Ben yawned as he sat in the living room of the Conner home. He sat on the brown leather couch across from the big screen in a grey tee shirt and shorts. The television made a mix of blue light and shadow dance across Ben's face. The Conner house was dark except for the television. Ben had never been a morning person. He squinted at the VCR to see what time it was: 7:17AM. He reclined on the couch; his eyes stared lazily at the screen, until his fiancée came on. He was watching the Today show. "And were back, this is Today on NBC, and I'm Matt Lauer. Now were going to welcome a special guest this morning. She is the author of the highly successful and controversial novel Dying for 16. She's also a recently received her Doctorate degree in English and is a professor at the University of Washington. She is the lovely, Monica Young."
Ben instantly perked up as he saw his Monica stride out to meet the handsome host. She wore pink blouse and black skirt, her hair was held in a bun by a white hairclip. A synthesized studio audience clapped politely, and Monica took a seat opposite Lauer. The host gave a quick handshake and Monica crossed her legs. Then she leaned forward in the brown leather chair, curling her hands on her knee. Matt Lauer tilted his head to the right and rested it on his knuckle. He smiled at widely at Monica, who was blinking furiously trying to get used to the bright stage lights. The interview began: "Well it's quite and impressive feat for a first novel to reach number seven on the New York Times best seller list." Matt said in a newsy voice.
"Thank you," Monica replied politely.
"I think the first thing that sticks out are the dedications." Lauer's tone grew slightly more serious.
"They are a little cryptic aren't they," Monica smiled as she replied.
"To say the least. The first thing I think the world wants to know is, who is Ben?" Lauer's eyes narrowed slightly. Ben watched the camera switch from the host's face to Monica's.
"Well I think that's a question for Ben." Miss Young replied evenly.
"Okay well then, where is Ben?" Lauer tried a new tactic.
"I believe that's also a question for Ben." Monica dodged again, leaning back in the chair and propping her own head on a fist.
"Well at least tell me this, is Ben a real person?" The camera panned back to Monica, who stayed silent but gave a mischievous grin. After several moments the host spoke again. "I assume from your cryptic smile that you're not answering."
Monica shook her head. "Not all of my life is for public consumption."
"Well I notice there's a very real ring on that left hand. Which you aren't wearing in the jacket picture." Lauer smiled slyly and pointed his pen at the engagement ring. Again Monica didn't bite and stayed silent."What about the other dedications?" Lauer moved on in a slightly defeated tone.
"Doctor Scott Clair is an attending physician at University Hospital in Denver. He answered many questions in regard to the medical details I put in the book. Most of that research was done over the phone. Jane is employed in the high school where the book is set. She was kind enough to give me a guided tour. The dedication was a surprise to her because I toured this school long before I ever began writing." Monica relaxed slightly, thinking the hard part was over.
"This book has been controversial. It describes a teacher engaging in sexual activity with a student, who is also a minor. This has had parental rights and family groups up in arms." Lauer's eyes narrowed again as the questioning toughened.
Ben continued to sit in the dark, eyes riveted to the television. On the screen: a dismissive wave of the hand and a smile from Monica. "Well tell that to my publisher. They're fine with it, whatever makes people read. Generally the book has been well received. At least one would think at the rate it's selling. I've said, many times since the book came out, that it wasn't my intention to make some sort of political or social statement. Dying for 16 is first and foremost a mystery. I think the great majority of people are enjoying it on that level, and I certainly hope that continues."
Ben spread himself out on the couch and watched the rest of the interview. Watching his fiancée on television was a turn on, but it was more than that. In his eyes, Monica had finally become comfortable in her own skin. Before coming back to Washington: the questions about him and the book would have made her nervous, maybe even angry. Now she simply smiled and took it in stride, her answers dodging and evading as masterfully as any politician. Ben considered a sign of how happy she was, and how happy they made each other. He got up off the couch and drew the curtains in the living room. He was greeted by bright sunshine on this June day; the wedding was now a mere thirty hours away.
Ben shook his head at the thought, still not quite believing it. He stared out the window at the back lawn as his brother Sam crept up behind him. Sam wasn't a morning person either and carried a coffee mug in his right hand. "Hey little brother," he surprised Ben.
"Hey Sam, rough night?" Ben noticed Sam pulling at his neck with his free hand.
"Yeah, not my own bed ya know. So you feeling lucky punk?" Sam punched Ben's shoulder.
"Very lucky." Ben grinned at his older brother. "I'm glad you're here Sam and I'm honored you'll be my best man."
Sam took a long sip at his coffee. "Best man eh, well listen, I'd trade places with you."
"I'll bet you would." Ben answered chuckling.
"Hey I've got to protect my little brother, even if it means taking the marriage bullet for him." Sam grinned as he raised his mug and took another long drink.
"A touching sacrifice to be sure." Roland said loudly as he approached his sons. He also carried a coffee mug in his right hand.
Ben rolled his eyes and Sam burst out laughing. "Hey dad," Both said in unison.
Roland took a relaxed sip from his mug but then promptly sprayed the contents of his mouth in the general direction of his sons. "God Sam, I said strong not lethal. I'm not supposed to be able to chew coffee."
"It hits the spot." Sam replied through rolling laughter.
"And rubs it out." Roland continued, still choking from the drink.
"You guys see Monica this morning?" Ben asked the other men, his voice rising with interest.
"Yes Ben," both replied together, rolling their eyes.
"Sorry, guess I've mentioned the interview a hundred times by now." Ben looked at the ground.
"At least," Sam scolded.
Roland stood next to his sons and smiled. "Alright boys, you can work out who's gonna be the groom and who's gonna be the best man later. Right now we have work to do. Most of the out of town relatives we invited are arriving this afternoon, and some are staying here. So our mission, should we choose to accept it, and we have to. Is to raid the hall closet and place bedding at various locations around camp Conner."
"Okay, okay we'll help you set up. In fact you can give my bed to somebody. I'm staying with Mon at her place tonight." Ben winked and gave a guilty smile to the other men. Roland and Sam each wordlessly raised an eyebrow at the youngest Conner.
Monica's flight back from New York arrived back in Seattle just after 7:00PM. She still wore her clothes from the interview as she scampered toward her fiancée waiting outside the terminal. She dropped her carry on and allowed herself to be scooped up in Ben's arms. He lifted Monica completely off the ground with the embrace and twirled her in a circle as if they were some kind of dance team. A kiss hello as Ben set her feet back on the ground. "God you look beautiful." Ben ran his fingers through her hair.
Monica giggled in response. "Oh Ben what am I gonna do with you?"
"Well I can think of a few things," Ben answered, winking. He grabbed Monica's carry on, the only bag she'd taken, and began rolling it behind him as they headed for the exit.
"I had dinner in New York, but I suppose I could be persuaded to have dessert." Monica whispered in Ben's ear as she walked beside him. Her fiancée was energized by the comment and began striding faster than she could keep up with. "Ben we're not even married yet are you trying to get away from me already?" Monica protested in a mock-exasperated tone.
Ben wasn't aware of how fast he was moving until he heard Monica's voice behind him. He turned to see he'd advanced several feet in front of her. "Monica I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I will never, ever, stop wanting you." Ben said as he strode back to her.
Monica's cheeks blushed at the comment. "That Ben is why I love you."
"Huh," Ben squinted indicating he didn't understand.
"The luckiest man on earth: Ben I fell in love with you because, whether you're aware of it or not, you've always understood the fundamental truth. The truth that all any woman really wants is someone to want her back." Monica stroked Ben's cheek as she spoke. He smiled and put his free arm around her as they resumed walking.
The ride to Monica's apartment was filled with quiet anticipation. The couple made small talk about the interview and Monica's book. Miss Young had found her future as a teacher and a writer; Ben was not far behind. Upon returning to Washington he'd changed his major from journalism to communications. He'd gotten his old job back, at the radio station. Ben had only one semester left until he'd receive his bachelor's degree. He'd decided he wanted to be a sportscaster.
Ben parked the SAAB in front of Monica's apartment building and took a moment to just admire her. She noticed and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. As they walked hand in hand to her apartment door, Ben encountered something he did not expect. A neighbor was standing outside Monica's apartment door, unbeknownst to the couple he'd just knocked, a copy of Miss Young's book was in his hand. "Oh I see you're busy right now, I'll come back tomorrow."
"No it's alright, here, give me the thing." Monica motioned with her hands and accepted the book and a pen from the neighbor. She quickly scrawled her name on the inside of the front cover and handed the items back. Ben gave a quick sigh of relief and laughed at himself when he realized what the man wanted. "Occupational hazard." Monica smiled
She unlocked the door and allowed Ben entrance. He'd been here many times but still the anticipation of tonight and tomorrow hung in the air like fog. Ben stepped inside and looked around as if he'd never seen the place. Eggshell walls were adorned with Monica's degrees, which she'd had framed. The carpet was a light grey and need to be replaced. The living room and kitchen comprised the bulk of the apartment. A small hall to the left led to the bedroom and bathroom. The apartment was only marginally bigger than the one Monica had in Denver. The lights in the living room were attached to a ceiling fan. There was black, wooden entertainment center in the far corner from the entrance. This contained a television, stereo, and Monica's extensive CD collection. Miss Young walked over to the stereo and inserted a CD; it was the one Ben had made for her. Electricity shot through Ben's stomach as Monica pushed the play button. "Remember this?" Monica walked back to Ben and folded his arms around her waist. She leaned her head on his shoulder and they started swaying with the music. American Boy played quietly out of the speakers.
As the song ended Ben stopped dancing. He stared down at Monica for a moment, pushing her hair back and running his fingers through it. This was a moment he'd gone through several times with Monica, but it still made nervous. As was so often the case, when Ben got nervous, he started to jabber. "Of course I remember this. Tomorrow is gonna be the happiest day of our lives. I can't wait." Monica took both his hands and led him to the bedroom. The only light in the room came from the moon shining through the thin curtains on the window opposite the bed. Ben continued jabbering in the darkness. "You'll see Monica, I'm gonna be just as big a success as you are. Your mother, my parents, they're all gonna be envious of the life we build together. From now on things will stay the way they are right now, I promise."
Monica stepped close to Ben; the moon showing through the curtains cast her face in dark blue. "Ben, how long do I have to wait for you to kiss me?"
Ben chuckled and nodded his head slightly, remembering the first time he'd heard those words from her. He leaned in and gently pressed his lips against hers. "I never get used to this," Ben whispered as the kiss broke.
"Get used to what?" Monica asked slightly puzzled.
"Giving ourselves to each other. Every time it's been different and special, there's always something new to discover." Ben spoke softly while finding Monica's hands with his
"I feel the same way Ben, and we'll have the rest of our lives to explore. Now come here." Monica's ordered in her most seductive voice.
From there it began as it had before. The kissing began and quickly deepened, tongues and hands found one another as they collapsed back on the bed. Side by side they each started on other's clothes. Monica unzipped Ben's windbreaker and cast it aside. He un-tucked her blouse and started undoing buttons from the top down. He gave it a light shove when he was done and the blouse fell from her shoulders. Monica stood up again to get her arms out. Her whole upper body was silhouetted against the moonlight. Her skin appeared dark blue, and her white bra appeared grey. Ben rose again and flipped his tee shirt off over his head. Monica stepped toward and her fingers began doing a dance on his chest and abs. A brief pause as they admired each other, eyes burning with intense desire. Ben kissed her neck and began working his way down. He pulled one bra strap loose and let it fall around her elbow. Monica ground herself against him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Ben uncovered her breast and began massaging it with his mouth. She satisfied his free left hand with her right leg, which he held just below the hip. Monica closed her eyes and moaned quietly, holding Ben's head in place with her arms and chin. He came back up and found her lips again. She reached down with her left hand and began pulling at the zipper of his jeans. He did the same with her skirt. They separated long enough to step out of the garments. Another pause, this time longer, as their eyes assured each other that this is what they wanted. Monica jumped back forward wrapping her legs around his waist. He held a leg in each hand and pinned her against the wall beneath the window. Lips and tongues found one another again. He ground himself against her; she could feel his readiness. Ben set her back on the floor: the undergarments were removed and added to the pile at the foot of the bed. Monica placed her left hand on Ben's chest and shoved him back onto the bed. She collapsed on top of him, the heat from their bodies caused both to gloss with perspiration. Breathing was heavy as they connected. Slowly Ben raised himself to a seated position, taking Monica with him. She grabbed the back of his neck and dictated an agonizingly slow pace. His lips found her breast again, and slowly the pace quickened. Moans and grunts filled the air as the pleasure built. Ben changed the rhythm only when she demanded it, his hands at her waist. Their glassy eyes found one another again and locked on. Another deep kiss as the pleasure reached a crescendo. Both held their breath as the moment passed, their eyes glazing over even more. Finally Ben collapsed backward and Monica fell on top of him. Both breathing heavy, satisfied breaths.
"Someday I'm gonna learn what I did to deserve a woman like you, Monica." Ben said through heavy breaths.
Monica rested her head on his chest and draped the covers of the bed around them. "Someday I'm gonna learn the what I did to make you stick around. You're the only man in my life who ever has." The couple shifted themselves until they were comfortable in the bed and clung to one another until the next morning. Both drifted in and out of a restless sleep.
Ben awoke early the next morning while Monica was still dozing. The sun had yet to rise on the wedding day. He climbed out of the bed and dressed himself before trying to wake her. "Mon, Mon," Ben touched her lightly on the shoulder. She lay on her side and turned herself at an awkward angle to face him. Her hair was a tangled mess, but she still looked stunning in the waning moonlight. "Mon I've got to get back over to my house. We've got all sorts of relatives staying with us and I better be there to greet them since I wasn't last night."
Monica gave him a reassuring smile; he'd known not to leave without waking her. "Okay hubby," She said playfully.
"See you later, Monica Kathryn Conner." Ben leaned down and kissed her forehead before turning to leave.
Among the things that Ben and Monica yet to discover about one another was their knack for doing the same thing at the same time, even when separated. Ben drove his SAAB back toward the Conner home in the pre-dawn hours and Monica rose and went for a walk around her apartment complex. Ben's comment about her name had set both their minds turning. Now as he drove and she walked, both were really contemplating married life.
Monica pulled her pink robe tight around her as she stepped on the damp morning grass. She paced laps around her apartment building. 'God I hope I can keep Ben happy. I've never managed to keep any other man in my life. I'm 29 for god sake and he's only 22. What about the future? Will he always want to be a couple, do couple things? I'm gonna get old before him, retire before him. Is he always going to be this interested in me? What if he decides he wants to do couple things with someone younger and prettier?'
Ben drove along a small section of Interstate five. He had one hand on the wheel and he rested his head on the knuckle of his other hand. There was no traffic around him. 'Do I really deserve a woman like Monica? I haven't even managed to finish college yet. How am I going to take care of her, support her? She's had a career and managed a good and independent life for herself ever since I've known her. She's older than I am; we've talked about children since our engagement, but am I ready to be a father? She's built a solid dream of a life, what makes me worthy of sharing it?'
Ben crept quietly into his house and closed the door behind him. Sam was asleep on the couch and stirred slightly at the noise before returning to sleep. Ben walked quietly to the back porch where he was surprised to see Roland was already awake. He slid the sliding glass door open and joined his father on the redwood deck. "You okay son? I'd have thought you'd look tired, but if didn't know better I say you're nervous or concerned." Roland adjusted his bathrobe and took a long sip of coffee as Ben approached.
His son walked past him and rested his elbows on deck rail, watching the sunrise. "Just pre-wedding jitters I guess." Roland nodded understanding as he joined his son at the rail. "I mean you said it yourself dad, Monica is a woman. What makes me worthy of her? I mean aren't I supposed to create my own path in life rather than just follow her down hers?"
"Son she didn't fall in love with you because you're some charity case. You've got a bright future yourself. To be honest you don't really need her, and she doesn't need you. Trust me son that's a good thing, because needing someone isn't love, its desperation." Roland turned his back to the sun and reclined on the rail. Ben turned his face toward his father and listened intently. "Monica has shared herself and her life with you because she wants to. Understand that marriage is a full commitment from both of you. You may not realize it, but you're sharing your life with her just as much. After today it won't be your dream or her dream, it'll be a shared dream, that both of you will contribute to. You make Monica happy, and she makes you happy. Both of you want to be together: nothing else is required son."
The tension slowly left Ben's body and face twisted into a smile. "Thanks dad."
Monica plopped herself on the leather couch opposite her TV and grabbed the cordless phone from the end table. She pulled her robe tight around her to fight off the chill of the walk before dialing. "Hello Jane, can we talk?"
"One normally doesn't have to ask their matron of honor if they can talk dear." Jane smiled sweetly at the phone in her hotel room. The experienced educator and psychologist had expected the phone call. She knew the sound of nervousness when she heard it.
"Jane, I, I, I was just wondering what in the world would make Ben and me last. I mean really last. He and I aren't the same age and we're gonna encounter milestones in our lives at different times. What if one day he decides I'm too old and he wants to be with someone younger and prettier?" Monica was so tense her voice cracked.
Jane rolled her eyes and sighed deeply. "Monica that young man loves you. You two belong together, and if either of you haven't proven that to yourselves after all you've been through together. Well then it ain't ever gonna happen. Ben doesn't care how old you are, in five minutes, in five years, in fifty years he'll still be happy because he's with you. Each of you makes the other so happy and marriage isn't going to do anything to change that. Being a couple and doing couple things, as you say, will come naturally. After all, it's just an expression of how much you two want to be together."
Monica closed her eyes and sighed relief. "Thanks Jane," Monica ended the call and tossed her head back against the arm of the couch, slowly she drifted to sleep.
Ben had figured Monica would be something of a bridezilla and she was. The fact that she was paying for the wedding only served to makes things worse. The wedding was scheduled for one in the afternoon, but by mid morning the Conner house was already a bustle of activity. Ben had a list of things to do and he and Roland set about tackling it after breakfast. Pick up the tuxedos, check on the wedding cake, check on the reception hall, and many others. Ben and his father drove around tending to the list while Amanda tended to the guests staying at the house. Ben spent the whole time with his cell phone pressed to his ear. He kept reminding Monica that he was on top of the chores and that the rehearsal a week ago had proceeded without incident. This seemed to do little however to calm her. Earlier it had been jitters, now it was the reality of everything that needed to be done. Monica was incredulous and yelling into the phone, Ben spent most of the ride in perpetual squint from the noise. Roland burst into rolling laughter every time he glanced toward his son.
Monica finally hung up the phone when there was a knock at her door. She opened it wearing nothing but a white slip cut below the knee. Jane stood outside the door with Monica's other two bridesmaids, Jackie and Deborah. It wasn't an idea Monica had liked at first, but Ben had convinced her that the wedding party would match perfectly because his groomsmen were Dino and Jonathan. The women had there own work to do. Jane stepped into the apartment, the wedding dress ,concealed by a large garment bag, hung over right arm. Deborah and Jackie took up station on Monica's couch and began going through the massive cosmetic case Jackie had brought with her. Monica's living room was soon littered with hair dryers, curlers, curling irons, cosmetics, and all manner of beauty aids. Monica stood in the center of all of it as the women worked feverishly to get her ready and make sure she had all the requisite elements. Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.
Eventually all the hustle and bustle reached a fever pitch and the moment actually approached. Monica had gone all out, and a white limousine showed up at the Conner's house at 12:30. Roland, Ben, Sam, Jonathan, and Dino all filed into the limo wearing their tuxedos. A small caravan of vehicles carrying the Conner family followed it to the church. When the limo pulled in front of the church it pulled behind another; Monica was already here Ben surmised.
Ben and his party stepped out into the bright June sunshine and surveyed Indian Hills Christian Church. An enormous and new brown brick building with shining white concrete arches over the entrance. A statue of Mary and Joseph each looked down from the top of one of the arches. The interior of the church was much darker, rows of ornate orange chandeliers hung above the walkways between the pews. The floor was brown stone tile and didn't reflect the dim lights very well. The windows were high arched stained glass, they didn't really allow light to penetrate, but the colors were brilliant in the midday sun. The pulpit was made of oak and stood on top of two white-carpeted steps. It had a cross carved out of the front, and stood on the right side of the room when viewed from the pews.
Ben spent a few minutes glad-handing and thanking his relatives for coming. Then he took his place on the left side of white-carpeted steps. Sam, Dino, and Jonathan waited at the back of large hall. Sam and Dino, who were not used to dress clothing, tugged relentlessly at their collars. Roland guided his wife to a seat in the front row and then disappeared out the back exit. He had special duty.
In a private anteroom near the rear exit, Monica was continuing her rampage. Monica's mother had joined the three bridesmaids. Kathleen Young was a very good likeness of her daughter. She was about the same height, and had the same green eyes. Her hair was also similar and had maintained its color except for streaks of grey at her bangs. Her face had not held up as well, it bore the many worry lines and wrinkles of a long time single parent. Monica's father had been and alcoholic and had died of liver failure when she was eight. Kathleen had come into the room complaining because, with no father, Monica had asked Roland to walk her down the isle. Kathleen felt the honor should have gone to Monica's older brother, who lived in California. However, he was his father's son and Monica hadn't seen him in years. She hadn't bothered to invite him. What she did do was grab her mother by the lapel of her suit. "Mother, see these heels?" Monica extended a foot showing off her pearly white shoe. "Picture them kicking you all the way back to that bungalow of yours. This day belongs to Ben and me. Now either you share our happiness or I ski ball you out of this church. So what's it gonna be?"
Roland cringed as listened to Monica's yelling. He opened the door to the anteroom and actually took a moment to admire, his son's bride looked stunning. "Showtime ladies." He said excitedly.
From the front Ben watched the procession begin. Sam escorted Jane down the isle. Followed by Dino arm in arm with Jackie, and Jonathan arm in arm with Debs. The men wore traditional black tuxedos with bow ties and royal blue cummerbunds. The women wore a cream colored silk one pieces that came down to their ankles. The couples parted only as they reached the carpet, men taking their place beside Ben, women lining up on the empty spot where Monica would be. The wedding party faced the fifty or so assembled guests in the church. Ninety percent of them were from the Conner family, still Monica had her mother and a few colleges from the university attend.
Ben took a deep breath as the pipe organ began Here Comes the Bride. The assembly stood and faced the back, camera flashes exploded. Monica appeared in the back entrance to the hall, holding on to Roland's arm. As was tradition Ben had not seen her in her dress until now. It was a pearly white Vera Wang gown. The skirt was silk and flowed in a train perhaps a foot behind her. The upper bodice was strapless and hugged her slender frame tightly, coming to rest just above her bust line. It was filled with lacy designs and pearls that reflected the light. Her arms were uncovered, and she carried a bouquet of daises in her hands. She wore a thin silver tiara with a white mesh material attached. The mesh flowed back and covered her hair from behind. Ben and the rest of the audience stood in awe as Monica passed. Light colored clothes suited her as they set off her dark hair and eyes. Ben smiled and repressed a small moan watching her.
Monica smiled widely at Ben as she approached. She noticed his attire was different from any of the others. Ben wore a light grey vest beneath the black suit coat and his bow tie was a sliver blue. The light grey set off his darker hair and eyes. Monica mouthed the word wow as Roland turned her over to Ben. Without being asked they joined hands and faced the preacher.
"Dearly beloved we are gather here to witness the joining of Ben and Monica in holy matrimony." The pastor began in a booming voice. The ceremony proceeded quickly. When the time came, Alex and Will bore the rings to the alter on satin pillows, which Sam and Jane accepted in turn. The entire wedding party grinned at the sight of the two boys in their tiny tuxedos. Monica's ring was silver, with a single diamond stud in the top. Ben's was gold and had star shapes carved on the outside of the band. The pastor gave a moment to let the party reorganize before continuing. "Ben repeat after me."
Ben's voice was surprisingly calm as he did as he was told. "I, Ben Conner, take this woman, to be my lawfully wedded wife. For richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as we both shall live."
"Place the ring on her finger please," The pastor ordered. Monica extended an unsteady left hand, which Ben had to hold still as he placed the ring.
The preacher turned to face Miss Young. "Monica repeat after me."
"I, Monica Young, take this man, to be my lawfully wedded husband. For richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as we both shall live."
"Place the ring on his finger," the preacher ordered again. Ben's hand was just as unsteady as Monica's. Although he quietly joked that he had an excuse since it was his off hand. Monica steadied his hand and mouthed the words I love you as she placed the gold band.
"Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride." The preacher thumped his bible closed. There was an audible inhale of breath from the assembly as Ben and Monica leaned toward. Compared to some of their others, the kiss was tame, but still it was long and sweet. After it was over Ben and Monica turned to face their guests. "I present for the first time in public. Mr. And Mrs. Benjamin Conner." The pastor boomed as couple left the alter and went to their waiting limousine.
The wedding reception was held in a rented conference hall from a local hotel. The cavernous room had cream-colored walls and the carpet was dark blue. A series of tables were set up in a wide horseshoe shape with white tablecloths adoring them. A black and grey plastic tile mat had been laid inside the large horseshoe. This would be the dance floor. The wedding cake was already set up on the table in the center of the horseshoe. There were place settings by each seat, which included a small round plate, a fork, and a champagne glass. Ben and Monica got there before everyone else and looked the room over with satisfaction. The couple greeted their guests as they entered. The wedding party took seats at the center of the horseshoe. Ben and Monica posed for pictures as they cut the cake. The hotel wait staff came in and began filling the champagne glasses.
Finally after everyone was served, Roland clapped his glass with his fork to draw everyone's attention. He stood and looked at Ben who was seated just to his right. "My sons have always kind of beat to the tune of their own drum in life. Sam here moved to Portland and pursued a career in graphic design." Roland pointed a hand at Sam, seated just to his left. "To be honest I didn't even know what a graphic designer was, I had to look it up." Roland paused over rolling laughter. "Ben I'd always considered to be the more sensible of my children. That is until he enrolled in his tenth grade English class." Ben's father held his son by the shoulders but he looked at Monica as his speech continued. "There he happened to find this beautiful lady, unfortunately she happened to be his teacher." Monica put her hand across her face to hide the fact that even she was smiling. Roland paused again, halted by more rolling laughter. "What ensued from there was craziness I couldn't have imagined. But Ben and Monica have stayed by each other through all of it. They've helped Amanda and I to see that love is bound by age. We'd all be so lucky to find what they have in each other. Their life from here is one of pages waiting to be filled. With heads full of dreams and faith in each other that can obviously move anything, I have no doubt the pages will be filled. So on behalf of everyone here, we wish them joy and happiness to fill the pages of their life together, all good things, from now to forever." Roland raised his glass to indicate a toast. The entire assembly clanked glasses with their neighbors. Both the bride and groom, and even Kathleen seated on Monica's right were moved to tears. "Bride and grooms first dance." Roland announced after a long pause.
Ben and Monica got up and circled the horseshoe; there they began a slow dance. George Strait's I Cross My Heart began to play on the speaker system. The wedding party soon joined them on the floor. Sam dutifully danced with Jane, Dino with Jackie, and Jonathan with Deborah. Roland split his time, dancing first with Amanda and then asking Kathleen, giving her the opportunity to participate. The final act before Ben and Monica left the reception was to throw the bouquet. Monica stood at the center of the horseshoe with her back to the crowd on the dance floor. She cheated though, peering over her shoulder and tossing the daises in the direction of Debs and Jackie. Both scrambled to catch it, Jackie was taller but for once Debs carriage served her, as she was able to muscle Jacks out of the way. Debs made a surprisingly athletic play catching the flowers as the neared her feet. Afterward she held the arrangement up triumphantly and winked at a blushing Jonathan.
Ben and Monica once again climbed into one of the white limos parked outside the hotel. Thankfully Monica had not provided rice for the guests to throw. "Well that's it." Monica leaned over and accepted her husband's arm as it came around her.
"It most certainly is not. You heard my dad, we've got all the pages of our lives to fill." Ben smiled and gently kissed his wife.
Michael Tolcher's Sooner or Later came on the radio. "Sooner or later Sooner or later we'll be lookin' back on everything. And we'll laugh about it like we knew what all was happening." Monica and Ben smiled and held each other, realizing that someday had come.
As they arrived outside Monica's apartment door Ben scooped Monica up in his arms and carried her over the threshold. "So what page shall we write first?" Ben asked as he set her down.
"Well I don't think we've finished the wedding page yet." Monica smiled wickedly as she removed her tiara.
Ben's face became giddy with anticipation. "Oh okay, but do you have any condoms because I don't have any."
Monica giggled as she stared up at Ben. He scooped her up again and began carrying her toward the bedroom. "You won't need them, it's time to make a baby Ben Conner."