Note: This was supposed to be a romance, so let's get back to it, shall we? The feedback box is right next to the exit, thank you very much …Thanks to ultimatewedding.com for the text to the Apache Blessing David speaks in this chapter. CR/DB
Seasons To Remember
Chapter 14: About Time
"Speaking of tiny tots," Ramon chuckled as he saw his twin daughters, age eight, peering through the door. He beckoned them over. "What's up, girls?"
"Can Mommy help us?" Colleen asked, holding out her brand-new Barbie doll dressed in an elaborate wedding gown. "I can't fix the veil right." Her sister nodded, looking balefully at Ken, whose tuxedo pants were hanging crookedly off the plastic hips.
"Yeah – and the stupid bow tie won't stay put, either," Caitlyn grumbled. Tomboy that she was, she didn't really like enacting wedding scenarios (she would have preferred a G.I. Joe, or another real 'action' figure), but she'd do it for her twin.
"Here, let me see," Trini smiled, and deftly took care of the wardrobe problems.
"Thanks, Mom!" And off they dashed again, hands full of cookies to share with their sibs and cousins.
The girls' dilemma, coupled with Tommy and Kat's earlier announcement, quite naturally brought the conversation around to weddings in general … and the Scott and Oliver ceremonies in particular. Obligingly, Tommy leafed through Kim's scrapbooks until he found the right place.
"Here're the photos from Kim's and my wedding," he smiled, remembering that special day as if it had been only yesterday. "Take a look."
"Oh my God ... what is that?" Trini gasped in horrified amazement. It was a picture of Kimberly garbed in the most outlandish wedding dress she'd ever seen. The heavily embroidered, salmon pink bodice folded back like a vest or open collar in the back. The full satin skirt pouffed out, overwhelming the petite bride-to-be within.
"The hat has just about swallowed Aunt Kim whole!" Jasmine tittered. The bizarre millinery creation flared out over Kim's head and hung down almost obscuring her face.
"That was the latest in haute couture from Paris," Tommy explained, rolling his eyes.
Kat giggled. "Isn't that the one her mother thought would look so darling on her?"
"Grandma Caroline picked that out?" Jay murmured in astonishment. He'd always thought his maternal grandmother had the most discriminating taste.
"Caroline was still heavily into her if-it's-Parisian-it-has-to-be-good phase; thankfully, she grew out of it," Tommy remarked with relief. "Actually, Caroline offered to pay for the entire wedding if we let her do the planning."
He shuddered at the potential horror of his mother-in-law's machinations.
"Would it have been so bad?" Oliver wondered; he and Jasmine would have loved to have had someone offer to pay for the whole shebang; he thought turning over the planning would have been a small price to pay.
"Yes, it would have," Tommy said with unequivocal certainty.
"For starters, she would have found a different groom," Kat snickered.
"Grandma Caroline didn't like you?" Trini was aghast.
"Let's just say ... she always thought Kim could have done better," he sighed, recalling that Caroline Hart Dumas had never taken a shining to him, even in high school. "I grew on her eventually, though. Although, up to our wedding day, she kept throwing 'good catches' in Kim's direction."
"And she wasn't subtle about it, either," Kat said with an amused shake of her head. "Kim really had to love her mother to put up with all of that."
"Kim fought her mother every step of the way to get the wedding she wanted," Tommy chuckled. "For a while there, it wasn't clear which woman was going to out-stubborn the other. Finally, we offered a compromise; Caroline could plan the reception – except for the DJ."
"That was awfully generous of you," Lynne remarked, knowing how she would have felt if her mother had been so domineering as to disregard her wishes when it came to her wedding.
"It was more like self-preservation," Tommy concluded. "Once Caroline had something to occupy her, we were finally able to get our wedding planned."
"I wouldn't complain too much," Kat interjected. "Caroline did do an excellent job with your reception. The Country Club provided an excellent atmosphere and the food was superb." Then, she smiled wickedly. "If it had been left up to you, you guys would have wound up at the Youth Center eating Ernie's pizza!"
~*~
The rehearsal had broken up, and everyone was headed back to their cars, except for the bride and groom. Kimberly remained behind gazing at the temporary gazebo that had been erected on 'their' spot in the park, trying to picture it bedecked with flowers as it would be tomorrow afternoon. Tommy stood behind her, his arms wrapped about her, waiting for her to speak. His wife-to-be had been, at turns, unusually flustered and unusually quiet throughout the day.
"You know, at first, I didn't think I wanted the gazebo here," Kim began at last. "I mean, it's never been here before .... This place has always been so special to us ...."
"It's where 'we' began," Tommy murmured, his words a warm caress, evoking memories of the day he first asked her out.
Kim shivered with delight, then continued, "But the park director all but insisted that we use it in case of rain."
"A wise precaution," Tommy reminded her. Even in late May, Spring showers could whip up at any time, and he recalled how much Kim hated looking like a drowned rat.
"Now that I see it with the water behind it and the sun shining through ... I like it."
"Me, too, Beautiful."
For a moment, the two stood there in thoughtful silence. Kim let her mind wander back to Valentine's Day two years ago: the most incredible day of her life. It had started at her apartment with the surprise that Tommy wasn't in Daytona with his uncle like he was supposed to have been. She'd already resigned herself to being alone on both her birthday and Valentine's Day, even though they'd only been back together as a couple for five months. However, Tommy had stayed behind to help her celebrate both occasions.
It had been unseasonably warm and sunny for February ... it couldn't have been a more perfect day if it had been June. Tommy's celebration was a day in the park: long walks holding hands, playing on the swings, a picnic for two. The day ended at 'their' spot. They sat on the low stone wall and watched the sunset, sometimes kissing, sometimes talking. They snuggled together as the golden orb dropped below the horizon and the sky filled with tints of orange, pink and purple. They sat there, totally content, as the sky turned to black and the stars came twinkling into view.
"Oh, Tommy, this has been the best birthday I've ever had," she sighed happily. "I can't think of a thing to make this day more perfect."
"But I haven't even given you your present yet," he mock-pouted.
"You being here with me is present enough," she assured him, although secretly pleased he'd been so thoughtful.
Out of his pocket, he removed a small black jeweler's box. She gasped and reached for it with trembling hands. She almost couldn't open it; Tommy had to help her.
Inside was a ring, the crown a burnished rose in full bloom with a diamond set in the center. The shanks were sculpted to resemble leafy vines sprinkled with diamond flecks.
"Tommy, it's beautiful," she exclaimed in a hushed whisper.
"It belonged to Dad's great-grandmother; it's been passed down to the eldest child, finally winding up with me," he explained. He clasped Kim's hands around the box and continued, "Kimberly, I promised myself that if you ever came back into my life, I would never let you go ever again. Without you in my life, nothing's been right."
He shifted and dropped to one knee. "Kim, I love you ... I have since that day by the lockers. Please help me keep my promise to myself by accepting this ring and consenting to be my wife."
Kim's eyes widened in astonishment at his words. She'd hoped and prayed that she'd hear them someday, but not so soon ....
"Will you marry me?" he reiterated softly, removing the ring from its box. He gazed up at her with hopeful, soulful, puppy-dog eyes. Tears welled in her doe-brown orbs, and she had to close them to blink away the moisture gathering therein.
Thank you for giving me this second chance, she offered up in silent prayer, hardly able to contain her happiness.
Tommy, however, misconstrued her extended silence.
"Kimberly ...?" he prompted anxiously, and she had to turn her head away to hide her smile. He sounded so much like he had at sixteen after he'd asked her out to the dance and she'd delayed answering.
When she faced him once more, the smile was still on her lips and her eyes sparkled with the reflection of the light glowing in her heart. She reached out to touch his cheek, then her fingers wandered up to ruffle his hair – except there was nothing to ruffle, and a slight frown tugged at her lips.
"Of course I'll marry you," she replied. "It's all I ever wanted, but there's one condition."
His brow furrowed. "What's that?"
"You grow your hair out before the wedding."
Kim's thoughts returned to the here and now, and she turned to face Tommy, reaching up to run her fingers through his once-again sexy locks.
"There were times when I thought this day would never come," she said, her voice rough with her emotions, a mixture of tears of joy and the more powerful stirrings playing with his hair never failed to awaken.
Tommy held her tighter. "I know; me, too, but our hearts never stopped believing. And tomorrow, I'll be the luckiest, happiest man alive."
Suddenly, Tommy picked her up and spun her around. Kim let out a startled squeak of surprise and happy laughter. However, instead of setting her down, Tommy scooped her into his arms and carried her across the threshold of the gazebo.
"Tommy, we're going to be late for dinner," she protested weakly as his mouth descended on hers passionately.
"Kim, I don't want to wait for tomorrow. I want us to be married now," he blurted out as he lightly placed her on her feet but held her so he could gaze into her eyes.
"I don't understand," she murmured, her pulse beating inexplicably faster as she looked up at the man she loved. The sun was setting, the water sparkling like gold. The reflected illumination lit Tommy's face like candlelight. His hair was loose, falling about his face, and his dark eyes were warm and all but glowing with the feelings inside him. When she found her voice again, she said, "How can we be married now? There's no minister ... no witnesses ...."
"They don't really matter," Tommy went on. "They're just legal formalities. What matters is what's in our hearts. And there is a minister and witnesses ...." He gestured expansively towards the heavens.
Tears glittered in Kimberly's eyes, and smiling, she gave Tommy a small nod. He beamed with joy as he clasped both her hands.
"I, Tommy, take you, Kim, to be my wife ...." he began rather informally. Tomorrow Thomas James Oliver and Kimberly Ann Hart would speak the formal phrases; tonight was for Tommy and Kim who'd loved each other since high school.
"I, Kim, take you, Tommy, to be my husband ...."
"To have and to hold from this day forward ...."
"For better, for worse ...."
"For richer, for poorer ...."
"In sickness and in health ...."
"To love and to cherish ...."
" 'Til death do us part."
They didn't have the rings, having entrusted them to Jason so Tommy wouldn't forget them. Instead, Tommy substituted, "With this kiss, I thee wed."
"With this kiss, I thee wed," Kim echoed.
Tommy reached up to touch her petal-soft cheek even as he bent forward. As if in slow motion, she raised up on her toes, meeting him, and when their lips met, it was not in the chaste kiss they'd share before their friends and families tomorrow.
Their passions flared brightly, and Tommy pulled Kim closer, holding her tighter, needing to feel her, so soft and warm and alive, in his arms ... against his body .... The move surprised her, and she gave a startled gasp. Her lips had barely parted when Tommy's tongue darted in to caress hers. She responded with equal enthusiasm, devouring him as he drank deeply of her.
Her hands skimmed up his chest, feeling the pounding of his heart, before threading up around his neck. Her fingers played with the hair at the nape of his neck. Tommy's hands, meanwhile, traveled up and down the length of her back, pausing briefly to cup the swell of her derrière.
"Mmm ...." Kim purred as Tommy's mouth left hers and began to deliciously nosh his way down the side of her neck.
Tommy's hands returned to her shoulders and without missing a beat, he brushed aside the white linen bolero jacket she wore so his kisses could cover the whole of her lightly bronzed shoulders.
He was still busy devouring her when he lifted her and sat her on the lip of the gazebo wall, placing her at a more convenient height.
"Kim," he murmured thickly, still kissing her senseless, his fingers dancing across the swell of her bosom bared over the edge of her pink sheath's strapless bodice. "Tell me to stop because I don't think I can otherwise."
He was referring to the old promise she'd made herself to be a virgin on her wedding day. It was a resolve she'd stuck to, even when she and Tommy sometimes shared her too-small bed. There had been times, though, when it had been difficult not to cross that ultimate boundary (though they had seriously taxed it on more than one occasion).
Kim didn't respond with words immediately; her hands returned to Tommy's chest where she deftly parted the buttons on his shirt, baring the strong planes of his chest. She leaned into him, nuzzling her cheek against the satiny-smooth flesh.
"I don't want you to stop," she murmured. She felt Tommy's start of surprise, and he pulled back to regard her with passion-darkened eyes.
"Kim?" he queried wonderingly ... hopefully ...
She wiggled her shoulders and torso so when she lifted her arms to encircle his neck, she lifted free of her bodice. Tommy shuddered with excitement and longing, feeling her softness against him.
"After all, didn't we just exchange our vows? This is our wedding night; isn't it?" she teased, planting a quick kiss on the tip of his nose.
Tommy's grin filled his face. "Should we go back to your apartment?"
"No. Here's just perfect – don't you think?"
Tommy's response was to capture her mouth in a spirited kiss as his fingers eased down her zipper.
~*~
"You missed the rehearsal dinner," Jason chided Tommy as he helped him with his ascot the next morning. Tommy was too distracted to arrange it himself.
"You only said you were going to be late," David, his other groomsman, interjected, shaking his head at his younger brother.
"By the way, Dave, how long did you stay behind?" Tommy asked. Last night, he'd totally forgotten that he'd asked his brother to hang back and snap a picture of him and Kim standing in the gazebo at sunset. David Trueheart, it turned out, had a great eye with the camera. Tommy had a couple of his shots of the desert in his room at his folk's house.
"I got out of there as soon as the mush started," David informed him. "Trust me, though; it's a shot Kim is going to love."
Jason noted the look of relief which swept over Tommy's face, which prompted him to ask with a knowing grin, "Is Kim going to be able to stand in the gazebo without blushing today?"
Tommy's expression was all innocence as he replied, "I thought brides were supposed to be blushing."
His brother by blood and brother by choice both snickered.
"It wasn't very nice of you to leave us to make your excuses to your future mother-in-law," David grumbled.
"I never realized Kim's mother had such a lurid imagination," Jason chuckled. He had finished placing the pin in the ascot and held out his hand for the boutonnière, which David dutifully handed over. Tommy, however, was too excited to stand still much longer. Jason warned, "If you don't stop fidgeting, I'm going to skewer you with this straight pin."
Once the flower was in place on Tommy's lapel, Jason stepped back to survey his handiwork.
"Think he'll do?" he wisecracked to Tommy's brother.
Tommy turned to his mirror to have a final look. The dark, Victorian-cut frock coat in charcoal grey fit him to perfection, and there was actually plenty of room in the lighter grey trousers. He fiddled with the unfamiliar neckwear and tugged at the dove-grey waistcoat. He had even endured an early-morning torture session with Kat and Aisha to make sure his once-again longish locks were fixed to Kim's liking. They'd finally settled on a loose ponytail at the nape of his neck. He had to admit, he looked pretty good, but then, when he and Kim had first selected the tuxes, she had taken one look at him and declared, "Yum!"
David scrutinized him carefully, then said, "He won't embarrass Jan and Thomas."
Tommy's groomsmen and the ushers wore the same tuxedo as he; the only difference was that their boutonnières were purple roses and his was yellow.
"And here I thought the two of you were here for moral support, not wisecracks," Tommy snorted in mock-disgust at the two comedians.
"You're not even nervous," David noted. "You're the most composed groom I've ever seen."
"Tommy, you're so sure of yourself, you don't need moral support," Jason observed dryly.
"That's because I know this is right. I have no doubts," Tommy claimed with conviction. "This is what I've waited forever for, and I can hardly wait."
"So what does he need us for?" David asked of Jason, who shrugged.
"To get him to the park on time?"
~*~
"Girl, Tommy's not going to be able to remember his lines when he sees you coming down the aisle," Aisha declared as she put the finishing touches on Kimberly's veil.
Kim's wedding dress was simplicity itself: white matte satin with an off-the-shoulder neckline and empire bodice. The princess silhouette was set off by pearl beading on the neckline, waistline and hem, and the floor-length gown had little to no train. Her veil was a simple headband with pearl beading to match the dress, and the tulle fell to her waist. Her hair was brushed back and tucked into the band, otherwise it fell loosely about her shoulders.
"Perhaps she should wear a cloak or something," Kat teased as she handed Kim her elbow-length gloves. "We don't want Tommy's infamous memory failing him today."
Kim scarcely heard the banter as she dreamily recalled the previous evening. She and Tommy had made love in the gazebo until the stars were out and the moon high in the sky. They had totally forgotten about their rehearsal dinner; thankfully Tommy had told Jason that they were going to be late, at the very least.
By the time they had the energy – and inclination – to leave the park, the wedding party had long since left the restaurant. Kim was supposed to have stayed with Kat and Aisha at the Hillards' house, so the three of them would have enough room to get ready. The hour had been so late that she had Tommy take her back to her apartment instead. However, when she arrived, she found her bridesmaids waiting for her.
"Girls," Doris called, opening the door and poking her head inside. "The photographer is here, and so are your parents, Kim."
"We'll be right down," Kim answered, snapping out of her reverie. The professional photographer had come to the house to get some informal shots, and Doris and Robert had graciously allowed them to borrow their parlor since Kim's family no longer lived in town.
"Here's your bouquet," Kat said, handing over a vibrant arrangement of yellow and orange tiger lilies, red, purple and yellow roses, orange mums, red bell flowers and greenery. Both Kat and Aisha had similar nosegays which played off their lavender gowns nicely. Their dresses were much like Kim's gown: lavender matte satin, off-the-shoulder neckline, empire waists ... the differences being no pearl beading and the tea-length skirt.
Kimberly had surprised everyone when she selected lavender and dove grey as her colors. They'd all assumed she'd go with pink. She'd been tempted, but as she and Kat began talking about dresses and flowers, she saw how much Kat had her heart set on pink, so she demurred, thinking two pink weddings in succession would be a bit much. Not that she minded in the least; purple had been her favorite color back when she was a little girl – ever since her grandmother had told her amethyst was her birthstone.
"Do you have everything?" Kat queried.
"Something old ...." Aisha prompted.
Kim held up her right hand, showing off the antique rose ring that hadn't left her finger since Tommy had put it there – until today.
"Something new ...." Kat chimed in.
Kim fingered the gold chain about her neck with the delicate cross – a surprisingly tasteful gift from her mother.
"Something borrowed ...." the bridesmaids intoned simultaneously.
Her fingers went to the simple yet exquisite pearl earrings Jan had loaned her.
"Something blue."
Kim frowned. She couldn't think of anything she had with her that was blue, not even a blue bow on her garter.
"Don't worry; I have just the thing," Aisha announced. From her overnight bag, she removed a small animal figurine with a blue bow tied around its neck.
"What ...?" Kim began, puzzled. However, once she saw what rested in Aisha's palm, her eyes began to mist up.
It was a miniature sabertooth tiger.
"Oh, you guys ...." she stammered, her lower lip trembling as she bravely tried to hold back her tears. Although Kat was standing up with Jason and Aisha with David, neither of her dear friends would claim the title of Maid of Honor. They had jointly decided that the honor would remain Trini's even though she was no longer with them.
"Don't cry, Kim; your mascara will run," Kat soothed even as she snatched up a tissue to dab away the moisture.
"There," Aisha murmured. She had inserted the tiger into Kim's bouquet.
"You guys are the best," Kim sniffled happily.
~*~
Tommy waited out of sight of the gazebo, awaiting his cue. Through the concealing rushes, he could see Rocky, Billy and Zack seating the guests.
"Hey, look," Jason said in surprise, "It looks like Adam and Tanya were able to make it after all."
Just then, David returned to the 'wings'. He'd been snapping some candid shots of the guests. He was primarily a nature photographer, but he still had a good eye for people as well. As he began putting up his equipment, he informed his companions, "The limo has arrived. Things will be starting soon."
"Nervous yet?" Jason teased, noticing that Tommy was shifting from foot to foot anxiously.
"I can't wait to see Kim in her dress," was the reply, with a touch of a pout. "She wouldn't even show me a picture of it."
All too soon, the music started. (Thankfully, Zack hadn't switched the tape to "Her Strut" like he'd threatened last night!) The minister took his position in the gazebo, and the trio made their way to their places.
Aisha started down the aisle first; David met her three rows from the front and escorted her up the steps to inside of the flower-bedecked structure.
Kat was next, and Tommy smiled at Jason, who was glowing with so much pride and love one would have thought him the lucky one being married.
"Just wait 'til next summer, bro," Tommy hissed just as Jason stepped forward to claim his fiancée's arm.
The music swelled into the wedding march, and Tommy stood a little straighter. He looked up the aisle for his first glimpse of Kimberly ... and it took his breath away. Suddenly, he was sixteen again, seeing her for the first time. Her eyes sparkled radiantly and the warmth of her smile penetrated into his heart and soul, lighting the darkest corners within him. And once again, he knew that she was the missing part of himself ... that she was his life.
Kim felt the intensity of Tommy's gaze as she glided down the aisle beside her father. She felt her insides turn to mush as his lips turned up in that shy, little-boy smile he'd first flashed her once upon a time, and his eyes shone with his love for her. It was all she could do to maintain her sedate walk when she really wanted to race down the aisle and throw herself into his arms.
"Wow," Tommy stammered in a hushed whisper as Ken Hart placed Kim's hand in his. It was all he had time for before they were standing before the minister.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered her today ...."
Kim was grateful she and Tommy had exchanged private vows last night because she scarcely heard the words today as she lost herself in Tommy's eyes, and he in hers.
"Therefore, if any man can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let him speak now or forever hold his peace ...."
Tommy's lips twitched, recalling Rocky's threat that if anyone said a word against them, he'd punch their lights out.
"Will you have this woman to be your wedded wife ...."
Jason had to discreetly nudge Tommy when it came time to answer.
"I will, with all my heart," Tommy ad-libbed.
"Will you have this man to be your wedded husband ...."
Kat had to do the same favor for Kim.
"I will," she answered, gnawing at her lower lip in spite of the certainty in her heart.
Though his hands were shaking, Tommy didn't drop the ring as Jason handed it over.
"With this ring, I thee wed," he intoned, sliding the plain gold band on her left hand. His words brought a fierce blush to Kim's cheeks as they also brought other memories to mind.
It took Kim a moment to collect herself before she could reciprocate. "With this ring, I thee wed."
The minister joined their hands together and said, "What God has joined let no man put asunder."
Before the benediction, David read a special blessing.
"Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth.
"Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulty and fear assail your relationship – as they threaten all relationships at one time or another – remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives – remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight."
They allowed David's blessing to settle into their hearts, basking in its warmth and already knowing something of its truth. Then, the minister spoke the final words of the ceremony, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
"I thought he'd never get to that part," Tommy murmured cheekily under his breath as he drew Kim close.
"Behave! Remember, our parents are watching," she scolded him as she leaned into him.
However, neither one held back once their lips touched. Their heated exchange lingered until Jason tactfully cleared his throat. When they parted, Tommy smiled knowingly, and Kimberly blushed crimson.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Oliver."
The recessional music came to life, and Tommy and Kim headed down the aisle under a shower of soap bubbles.
They stood in the receiving line for what seemed like an hour, though the guest list to the ceremony had been small. They accepted graciously all the handshakes, hugs, kisses and other tokens of congratulations. When at last the final well-wisher had moved on, Tommy claimed Kim's arm.
"Your chariot awaits, Beautiful."
"I just hope Rocky and Zack went easy on the toilet paper," Kim said with a laugh.
"I don't think they'll have had a chance to get at the real getaway car," Tommy commented slyly.
"What do you mean?" Kim asked, glancing at him askance.
"Behold, m'lady, your chariot."
Kim gasped as her eyes followed his gesture. Just up ahead stood a white horse-drawn carriage, flowers like those in her bouquet decorating the sides.
"Tommy!" she gasped with delight. This was one detail she hadn't known about ahead of time. She smiled brilliantly as he handed her up into the open coach.
Once they were settled, the driver flicked the reins, and they drove off amid a chorus of cheers and hearty laughter.
~*~
"I never did find out how they pulled that off," Tommy concluded the tale, indicating David's picture of them driving off into the sunset. The rear of the carriage boasted a festive sign declaring, "It's About Time" instead of "Just Married".
"Making a guess at the likely culprits, I'm not sure you'd have wanted to know," Kat said dryly.
"You may have a point there," Tommy conceded with an amused snort. "Zack and Rocky had enough of a field day on my bachelor party!"
"It can't have been worse than Aisha's antics – both for Kim and for me."
"Oh? And I guess I don't want to know about that, either?"
"Maybe when you're a little older, dear," Kat deadpanned, causing their children to groan at the age-old parental evasion. "Be content with the nice memories … and speaking of which, I think my favorite memory of your and Kim's wedding was at the reception," Kat began, laughing softly. "When your Aunt Elsa told Caroline off ...!"
"... the expression on Caroline's face was priceless!" Tommy chuckled. "Kim laughed so hard she had tears in her eyes. What I wouldn't have given to have had a picture of that!"
"Who's Aunt Elsa?" Jay wondered. He looked to Trini, and his sister was just as clueless as he. Their extended blood-family wasn't so large that they didn't know all the aunts and uncles at the very least.
"Aunt Elsa was my great-aunt – my grandfather's sister," Tommy explained. "She died a couple of years after you were born, Jay. She was in her nineties when she died ... and had a mind like a steel trap. Most of the family was terrified of her; she was a feisty, sharp-tongued old gal. I miss her."
"What did she say to Grandma Caroline?" Trini wondered.
"Caroline was complaining about the music – the one aspect of the reception she hadn't been in control of," Kat supplied helpfully. "I can't imagine why. Curtis – Zack's cousin – played an incredible variety of tunes ... including polkas!"
"Caroline made the mistake of voicing her complaints within Aunt Elsa's striking distance," Tommy resumed with fond amusement. "Aunt Elsa wielded her cane like a master swordsman. She pounded it on the ground and nailed Caroline's foot. Then she said, 'Put a sock in it, Caroline; this is a party, not a Broadway production. If you don't like the music, go home. If not, shut up so the rest of us can hear it instead of your incessant griping.'"
Tommy's mimicry of his aunt's tone was near-perfect, and the kids broke into peals of merriment.
"I bet Grandma Caroline was thoroughly put out," Jay snickered. Nobody dared talk back to his grandmother.
"She was," Kat chuckled.
"She was also secretly impressed," Tommy added. "She really took a liking to Aunt Elsa after that and was quite distraught when she died. Kim always thought Aunt Elsa must have reminded her mother of a beloved deceased relative or something."
"I think I would have liked her," Trini decided.
"I know she would have liked you."
To Be Continued …