CHAPTER 10
December 25th arrived. The Muir children were wide awake by five o'clock in their room and were under strict mother and Captain's orders not to go downstairs until six o'clock on the dot. Even then they were only allowed to take down their stockings from off the fireplace mantle, dump the contents out and rifle with glee through their new goodies. Martha, as usual, was the first adult to rouse out of bed. She shuffled her slippered feet into the kitchen to put on a pot of coffee and started water to boil for Captain Gregg's morning cup of tea. She heard the delighted chatter of the kids in the parlor and smiled with tenderness as she watched them from the entrance way. They each had received a yo-yo amongst the other small trinkets, candies, fruit and toys and were both trying to master the technique. Jonathan hadn't quite got the hang of it yet. He flicked his wrist and the disc went spiraling to the hardwood floor and under the sofa. Ever the helpful big sister, Candy reminded him he had to place the looped string end around his finger for the toy to roll back up from whence it came. Martha shook head in amusement and returned to her kitchen. Jonathan sprawled on the floor to stick his hand under the sofa to feel around for the missing yo-yo. Scruffy came trotting into the room and curious as to what his master was doing, he stuck his snout into Jonathan's face and gave the boy a lick or two. "Cut it out!" Jonathan giggled and demanded at the same time. He found the toy. "Gotcha!" He then scampered on his hands and knees behind the tree to plug in the lights. The Christmas tree sparkled to life with bright red, green, blue and white twinkling lights. After what seemed an eternity to the pair, the rest of the adults in the house came down the stairs still dressed in pajamas, night gowns and bathrobes. "Merry Christmas, kids!" Grandmother Emily sang out. Brad Williams was fumbling with his Kodak movie camera, mumbling a silent curse as he fidgeted with the focus.
Carolyn watched her father affectionately as she and Daniel once again shared a chair, Carolyn settling herself on the arm rest and leaning against Daniel's shoulder. "Dad, every Christmas you are fooling with that camera," she noted and rolled her eyes.
"Yes," he admitted. "Must keep up traditions, young lady. Ah! There we go!" He got it working.
Emily came up behind him to remind her husband. "Save some film for the wedding ceremony, dear." Brad nodded and zoomed in on his grandchildren.
Martha joined the family now, dressed for the occasion in a cheery holiday themed apron. Candy took a head count and satisfied all were present and accounted for pleaded with her mother, "Can we start now, Mom?"
"Go ahead," Carolyn smiled. The wrapping paper carnage began with the kids playing Santa's elves reading name tags and passing out presents before they tore into their own gifts. The next hour was filled with delighted surprised gasps, laughter, hugs, kisses, the sound of ripping paper and Scruffy excitedly tearing about and diving into the pile of brightly colored remnants of holiday cheer. He came up with a sticky red bow stuck to his nose. Everyone burst into spontaneous laughter. "Please tell me you got that on film!" Carolyn giggled.
"Of course!" her dad boasted and then zoomed in on the happy couple. Carolyn obliged him by tilting Daniel's chin, leaning close and giving her Captain a perfunctory peck on his nose. He immediately returned the affectionate gesture.
"Happy?" Daniel asked as he brought his hand up to her back and rubbed gently.
"I don't have the words to tell you how happy I am at this moment," she whispered.
"Oh, we can't have that, madam. What's a writer without words?" Daniel countered.
Candy was seated on the ottoman near them and overheard the private conversation. "Oh, I know a good word! Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!"
Carolyn beamed at her daughter. "Thank you, honey! That is a perfect word for today. Mary Poppins was absolutely right!" Soon enough it was time to hustle into the kitchen to eat the cinnamon rolls Martha had popped into the oven and to get upstairs to get dressed to attend the 10 o'clock Christmas morning church service.
Jonathan risked staging a mutiny. "Ah Mom, do we hafto? We just went to Church on Sunday."
Captain Gregg was quick to discipline. "Belay that, mate! You heard what your mother said. Make haste up those stairs and get changed. You need to look sharp today, you being my Best Man."
Jonathan's face lit up. "I am?"
"Of course, lad. Who else would I have stand by my side on my wedding day? You are also the ring bearer. Double duty, I'm afraid, Jonathan. Now scoot!" Daniel commanded.
"Aye! Aye! Cap'n!" He took off up the stairs. Scruffy yapping at his heels.
Candy gazed up at her mother with expectant eyes. "What about me, Mommy?"
Carolyn stroked her daughter's golden hair. "You my pretty girl will be my flower girl and Maid of Honor. How's that?" She touched Candy on the nose with her finger.
"Neato!" Candy Muir skipped up the stairs after her brother.
For Captain Daniel Gregg the rest of the day moved like a ship stuck in the doldrums. Slowly, the hands of the clock inched closer to five p.m. and his anticipation, nervousness and excitement grew steadily with each passing moment. He wondered what he should wear for the ceremony. Despite it being a civil ceremony at home he wanted to look extra dashing for his bride. He risked the surprised stares of Brad and Emily Williams when he came down from the upper level of Gull Cottage dressed in his old dress uniform. He read their expressions. "I found this upstairs. Antique uniform but it seems to fit the cut of my jib, don't you think?"
Emily looked him over in admiration. "Oh, you look splendid Captain!"
He took her hand, raised it to his lips briefly. "It's Daniel, to you dear woman."
She blushed a little. "Daniel…I suppose that uniform belonged to that chap in there," she gestured to the oil painting hung over the fireplace. "I can't get over how much you look like him. Why it's almost like looking at a photograph." She continued to gaze at him in wonder. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'd better go see if Carolyn needs some help upstairs."
"Of course," Daniel nodded and gave her his most gracious smile. He turned to Brad Williams and offered his hand.
Brad groused a bit but shook Daniel's hand. "Nothing wrong with wearing a modern coat and tie. No need to outshine my daughter on her big day."
Daniel's mood would not be dampened. "No one can outshine Carolyn. Simply not possible. Today or any other day."
Brad couldn't help himself. The corners of his mouth inched upwards in a smile. "You're a man in love, alright. No doubt about that!" He chucked Daniel lightly on the arm and then moved off into the kitchen. Daniel followed after his father-in-law drawn by the enticing smell of roasting turkey.
Shortly afterwards there was a loud knocking at the front door. "I'll get it!" Jonathan announced and hurried to the front hall. He opened it to see Claymore Gregg and Ed Peavey. "Hi!"
"Hello there, yourself young fella!" Ed shook Jonathan's hand and then handed the boy the handle of a large basket filled with assorted fruits, crackers, cheeses and two bottles of wine. The contents were wrapped in bright red crinkly plastic. "That there's for the family. Merry Christmas. Can you heft that? You got it?"
Jonathan grasped the heavy basket laden with edible treats. "I think so. Thanks! Come on in!" He staggered with his load into the kitchen.
Claymore took one step in and closed the door behind him. He looked about nervously and adjusted his bow tie. He was wearing a Santa cap. The men shed their overcoats and handed them to Candy as she was playing hostess while her mother was getting dressed upstairs. She did her best curtsy. "Won't you please come in?"
"Do believe we will," Ed said. They entered the kitchen where Martha was busily frosting the wedding cake. "What's cookin', good lookin'?" he wandered over to his special gal.
"Ed, now you behave yourself," she warned. He made a move to poke his finger into the cake to get a swipe of frosting but she slapped his hand away. "I'm warning you, Mr. Peavey!"
Claymore cleared his throat loudly. He eyed the imposing figure of the Captain and unconsciously took a step backwards. "Season's Greetings, everyone!" He produced a saran wrapped package and handed it to Martha. "Just a little something to help celebrate the big day," he announced grandly.
Martha eyed the package and knew immediately the extent of Claymore's generosity. She recognized the fruit cake and home-made label from many a church bake sale of that belonging to one Betty Bernecky. Claymore was re-gifting. Martha plastered a fake smile of thanks on her face. "How nice, Mr. Gregg. You shouldn't have gone to the trouble."
"Oh! No trouble of all." Claymore assured her, emitted a nervous twitter of laughter and flicked the jingle bell attached to his Santa's hat. "Ho! Ho! Ho!"
Martha turned around and stepped next to Ed. "You can say again, recognize anything, Ed?" she whispered.
"Looks to be one of Betty Barnacle's bricks," he said laconically. "Tasty if you soak 'em in rum for a day or two."
Daniel turned his full attention to Claymore. "Are you prepared? Did you bring everything?" His steely blue gaze froze Claymore in place.
Claymore gulped nervously and nodded and patted his chest. "Got everything right here."
Daniel glowered at him, said nothing and sauntered away, no doubt remembering his promise to Carolyn to remain civil on this holy day.
Twenty minutes later Candy appeared in the kitchen. "She's ready!" Her face flushed with excitement, she clapped her hands together and bounced on her heels.
Martha took charge. "Alrighty then! Everyone to their places! Candy, turn on the hi-fi. Mr. Williams? Lens cap off? Good. Claymore, stand in front of the fireplace. Jonathan, still have your mother's ring?"
"Got it!" he chirped.
"Good man," Daniel said fondly, placing his hand on Jonathan's shoulder and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
Candy placed the needle of the record player carefully down on the 33 rpm LP. Pachelbel's Canon in D Major floated gently over the room, now lit by the soft glow of the Christmas tree lights. "What do I do?" Ed stage whispered to Martha.
"I suppose you could run the movie camera while Mr. Williams gives his daughter away to the Captain. Then stand there and look handsome."
Ed nodded, his prominent Adam's apple bobbing. He replied in his thick New England drawl, "Sure, I can do that. Been practicin' all my life." Brad handed him the camera.
Martha scanned the room and frowned when she looked at Claymore. "Claymore! Take that silly hat off!" she hissed. He snatched it off, flinging it aside. He quickly smoothed down his hair. Scruffy's toenails clicked on the wooden floor as he trotted over, picked up the hat in his teeth and wandered away, shaking the Santa hat like a dead rat.
Carolyn came down the staircase dressed in the same yellow gown she had worn at Schooner Bay's Centennial celebration. Daniel could hardly breathe when he got his first glimpse of her. His eyes grew moist and he quickly swiped a tear away, willing himself to regain his composure. She was his and she was beautiful. The only sounds to be heard were the angelic harp rendition of the beloved melody and the soft whirling noise of the movie camera. Brad Williams smiled proudly at his daughter as he escorted her into the parlor and then nodded to Daniel Gregg to take Carolyn's hands in his. Brad stepped back beside Emily and put his arm around his wife's waist. As Carolyn moved beside Daniel, Candy dutifully lowered the volume on the stereo and stepped to her mother's side. Carolyn handed her bouquet of flowers to her daughter, bending down a moment to gently kiss Candy's cheek. The rest of the ceremony passed in a pleasant blur for the dashing sea captain and his bride. Claymore did an adequate job as the Officiate, reading from the State approved civil ceremony script. When he announced it was time for the exchanging of the rings Jonathan had his big moment. He produced two rings on one of the new handkerchiefs Daniel had been given as a Christmas present by the boy that very morning. The Captain's eyebrows arched in astonishment as he spotted the golden wedding band meant for him. Carolyn squeezed his hand, delighted she had surprised him. And then, almost before it had started, the ceremony was over with the two lovers sealing their commitment to one another with a joyous kiss in front of their friends and family.
But it wasn't quite over. After hearty handshakes and hugs Claymore gathered his courage to step up to Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Gregg. "If you two will just sign the certificate." He produced a pen, "and there is the matter of my fee." Daniel signed his name, handed the pen to Carolyn and glared at Claymore. "Of course, since this is Christmas, I'm giving you a holiday discount. Half price wedding ceremonies today only! $12.50 please." He dared to look the Captain in the eye and thought better of his request. "Know what? You can owe me." He started to back away but Daniel Gregg clamped his large, strong hand on Claymore's shoulder.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" the groom growled through his teeth.
"I am? Oh! Yes! Congratulations Mrs. Mui-er—Gregg!" He risked Daniel's ire by giving Carolyn a quick kiss on her cheek.
Carolyn laughed lightly, "Thank you for joining us today, Claymore. You have no idea how grateful I am. We couldn't have gotten married today without your help."
Brad Williams stepped up and opened his wallet. He handed Claymore a $20 bill. "For the fee," he said simply.
Claymore looked happy as he accepted the money. "Wonderful. I'll write you out a receipt if you come to my office. Sorry I don't have any change on me at the moment." He made a grand display of patting his pockets and feeling around for his billfold. He stuffed the money into his pocket. Once again, he took a step to get away from Daniel's proximity. "Ow!" he cringed in pain as the Captain's vise-like grip tightened down upon his shoulder once more.
"Give it to her, you imbecilic excuse for a village official!"
Carolyn looked in alarm at her new husband, "Daniel!"
"Oh that!" Claymore's knees buckled down under the pressure Captain Gregg was exerting on his shoulder and reached inside his suit coat pocket for a folded piece of paper and something written on parchment. He handed the documents to Carolyn. "Happy now?" he sassed the Captain.
"Jonathan!" Daniel's eyes glinted with evil intent.
"Yes Captain…uh…I mean Dad," Jonathan looked up at him happily.
"Fetch my saber," Daniel intoned menacingly.
Carolyn had unfolded the paper and was trying to read it. "You'll do no such thing, Jonathan," she admonished her son.
"Aww!" the youngster pouted.
Daniel turned his attention to his wife. He watched her eyes and the expression on her face. She looked up at him in incomprehension. "Dad!" Her own father stepped over with a goblet of wine in his hand.
"What is it, hon?"
"Read this," Carolyn instructed.
Brad set his glass down on a nearby end table and took the papers to examine them. After a moment he looked up and rendered his verdict. "Well, it looks to me like you are now the owner of a home. This is a property deed made out to one Mrs. Carolyn Gregg. That's you, dear. It appears you are the legal owner of Gull Cottage, Gregg Road, Schooner Bay, Maine. Dated…um…approximately three weeks ago, more or less. Congratulations, dear."
Daniel stepped close and kissed her on her temple. "Merry Christmas and happy wedding day, my love."
"I don't understand," she stammered. "Claymore sold the house."
"Wel,l you see I had to Mrs. Mui—er—Gregg," Claymore interjected. "Business is business."
Daniel placed his large paw on Claymore's jabbering face and pushed him away, keeping his eyes locked on Carolyn's the entire time. "He did sell it to a Mr. Winston Rinehart, the solicitor I hired in Boston-who then put Gull Cottage in your name—or what I hoped would be your new name. Claymore didn't know the true identity of the new owner until I informed him of such when we were in town seeing about the car the other day."
Carolyn was now crying happy tears. "You must have been pretty sure of yourself, Captain Gregg," she sniffed. "I mean, to have the lawyer put down Carolyn Gregg."
"Oh, I am, I always am," he assured her as she melted into his embrace. The wedding guests quietly exited the parlor and faded into the background as Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Gregg began to sway to a waltz only they could hear. Daniel grabbed Carolyn around her waist and lifted her in a joyous swirl, her gown flowing about her like a blossoming flower. Her arms went around his neck, "I love you," she declared happily. "But why only my name on the deed? It is truly is our house now."
He shrugged. "Security for you and the children should anything ever happen to me—not that it will," he was quick to reassure. He touched his forehead to hers and then rubbed his nose playfully against hers, finally his lips captured her mouth in a passionate kiss of devotion. He whispered in her ear, "Now and forever I will always love you." All Carolyn could do was to sigh against his cheek and cling tightly to him.
The dinner reception was enjoyed by all. Martha again outdid herself as a master chef and baker. Candy put her new Polaroid camera and film packet to good use becoming the unofficial wedding photographer, the camera spitting out shots at rapid speed of everyone and everything connected to the happy occasion. Daniel pulled Ed Peavey aside later on and asked him to start making an inventory and cost estimate of all the immediate repairs necessary for the old house, starting with the leaking roof. The list needed to include all the repairs Claymore had fudged on doing properly or even at all, always reminding Carolyn to read her lease agreement. Emily Williams found herself sitting next to Daniel at the dinner table at one point, she was aglow enjoying her daughter's obvious bliss. "Tell me, Daniel. If you've retired from the Navy what will you do with yourself now? You're much too young to be put out to pasture…or sea, in your case. Will you take a job in town?"
Daniel took a sip of his favorite madeira from a cordial glass. "Well mum," he began. "I've always wanted to craft my own sailing vessel. Build it sturdy and sea worthy by my own hands and my own design. A 40-foot Bluewater cruiser project should keep me occupied for a start. I was thinking I could convert the carriage house into a workshop of some kind."
Carolyn overheard the conversation. "I think that's a wonderful idea, darling."
"Can I help?" Jonathan wondered, icing and cake crumbs framing his mouth.
Daniel smiled fondly at the child and took the napkin off his lap to swipe it across Jonathan's frosted face. "Absolutely, skipper."
"Me too?" Candy inquired hopefully.
"Couldn't do it without you two," Daniel beamed back at her.
Eventually the hour grew late. Ed got frisky and kissed Martha full on the lips as he headed out the door. "Time to go out and warm up the old buggy. Thanks for the grub and congrats again Captain and Missus Gregg." He glanced once more at the glowing Christmas tree in the parlor and caught a glimpse at the old portrait above the fireplace. "Just can't get over the likeness you two share. Weirdest thing since imitation crab meat if you ask me. Well, goodnight folks!" He went out the door whistling a tune vaguely sounding like Jingle Bells.
Claymore put on his overcoat and wrapped a scarf around his neck. "Well, there goes my ride," he noted. "I asked Ed to pick me up, no sense spending money on gas if you don't have to. If you ask me, they won't be happy until they've got it up to a $1 a gallon. Congratulations again and thank you for dinner—oh! That reminds me!" He hurried back into the kitchen and came hustling back with a couple of paper plates covered in foil. "Almost forgot my lunch for tomorrow! Good night, all."
Carolyn was all smiles as she opened the door for him. "Good night and thanks again, Claymore."
He headed out into the night but paused on the porch and turned back. "I really will miss having you as a renter. You will let me know if you are ever in the market for another property, won't you…Mrs. Gregg?" He finally got it right.
Before she could answer Daniel's form loomed behind her and he pushed the door closed. It shut with a loud thud. The next moment the porch light was switched off leaving Claymore in darkness. Daniel guffawed to himself as his wife swatted him playfully. "That wasn't nice."
"I know!" he admitted gleefully. He wrapped his arm around her and they re-joined their family now all on kitchen duty helping Martha with the evening tasks.
It was nearing midnight and the newlyweds were snuggled on the sofa, they both having changed from their formal wear into more comfortable lounging attire. Carolyn had her feet tucked under her as she rested against Daniel's broad chest, his arms possessively holding her close. Scruffy was lying under the tree, his little legs flaying as he chased seagulls in his dreams. Daniel nuzzled Carolyn's hair, utterly content. "Alone at last!" he sighed.
"Mmm-hmm," she murmured "but you know…I should be mad at you, mister."
"Me? Whatever for?"
"You knew all along Gull Cottage was ours and we didn't have to move. You could have told me from the start, dear Captain."
"I wanted it to be a surprise," he explained simply.
She laughed lightly in response, "You got your wish."
"Aye, more than one." She felt him caress the top of her head as she reached up a hand to stroke his bearded face. "You know the old gal needs a lot of work."
"I beg your pardon!" Carolyn protested in feigned indignation.
"The ship, darling. Gull Cottage," he clarified needlessly.
She was quiet a moment, contemplating what he said. Then she asked, "Daniel, could we re-model a few things? Martha would love new, modern day kitchen appliances."
"And we most definitely need to add another bath upstairs connected to our cabin. Can't have you prancing about in your skivvies down the hallway."
Carolyn yawned and stretched against him. "Speaking of skivvies, it's about time I saw you in yours again, my love."
Daniel acted shocked. "M'dear, really! What would your mother say?"
Carolyn unwound her legs and stood up, reaching her hand down to him. "She would say it is time for bed. It is our wedding night, after all. Are you coming upstairs?" She smiled coyly at him.
He returned her smile and stretched himself, unwinding his full frame off the sofa. "I am most definitely joining you. We've practiced our wedding night consummation activities adequately. I believe we're ready for the actual performance."
She laughed lightly. "How very romantic of you," she joked, the smile never leaving her face. Hand in hand they went around their forever home turning off lights and double-checking door locks. They climbed the stairs together.
"So, tell me, love," Daniel said as they reached the landing. "Any thoughts for our honeymoon trip? Somewhere special you'd like to go?"
Carolyn paused for a moment, a smile spreading slowly across her lovely face. "How about Ireland?
Daniel was pleasantly surprised. "No blarney, Mrs. Gregg?"
She wrapped her arms about his waist and tilted her face for a kiss. "No blarney, Captain Gregg."
THE END