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CHAPTER SIX

AND A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL


By Friday, Chet was feeling much better and really looking forward to the reception on Saturday and their honeymoon beginning on Sunday. Jeanette was excited as well.

The only one not overly thrilled was Timmy who could not understand why he couldn't go to Massachusetts with them.

Ms. Boucher had come to visit and attempted to explain to the child.

"Timmy, you know that mommy and daddy are going on this trip to celebrate getting married and getting you. But what you don't know (and it MUST be a secret, so don't tell anyone you know. OK?)" And Tim shook his head and zipped his lips, saying, "Ok, Grandma, I promise."

"Well, Timmy. The real reason they are going is they have a special appointment with Santa Clause. You see, he vacations in Massachusetts for the month of November until December tenth and he asked mommy and daddy to come see him. Seems he has something very special just for you, but he needs your parents input. OK? So that is why you can't go.

So who have you decided to stay with?"

Hugging her, he said, "Please don't be mad, but I already promised Grandma Kelly I'd stay with her. But I promise to visit you and Aunt Dixie too, ok? I figured you are too busy being nurses."

Smiling at her 'grandson', Mary said, "Oh, Timmy, I could never be mad at you. Yes, you are right. Aunt Dixie and I are busy with work, while Grandma Kelly has more free time to spend with you and she won't be lonely with you around. Of course, we'll see each other alot."

After visiting some more, Mary left.

Friday was a very busy day, what with packing and making last minute arrangements.

Chet said, as they were packing, "Hey Jeanette, besides stuff to read, we should bring cards or a game. Seven days on a train is a long time and I don't know about you, but I'm afraid I may go stir crazy. What do you say?"

"Yes, that is a good idea. We could bring a regular and a canasta deck as well as the chess game, Scrabble and Monopoly, if you want. But I wonder.. I was on a cruise once and there was so much to do I did not have time to be bored. Maybe the train will be like that, but better be safe than bored!"

So finishing up their and Tim's packing, they both made an early night of it.

Saturday was a beautiful day.

Chet, Jeanette and Tim were all very excited about the reception and could hardly wait until four pm to come.

They arrived at the reception hall at three thirty and met up with Mrs. Kelly, Den and Ms. Boucher. They were all very anxious to begin the good times they knew they were going to have.

Chet and Jeanette had agreed to receive all the guests at the door.

The first to arrive were Roy and Joanne DeSoto and their children, followed by Johnny Gage and his current paramour. Next, Marco arrived with Rosita, joined by Mike and Peg Stoker and their children. Captain Hank Stanley came with his wife and youngest daughter. Then Dixie McCall and Dr. Kelly Brackett came with Dr. Joe Early and his date. The relatives and friends on both sides then arrived.

Jeanette was getting a little anxious-she hadn't been sure if her father would show, but she was hoping he would. Suddenly the door opened and in came Pierre Boucher, alone.

Much to her surprise and delight, she gave her father a big hug and said, "Merci, papa!

"I thought you were still in Paris. I'm so glad you were able to come. Have you seen mom? She looks beautiful."

Pierre Boucher just looked at his beautiful daughter and smiled. "Mon chere, of course I came. I had to be here for one of the happiest and most important days of your life.

Chet, we've only briefly met, but I would like to remedy that. Perhaps we can spare a few minutes this evening and talk a bit?"

"Yes, sir. I will be sure to set some time aside and then let you know, ok?"

"Oui, that will be good. Now let me go and see your mama. Is she here alone?"

"Oui, papa. She is. I would love it if you were to dance with her at least once ok?"

"Oui, my pet. I promise I will, if she agrees."

Within minutes, the DJ announced, "And now I would like to present the couple of the hour. Please stand up for MR AND MRS. CHESTER BEDIVERE KELLY."

Chet almost died on the spot when he heard his middle name announced and looked at Jeanette, who looked innocently up at him. He then, furtively, glanced at is friends, and saw John with his devilish smile and Jim Reed trying not to laugh too hard. He was gonna get them back as only the Phantom could.

Everyone stood and clapped as Jeanette and Chet walked in, holding hands. Both were beaming and all at the reception could see how much in love they were.

Both Mrs. Kelly and Boucher were so proud and crying for joy for their children. Especially Mrs. Kelly, who could not believe how much Chet had been through in such a short time.

As everyone sat down, the DJ then said, "Now, Mr. and Mrs. Kelly will dance their first dance together as man and wife.

Jeanette and Chet went to the dance floor and danced to their favorite song, "And I Love You" by the Beatles.

After thier initial dance, they separated with Chet going to his mother and Jeanette to her father. They then danced to "Sunrise, Sunset" and Jeanette couldn't help but cry.

"Why the tears, my pet?"

"Oh, papa, I just realized how much I miss you. Why can't you stay here all the time?"

Smiling at his eldest daughter, Pierre said, "Well, I wasn't going to tell you, but I will be staying here-at least for six months. I'm undergoing an experimental procedure for dialysis at UCLA Medical Center beginning January. If successful, I may not need as much dialysis as I get now. So I will be here longer."

Jeanette, while glad to hear this was worried but wouldn't show her dad so she encouraged him. Knowing she would research it more herself.

The dance ended and Chet and Jeanette walked their parents back. Although getting tired, Jeanette then approached Denny and Chet approached his mother--in-law. They then danced to "Thanks for Being a Friend."

After these three dances, a tired Mr. and Mrs. Kelly finally were able to sit down. As they passed the DJ, Jeanette stopped and whispered something to him.

"What's up?"

"Oh, Chet, it's something I've always wanted to see. My mom and dad dancing. I remembered a song mom said was their song. I guess I am still being a little girl, wishing they would hook up again."

Grabbing his wife, he hugged her, saying, "Never know, hon, never know."

After a few fast songs, the DJ announced: "I now have a special request from Mrs. Chet Kelly. Mr. Boucher, Mrs. Boucher would you please step up to the dance floor? Your daughter has requested you dance at least one dance together just for her."

Jeanette's parents reluctantly walked to the dance floor and prepared to dance. They had not really done anything together in over ten years and even though they were friendly, it still felt awkward.

The DJ played "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers. Pierre and Mary were stunned to hear their song and looked over at Jeanette, who was smiling and crying at the same time. They began to dance and feelings welled up on both sides.

As they were dancing, Mary recalled how much she once loved and cared for this charming Frenchman.

"Oh, damn, Pierre, why'd she pick 'our song'? God, I'd forgotten what a wonderful dancer you are."

"My angel, I still care very deeply for you. As you know, I never stayed married to Lenore but.... oh, I don't know, mi amor, I still have feelings for you, too. Do you think...?"

"Pierre, I don't know. Why not come sit next to me instead of two chairs away? We can talk some then."

The music ended and they walked over to Jeanette and Chet.

"Well, Jean, we are talking. Who knows what you might find when you come back? EH?"

"Oui, papa. Oh, I love you both so much. MERCI!"

The rest of the reception was as much fun as the start.

Jeanette threw the bouquet and Dixie caught it, while Johnny caught the garter belt, which Chet threw.

Much to Johnny's embarrassment, he had to then put the garter on Dixie's leg while everyone kept teasing him and the DJ played the striptease song. Dixie smiled seductively and kept teasing her favorite paramedic. By the time he was finished, he was so red he almost glowed!

THEN the DJ said, "OK, John now you have to remove it and let Dixie put it on your leg"

"NO WAY! "

Everyone yelled, "YEAH Gage do it." Chet teased him by saying, "What are you afraid of? She won't bite, right Dixie?

This is great, Gage, even when I don't try, the Phantom gets ya! BWAHAHA!"

Everyone laughed and John almost fainted from embarrassment.

Then came the cake and Jeanette had made Chet promise no cake in the face. What she didn't realize, he had had his fingers crossed behind his back. He was looking back to a little revenge for Bedivere being revealed.

He and she cut the cake and he grabbed a chunk and stuffed it on to her face. She then said, "OH YEAH, MR. KELLY!" and she threw a chunk at him. They were both laughing so hard they had tears running down their faces.

The rest of the group, laughed and Captain Stanley yelled, "Leave some for us, ya twits!" which made everyone laugh even harder.

At the toast, Marco, as best man, said,

"Chet and Jeanette, may you have love to last a lifetime, fun to remember in your golden years, and children to help you enjoy it all.

Chet, you are my best friend. Even though you are a crazy Irishman, I know I can always count on you.

Jeanette, thank you for being there when Chet really needed a stabilizing force in his life and for giving him something to strive to get well for.

To Mr. and Mrs. Chet Kelly, two very special people."

Everyone clapped and yelled, "HERE HERE! TO CHET AND JEANETTE!" And toasted the very happy couple.

The reception began winding down around ten thirty and Chet, Tim and Jeanette left, all very tired but very, very happy.