her sister had consented to wear a traditional wedding dress. Being quite skilful, Emily was the one who did Lou's hair as best as she could. Even though it had grown quite considerably, it reached slightly below her ears. With that length there was nothing much that could be done other than let it down. Emily had pinned down some small white flowers on both sides of her head, and Lou actually looked very nice. When Emily and Theresa had mentioned make-up, Lou had protested strongly, but with a great dose of persuasion they had finally convinced her, and Louise had let them add a few light touches of compact powder to her face and some lip gloss.
"You look incredible," Theresa breathed as she saw the reflection of her sister in the mirror.
"I don't look like myself," Louise replied. She liked what she was seeing, but for somebody like her who was used to dressing in a casual way, all this made her feel very strange.
"Well, that's the idea," Emily added with a grin.
"So, Em, tell us, when's your turn?" Theresa asked as she continued smoothing the material in her sister's dress. "When are you going to make an honest man out of Ike?"
"Maybe one of these days… but we're more likely to elope and get married unannounced," Emily replied as she handed Lou the bouquet of white lilies.
"Kid and I should have done that," Lou remarked in a low voice.
"Nervous, Dr. McCloud?" Emily asked with a smile, thus trying to divert the attention from her love life.
"I guess… well… yes," Louise admitted.
Theresa and Emily exchanged a look, and the young mother dared to ask after a few seconds, "Is it… is it because of tonight, Lou?" Louise simply stared at her little sister in silence, and Theresa continued, "Lou, Kid loves you and you love him… honey, being physically with the person you're in love with is the most incredible experience… something you can't compare to anything … you know what."
"And, Lou," Emily cut in, "Kid's waited this long for you, and he won't force you to do something you don't feel ready for."
"I know," Louise answered as she lowered her eyes. What might or might not happen on her wedding night wasn't what actually worried her the most. It was the afters… what if as day after day passed, and she felt unable to perform what people called her "marital duties". What kind of wife would she be to Kid then? Louise did not voice any of this to the girls. Today was the happiest day of her life, and she wasn't going to spoil it with her negative thoughts or words. "Thank you, girls," was all she finally said, meaning every word.
"Well… we better not make your groom wait too long or he'll think you have abandoned him," Theresa teased.
Louise smiled, and followed the two women out of the bedroom where her brother and brother-in-law were waiting. "My, my. I never thought I had such a beautiful older sister!" Jeremiah exclaimed. "Is that you, Louise, or has my sister been kidnapped and left you instead?"
"Thank you, silly," Louise replied, embarrassed by her brother's compliment. She was not used to having this kind of attention from anybody, and least of all her brother. Jeremiah gave her a peck on her cheek and as she averted her eyes, she found David ogling her with a silly expression. "What?"
"You look absolutely stunning, Sister Louise!" the young man exclaimed. Lou frowned at the way he had addressed her, and David added, "Well, you are my wife's sister and my sister-in-law, aren't you? And now let me kiss the most beautiful woman on this side of the world!" Louise smiled at him, and the young man came to him and kissed her softly, a gesture that she did not expect from somebody like David. He was a special character, and had a very peculiar personality, and these outbursts were very uncommon for somebody like him.
"Well, let's get you married, Miss McCloud," Jeremiah cut in and hooking his sister's arm around his, they led the way outside.
In the little chapel a few meters from the city, Kid already waited in front of the altar. He could hardly remain still, and kept checking the time on his watch and fidgeting with his shirt collar. Jimmy stood by his side and could not help but grin at his friend's nervous behavior. "Don't worry, Kid. She's not gonna ditch you!"
"I know that!" Kid exclaimed. However, his jittery state made him consider Jimmy's words in a deeper sense. "Why are you saying that? Did she tell you anything? Is she having second thoughts about this?"
"Kid, please, relax!" Jimmy demanded a bit too loudly, which attracted the reproaching looks of a few parishioners who were in the chapel, praying as they usually did. "I was just joking," he added in a lower tone. "Didn't you call her last night?"
"Yes…"
"And what did she tell you?"
Kid smiled as he said, "That she loved me and couldn't wait to become my wife today."
"You see?"
"I guess I'm a bit nervous," Kid admitted.
"Only a bit?" Jimmy teased, and, as his eyes swept round the place, he saw Mother Mary sitting at one of the front pews. He nudged Kid, and motioning at her with his head, he asked, "How are you getting on with her?"
"We're not the best of friends… but things are better," Kid explained. "We went to the convent for dinner a few days ago and … she was quite amiable."
There was a ruckus outside the chapel that clearly indicated that the bride had arrived. "Here she is," Jimmy announced as they saw Lou's family and Emily enter and take their seats. He winked at Theresa who sat at one of the front pews next to her husband, and she responded to him with a smile. As the organ started playing, Kid's breath got caught and he did not breathe out again until the doors opened and Lou appeared, escorted by her brother. Her beauty left him breathless once again, and his eyes searched hers across the small distance that kept them apart in the small chapel.
Louise started advancing towards him slowly, without averting her eyes from his a single second. She was feeling very nervous but so happy. A small smile played at his lips, and she reciprocated the gesture, beaming blissfully as she approached the man she loved. Somehow she could actually understand what he was telling her in his silence… expressing so much just with a single look. Lou did not know how but she could read him like an open book, and she knew that he felt the same.
Louise finally reached him and without words they positioned themselves before Shane's cassocked figure. The ceremony went by quite quickly for the couple despite the length of it. Louise had wanted to have a Mass included in her wedding with the parish choir singing their hymns. The moment they pledged their vows, and exchanged rings was very moving for everybody gathered there. Shane soon pronounced them husband and wife, and as soon he granted his permission for the groom to kiss his bride, Kid joined his lips with hers. He had been longing to do so since the moment she had appeared, so he almost got lost in the kiss and forgot where he was. It was Lou who had to gently push him away as his mouth tried to gain wider access to hers. Kid blushed at the realization, and looked at her sheepishly. Already husband and wife, the ceremony continued. They shared another kiss during the sign of peace, but this time Kid made sure he controlled himself and didn't make a scene in front of everybody. Soon after that, Shane addressed the congregation with "Go in peace" and the wedding was over.
After signing their names in the registration book, the couple made their way outside the chapel. Holding onto her husband's arm, Louise could not stop smiling from ear to ear. At some point while they were walking along the aisle towards the exit, Kid leaned over and said, "You're absolutely beautiful." Louise stopped, and turned to him with an ample smile. Kid looked around and finding the place deserted as everybody was outside waiting for them, she added in a soft voice, "And now let me finish what I couldn't before, my dear wife." He slid his hands around her tiny waist, and drawing her towards him, he instantly covered her mouth with a long, passionate kiss. Louise responded intensely, and her arms clasped around his neck, trying to keep him as close to her as possible.
"Hey!" a voice resounded in the silent place, making them pull away, and it was then that they saw Cody's head showing from the door. "We're waiting, you two! Leave that for tonight!"
Louise and Kid exchanged a sheepish smile, and carried on towards the door. As soon as they stepped out, they were received by a shower of rice and rose petals. Everybody came over to congratulate them, and wish them the best. Lou felt as if she was on a cloud, in the middle of a swirl of emotions that she could hardly control. She believed she was very lucky and special as she reminded herself of the blessing she had been granted. She was now a married woman, joined forever to the man she adored with all her soul. And not only did she have his love, but that of those gathered today to share her happiness. Even Marmee had come despite everything. Lou had feared that the nun would not turn up as she had promised her, but to her utter astonishment and delight she had been there and dedicated her some very moving words. Of course the nun would not stay for the reception since she had other matters to attend to that same afternoon but it did not matter. Her coming to the wedding meant the world to Louise, and for that reason she felt totally blissful today.
All these thoughts rolled on her mind as her eyes swept through the hall where the reception was taking place. They had had a very nice meal and now the dance was at full swing.
"A penny for your thoughts," Kid said by her side.
She turned her head to him and added, "I was thinking how happy I feel."
"My, what a coincidence! I was thinking the same." Louise smiled at the same time as soft music started to waft in the place and Kid asked, "May I have the pleasure of this dance, Mrs. Kydd?" Lou wrinkled her nose at his suggestion. She was not a very graceful dancer, and when they had previously opened the dance with the traditional waltz, she had stepped on Kid's feet twice, and had almost tripped despite learning the steps from Theresa for the last couple of weeks. Kid noticed her reluctance and said, "You just need to let me lead you... it's easy... come on."
Louise begrudgingly nodded, and stretched her hand to him. As they walked to the dance floor, a small person stood on their way, smiling happily. "Hey, Melly!" Lou exclaimed and as the girl raised her hands to her, the young woman scooped her in her arms. "You look so lovely today, doesn't she, Kid?"
"The prettiest girl!" Kid replied with a smile.
"It's a new dress," Melly explained as she shyly looked at the young man. "Papa bought it for me."
Lou and Kid shared a smile. They knew that Rachel and Teaspoon had started the procedures to adopt the girl like their own. Melly had the married couple wrapped around her little finger, and Lou admitted that it was no wonder. Melinda was a sweet and adorable child, and was doing them a lot of good. Likewise the couple were the best parents that Melly could have. Lou was aware that her friends had taken Melly to a good specialist doctor for her medical problem, and was being treated for her condition in ways that she hadn't while living from charity.
Rachel and Teaspoon joined the newlyweds and the girl. The old doctor slapped Kid on the back as he said, "I'd be careful if I were you, son. Before you realize it, your wife will be asking you for one of these tiny tots."
"Oh Teaspoon!" Rachel exclaimed in a scolding tone.
Lou and Kid exchanged a sheepish smile, both feeling uncomfortable and uneasy at the implications behind their boss's words. Louise felt her stomach churn nervously as she wondered whether what Teaspoon had referred to was possible, and to her utter relief and satisfaction, Kid saved the situation and her embarrassment. "Teaspoon, whatever is in our future... let it be... as long as we're together, nothing else matters."
Lou smiled brightly, and a sigh surreptitiously escaped her lips, which made her blush as her two friends sent her a teasing look. So as to cover her shyness, she turned her attention back to the little girl in her arms and continued talking to her.
From her seat Emily was watching the exchange between Melly and her friend with a pleased expression. "They look so tender together," she remarked. "Lou's surely going to make a good mother someday."
Ike, who had been distracted, directed his eyes to what his girlfriend was pointing at. "Oh yeah..." he replied vaguely.
Emily turned towards him and out of the blue she asked, "Ike, do you ever think of having children? Wouldn't you like to be a father?"
Ike frowned at her question and said, "You know I would. We already talked about having children one day, remember?"
"And ... and what about now?" Emily asked innocently.
"What do you mean, Em?" Ike replied instead, eying her cautiously.
"I'm pregnant," she finally blurted out, her heart beating strongly in her chest as she waited for his reaction.
The news was so unexpected that for a moment he could not find his own voice and when he did, all he was able to voice was a clumsy and silly comment. "But I... I thought you were on the pill."
"Yeah... but... but I think I messed up the dates," she whispered and as his continuous silence was making her very uncomfortable, she urged him impatiently, "Ike, what's in your mind? For goodness' sake, say something."
Ike stared at her with a serious expression, and little by little his mouth shaped up in a smile. "You know what, Emily Metcalf? I love you and every day you make me a happier man."
The young woman joined in his mirth, and they both leaned to each other at the same time, sharing a soft, heart-felt kiss and forgetting everything and everybody around them. They locked eyes when they pulled away, both wanting to shout their news but knowing that this was not the time or the occasion. First they would have to have their own private celebration before sharing their happiness with everybody else. As Emily sank back on her seat, her eyes fell on Buck, who sat by himself on the other side of the room. "Have you talked to him yet?" Emily asked, tilting her head towards their friend.
"He says there's nothing to talk about."
Emily sighed sadly and exclaimed, "He shouldn't be alone at a time like this."
"I know he wouldn't appreciate my or anybody's company right now. I'm surprised he has shown up today... especially considering she's around."
As the couple exchanged their worries about Buck, they saw Jane approach him and talk to him, a conversation that the couple logically couldn't hear. "Buck?" Jane called shyly.
"What do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an unkind tone.
"I wonder if we could talk."
"Talk?" Buck repeated sarcastically. "There's nothing to talk about. I already had my explanation quite... visually last week, don't you think?"
"But if you let me explain..." Jane tried again.
"Don't bother yourself," Buck cut her off as he rose to his feet. "I already understand everything. I'm not as stupid as you think. And now if you excuse me, I need a drink... a strong one."
Before Jane could react, Buck had scurried away and with a sullen countenance the girl returned to her table. "No luck then?" asked Samantha, who was sitting beside her.
Jane shook her head sadly. "He won't hear me out. And well... I can understand his attitude... I deserve to be treated like that."
"Jane, don't be so hard on yourself. It's his problem if he doesn't want to listen to you. Men think that as soon as they catch our eyes, we're some kind of property for them," Samantha stated firmly. Even though she had no complaints in her relationship with Stephen, she still thought that no man was good and none were trustworthy.
"Sam, I think you're a bit unfair," Jane replied.
"Trust me in this. Men are all a bunch of treacherous, tricky individuals. Never give yourself completely to one man... never."
Jimmy, who was at the same table as the two women, shook his head at his colleague's radical feminist declaration and not wanting to hear any more rubbish, his eyes swept around the room curiously as a way to distract himself. A lopsided grin crossed his features as he spied a certain woman at one of the nearby tables. Lou would have his hide if she knew that he would not mind having a taste of her respectable, very married little sister. Theresa was so fresh, so charmingly cheeky that made him wish to play with her a bit. Naturally, Jimmy would not allow himself to pursue his desires since Lou was his friend and he would never do anything that could endanger their friendship. Knowing women as well as he did, he was sure that the indiscreet looks Theresa had given him the few times they had met clearly implied that she was ready to forget she had a husband if the occasion arose.
"What the hell is wrong with you, David?" Theresa asked a bit impatiently, thumping her fist on the table she was sitting at.
"Nothing," her husband replied grumpily, without even turning his eyes to his wife.
"Nothing! Nothing my foot! You've had that constipated expression on your face all day long!" Theresa exclaimed irritated.
"Maybe I don't like weddings."
"Well... that would be a first time. It wasn't like that last month when your friend Larry got married! You even took over from the singer on the stage and made a fool of yourself in front of everybody!"
For the first time David shifted his eyes from the guests dancing around his sister-in-law and her new husband, and looked at his wife. Theresa stared back at him expectantly, hoping to hear an explanation about his weird mood, but to her utter irritation David just said, "I better step outside for a breath of fresh air. This place is kind of stuffy. I'll take Annie with me."
Before Theresa could react, her husband had stood up and scooped their daughter up in his arms. All she managed to utter was a simple warning before he walked away. "And don't smoke in front of Annie!"
David did not even look back, and Teresa sighed, suddenly feeling hurt and lonely. She had tried to join in her sister's happy day but having to bear David's attitude had proved too much for her. He had not talked more than a few words all day and the young woman just did not know what to make of his strange mood. She had first noticed these changes in him a few months ago; at the beginning she had not taken them seriously but as time went by and things got worse, she had ended up admitting that something was the matter with her husband. The idea that there was another woman was the most logical explanation to all this. However, it didn't make sense. When did David have the occasion to cheat on her? He worked long hours and always came straight home after work. There was no funny business or lame excuses to stay away. His life was divided between work and his home; so despite all the signs and his weird behavior, it was quite improbable that he was having an affair. Or maybe it was somebody from his office he saw there. She had never liked his secretary, but the notion of David and that woman together was simply ridiculous. So if there was no other woman, what the hell was happening with him?
"Do you mind if I join you?"
Theresa lifted her eyes to the voice, and her mouth stretched into a big smile as she saw the person who addressed her. "Of course not, Dr. Hickok."
"Please call me Jimmy," he replied with a grin as he sat next to her. "Or do I look that old to you?"
"Some conceited moron you are!" Theresa exclaimed among giggles. "And now you expect me to say that you look young and handsome."
"Then you think I'm handsome?" Jimmy remarked flirtatiously.
"I didn't say that..." Theresa replied in the same playful tone.
"Unlike you, Ma'am, I have no problem in saying that you look beautiful... as a matter of fact, you're the prettiest woman in the place," Jimmy whispered while moving his chair a few inches closer to her. "But I gather I'm not saying anything you haven't heard today."
Theresa smiled, blushing hotly. "Actually, you're the first person who's noticed my looks at all."
Jimmy frowned at her comment. Somehow her words made him wonder whether there was something wrong with her marriage. He had previously watched her and her husband having some kind of argument, and then he had walked away. Once she was on her own, Jimmy had not been able to resist the temptation to go to her even though a shrieking voice in his mind told him not to. "Everybody must be blind then," he finally managed to say.
"Thank you."
A new tune started to sound in the hall, which Jimmy took as a cue for his next step. "Would you like to dance and show off your beautiful figure?"
Theresa grinned and after a brief hesitation, she said, "All right. Let's dance!"
They joined the other people on the dance floor. The music was soft and romantic. Jimmy took her hand and as he rested his on her slender waist, he drew her closer to him. Theresa beamed pleasantly as they started to swing. She had already forgotten her irritation with David, and for the first time today she was having fun. "You're quite the dancer, Dr. Hickok," she remarked teasingly.
"I'll tell you a secret if you promise you won't breathe a word of this to your sister or Kid," Jimmy replied.
"What is it?"
"I go to dance classes," he explained and at Theresa's surprised expression he added, "It's one of the extra activities in the gym I go to...and I decided to give it a try."
"Yeah... and try the ladies there in the process," Theresa remarked sarcastically.
Jimmy let out a peal of laughter. "That too... but it's more fun than I thought."
They lapsed into silence for a few seconds, and the young woman said, "I should really join a gym. I still haven't lost the weight I gained during my pregnancy."
Jimmy thought that her figure was flawless, and in his opinion she did not have to lose a single ounce. Yet, he added something that would land him in dangerous terrain. "You should join the one I go to. I can even get you a good reduction in the fee. The director is a patient and a good friend of mine. And well... if you do, I'd have another reason to go there... you know... apart from the dance classes."
Theresa smiled flirtatiously. She knew the kind of man Jimmy was, a womanizer. If she let her guard down, she would be another notch on his bedpost... even today. Actually, the idea of having one night stand with Jimmy did not displease her at all... there was nothing wrong in getting some pleasure without complications. After all, David might be doing it with that horse face of his secretary. However, her Catholic upbringing weighed on her conscience, and she doubted she would actually be able to share a night with another man without regrets. It was true that Jimmy was not asking anything from her, nothing she would not want to give him and she did nothing wrong if she came across him from time to time, did she?
Startled, she clutched her arms around his neck as she felt her body being lifted. "Kid!" she protested as he carried her under the threshold of the apartment. Her protests died in her lips as his mouth covered hers in a long, sultry kiss, which left both of them breathless.
"I love you, Louise," he breathed in without letting go of her as he stared in her big eyes intently.
"I love you too," she replied, feeling as if her chest was going to burst open of sheer happiness. And when the seconds passed and he did not make any indication to put her down on the floor, she added, "So, Kid, now that we're married, is this the way I'm supposed to go everywhere or can I actually walk?"
Kid laughed as he let her back down on the floor, but his hands remained intertwined with hers. "You tired?" he asked breezily.
"Well... I'm ready to go to bed."
Despite her words, Kid did not move, and let her take the lead. Louise made her way to the master bedroom, steering him along. When they stepped inside, she turned to him and whispered, "I better get changed out of this dress." Kid nodded, and she disappeared into the bathroom.
Fifteen minutes later she stepped back into the bedroom... fifteen minutes that had seemed like an eternity to Kid, unsure of what to do. Not wanting her to think he was pressing her, he had not dared to sit on the bed or strip down. Whatever she decided to do, he wanted this night to be special. Louise reappeared wearing one of the negligees Theresa and Emily had made her buy. Of course she had chosen the most discreet one, which still was too obvious for her taste. Kid stared at her wide-eyed, and Louise shyly walked up to him. Her hands were shaking and as a way to hide her nerves she clutched the flimsy material of her light gown. As she reached him, she pushed herself on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on his lips while her hands reached to undo the knot of his tie.
"Lou..."
"What?" she let out in a whisper.
"We don't have to do anything you're not ready for," he said as she continued planting kisses on his cheek.
At his words she lifted her eyes to him and said with a resolute expression, "Kid, let's jump into the pool. Let's do it."
"You sure, Lou?"
"Yes, I am. I want to be with you."
Kid breathed in deeply and for one brief moment he stood still, not sure how to proceed. "I'm kind of nervous," Kid admitted with a smile.
"Me too," she agreed, giggling.
His trembling hands started to undo the tiny buttons of her flimsy gown, sliding it off her shoulders. Her body clad in the delicate negligee looked so enticing and sweet that he could not help to reach for her and brush his hand over her breasts. Lou closed her eyes, feeling her whole body stir at his touch. His lips captured hers once again and she responded with as much passion as he put in it. His hands traveled from her breasts to her waist, her arms clasping it gently and then he lifted her off the floor. She let out a disappointed groan as his lips left hers but a playful smile lit her features as he moved her towards the bed. Almost as an automatic reaction to keep her steady, her arms clasped around his neck and her legs wrapped around his waist. Feeling his desire for her through her clothes, she suddenly tensed and a weird sensation coursed all over her body. Whether he noticed it or not, she could not tell and Louise tried to disregard those strange feelings. This was the man she loved, her husband, and there was nothing to be afraid of. She wanted them to love without restriction and nothing would spoil this magic night. Nothing.
Kid gently left her on the soft bed and he came on top of her, making sure he would not crush her with the weight of his own body. Lou did not know what Kid saw on her expression but he stopped and asked, "You sure about this, Lou? You know we can stop at any time."
His thoughtfulness filled her with immense joy and almost made her cry, but she managed to hold back the tears and said, "Please don't stop."
Kid responded by capturing her mouth while his fingers skillfully slid the straps of her negligee from her shoulders. Likewise, as their lips were engaged in their particular, and familiar terrain, her clumsy hands started to undo the buttons of his white shirt. His lips left her mouth to nuzzle her neck while his hands pushed the garment a bit lower. Louise helped him to remove the negligee totally. A shiver coursed over her body as she lay clad only in her underwear. Kid sat up on his knees and stared at her figure open-mouthed, her eyes sweeping through her smooth, white skin, only marred by the scar on her stomach. "You're so beautiful," he whispered in awe.
Louise smiled, feeling her cheeks flamed by his intent stare. Somehow the passion and longing didn't make her uncomfortable, but instead a strange desire bloomed in her insides that permeated all over her self. In a bold movement her hands reached behind her back and unclasped her bra, removing the garment in a swift motion, posing almost completely naked before his eyes. As Kid remained still, just staring at her, Lou grabbed his hand and brought it to her, which made him react. His head stooped to explore with his mouth what his hand had been massaging. His body was on fire as he kept caressing, touching, tasting, learning every single inch of her skin. Soon all fabric keeping them apart was discarded while they continued exploring each other. Kid stopped to look at her eyes, and Lou involuntarily shivered and her breath got caught as she expected the moment with mixed feelings. "Lou, are you sure you want me to carry on? I can stop," Kid whispered with a ragged voice. Her only answer to his words was to close her eyes as she got ready to join her husband completely, totally, utterly in this newly-discovered language of love.
