CHAPTER TWELVE –" Vows"
The Wedding, Part One
I woke up feeling totally rested. I stretched and my muscles had that nice loose, rubbery feeling that I get from great sex, I've recently discovered! Mick was gone, of course! He certainly wouldn't let me SEE him on our wedding day! I just lay there in the big, comfy bed, enjoying the smell of Mick on the bedding, just a light scent of man, smoke and something else that was him alone. Today he'd stand before the minister Steve Wynn had hired for our wedding and he would commit himself to me. I was in Vegas, baby! I truly felt as though all of the jackpots ever in history had just landed in my hands! I was marrying my friend today, and I couldn't wait!
I stretched my hands out and touched something, so I sat up in bed. There on the pillow we hadn't used last night, since we shared only one, was a red rose and a note. I even loved his handwriting, which was mostly printing in sort of blocky letters.
'Beth—Today I get to tell you in front of God and everyone what you mean to me, and better than that, I get to move up the ladder from being just your best friend to also being your husband. I'm so very blessed to have you in my life! I pinch myself to be sure this is real! And honey--thanks for last night! The sex was actually pretty good! XXXOOO --Mick'
I laughed, then sniffed the rose and smiled, remembering. How funny my "old school" Mick was! No seeing each other before the wedding, but sex was allowed! I was giggling into the petals when there was a knock on my door.
"Come on in!" I said loudly. Simone gushed in all animated. I wondered if I was ready for her exuberance first thing in the morning! Ah well! No peace until tonight! "Hi Simone! Let's order breakfast!"
"Exactly what I had in mind too—here's a menu—want to call it in? I have to get my coffee!"
I dialed the number and put in our order. "Okay! Breakfast in fifteen minutes!"
"Great! Now—the hair people are coming at 11 and it's 9 o'clock now, so we'll have time to eat and shower before they get here. Just wear a robe, and then our dresses should come sometime while our hair is getting done, and the makeup gals arrive at noon—if they have to wait, that's okay. Then—2:00! Be up at Steve's place! OOOhhh!"
She bounced up and down on my bed, on all fours, reminding me of a little kid on her birthday! "I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! This will be such FUN day!" her smile was ear-to-ear. She leaned down and spoke in a low voice, as though anyone were going to hear her! "Maybe this will give Josef an idea or two! I hope so!"
I was surprised! "So you DO want to marry him?" I asked.
"You never know! I could certainly do worse! You know?"
"So you love Josef?" I asked simply.
I watched her eyes travel upward as she was thinking. "Well, everyone LOVES Josef, right? What's not to love about Josef!"
She held out her hands, as if asking the question in a global fashion.
"Simone—that's not what I mean! I mean do you LOVE, love Josef, you know, with all your heart, that kind of thing?"
"Oh, honey—we don't have a relationship like you and Mick! Ours is more like mutual respect, I think! But love? Well, I guess I do love him in a way, and I do respect him! And the romance can always come later! He is GREAT in the sack!" She laughed and looked at me, lightly slapping the comforter. "But then YOU know about that! Sex with vamps!" She giggled. "What more does a woman need? I believe you CAN build a relationship based on sex!"
"Indeed!" I smiled at her thinking she was nice, smart and very shallow! But different strokes—"
The doorbell sounded and Simone sprang off of the bed and raced to the door while I put a robe on. My panties lay tell-tale on the floor, but she hadn't seemed to notice. I picked the rose up and carried it to the breakfast table.
I was starving! I sat down with Simone as our waiter uncovered dish after dish of elegant food. We had kind of over-ordered, I guessed, but a little of everything sounded great. I needed to be fortified for the day's activities!
Simone and I tore into breakfast like hungry wolves, eating, talking chewing swallowing. I had stuck my rose in the vase on our table, which held some pretty flowers whose names I didn't know. Together they looked great and smelled better. How sweet and romantic of Mick—how did he get a rose! Vampires, I decided, could get about anything they wanted!
I loved my hair when it was done! It was swept up with tendrils curling down here and there. The little jeweled comb stuck in the front almost looked like a tiara, furthering the princess feel I had about this entire day! Simone looked great too, with her hair in a simple up-do and a very dramatic make-up job! Mine was a little more subtle, but it was me! I didn't want Mick wondering who he was marrying! As the last brushes of my makeup were being applied, my phone rang, and seeing the rose on the screen, I grabbed it.
"Mick!" I said breathlessly!
"How's my best girl?"
"Eager to see my sweetheart!"
"So you're not backing out—that's good!"
"Not a chance! I can't wait."
"I can't either. I'll be watching for you at the appointed place. I'll be the one with the huge smile."
"I'll find you! --I love you, Mick."
"I adore you, Beth. I'll be seeing you very soon, and even though I know for a fact that you will be very beautiful in your gown, don't be surprised if I undress you with my eyes."
I laughed. "Well, two can play that game, my hunky husband! I'll be doing the same thing! Let's not let anyone else in on our secret, though, okay?"
He was laughing too. "Not a chance! Good-by for now, Beth Turner!"
"See 'ya soon, Mick St John. Hope you're ready to give that name away!"
"I couldn't be more ready, Mrs. St John." His voice caressed me until my ears were turning pink.
"Thanks for last night and the rose, too."
"Ahhhh! There will be so many more nights and roses in your future! Hope you don't get tired of me!"
"Never."
"Me too. I love you, Beth. Hurry up and get to the wedding."
"That is definitely a date I will keep!" All I heard was a kiss over the phone, then a click. I kissed my phone without thinking.
"Wow, sounds like you two are ready!" said Tess, who had been doing my hair and makeup.
I just smiled at her and nodded. I couldn't talk just now.
Our "dressers" came up at about one o'clock. Simone had an easier time slipping into her dress than I did! She got ready in record time, then went out of the room to call Josef. I had the special little lacy bra, the panties to match, then the garter belt and stockings! Simone had insisted it would enhance our wedding night! Like we needed enhancing! But I didn't tell her that, so on went all of the undergarments, and since the dress was lined, it just slid right on over everything and voila! I looked like a bride! Except for the veil! Where was that?
Nobody could find it! The dressers were horrified. They called the store, who eventually found it with someone else's gown and it was quickly escorted over here by limousine in plenty of time. I figured that was our "glitch," so from now on it should be smooth sailing!
Tess had stayed behind to place the veil appropriately in my hair. It was so light and sheer it was like wearing nothing in my hair, even though it was as long as the little swish at the back of my dress, which was either a tiny train or just something to dust the floor. It was very pretty, though, very white, very filmy and yes, very princess-like. In fact, I thought I had seen several princesses in Disney cartoons with the same style as mine over the years!
And the shoes looked as though they'd be terrible to wear, but I figured out that when you spend a few thousand on shoes, they actually are wearable! I'd be taller than usual, but even four-inch heels couldn't make me taller than Mick! It would just make kissing him a whole lot easier, being up higher and closer to his sweet lips!
There was the doorbell! Josef had come to escort us upstairs! The flowers were on the table in the entryway and I was eager to see those. Oh! It was all coming together! I stood looking at myself in the full-length mirror in the dressing room, thinking how strange it was that a few weeks ago, I would have had no interest in wearing a bridal gown—now I was so happy and excited to be dressed in one! I looked great, if I did say so myself! I heard a loud whistle behind me and turned. Joseph had both arms held out to his sides.
"My Lord! If you aren't the MOST beautiful bride! Mick is a very lucky man!"
"Hey! You are looking very dapper and handsome yourself, Josef!"
I stepped down from the little dressing platform and Josef came over and took my hand, then kissed it. What a gentleman! He looked into my eyes and there was a little flicker there that I couldn't interpret. It passed almost before I saw it.
"I mean it, Beth, Mick is one very lucky man," he said seriously, still holding my hand and searching my eyes.
"Well, I happen to think that I am the absolute luckiest woman in the world to be marrying Mick!"
"I'd have to agree with you there—he is the best of the best. I haven't invited anyone else to be my brother!"
I swept my arms over my dress and said, "Thank you so much, Josef. I don't want to cry with my makeup on, but I'm just speechless. This is all so—much!"
"Not for you and Mick, my dear." He reached into his meticulously cut black tuxedo coat and pulled out a small, rectangular flat box. "I heard you needed something blue. I hope this will be okay." He opened it and I gasped. It was like a very dainty little tennis bracelet with alternating diamonds and blue sapphires set in white gold. It was so beautiful I couldn't even talk. I looked at him and shook my head. I managed to whisper, "Too much!"
"You don't have to say anything. Here, let me see if it fits." He put it on my wrist and deftly hooked the clasp. It was perfect! I took a step forward and hugged him, kissing him on his cheek.
"Well! If I had known all I needed to do to get a kiss was buy you jewelry, I'd have done that much sooner!"
"Josef! You're—so wonderful. Mick loves you and I love you too." I blinked rapidly, trying not to cry.
He smiled and squeezed my hand. "Don't mess up that makeup, Beautiful! Just make my buddy happy and that's thanks enough."
I nodded "I will, Josef! I will!" I squeezed his hand back.
"Hey! I hear we are supposed to meet Mick upstairs and somebody here is going to get married! Shall we go?" I nodded, still too speechless to say anything.
Out in the entryway, Simone had Josef's boutonnière in hand. She pinned it expertly onto his tux. He looked so handsome! Simone then handed me my bouquet, which was, of course, breathtakingly beautiful! Small white calla lilies inside of bunches of white tea roses, stephanotis, Lily of the Valley, and some kind of white/green flowers that I loved, but couldn't remember what they were called! About the size of a small squash, it was embellished with trailing ivy and ribbons that matched my dress.
Simone's flowers were perfect as well, and she picked up Mick's boutonnière to carry up with us. She'd pin it on him with panache, I was sure! We grabbed our fancy little handbags, each matching our dresses, and Josef took us, one on each of his arms, looking radiant! One of the dressers opened up the door for us and waved. We smiled at her, thanked our crew and waved back. Out in the hallway we found our photographer, who started snapping photos right away! The elevator was key carded and only went to one floor. I was eager to see where we were going!
Upstairs, Mick was waiting in a giant bathroom, so elegantly appointed and so sparkling clean he wondered if it had been built for a photo shoot and never used! He adjusted the small, stylish bowtie that nestled inside of a very natty designer shirt, which had a standup collar with two little flaps that folded over, one on each side of the tie. Josef insisted the only way to have the best tuxedo was to have one made for you, but Mick thought the Versace was a winner. It fit him perfectly. They had had to adjust the hem of the pants, but otherwise had done very little to fit the suit. He preened a little, thinking he wasn't half bad and maybe Beth would be okay with the way he looked. She usually didn't comment on how he looked with clothes ON! He looked down at his shoes—Josef had insisted. Bettanin & Venturi. Pretty cool.
He sat on a bench and took some deep breaths. It was almost two—they should be getting here soon. His orders were to stay here until Josef got him out. He thought about Beth. Only two weeks since he'd gone back to her place and told her he loved her! Life was so crazy. Here he was, about to take another wife! This time, however, it was love, not—whatever that other thing had been, this one definitely was NOT a vampire, and this time love was truly forever! He'd just have to be sure she didn't become a vampire until their baby came! Wow. Big responsibility! He smiled and looked at his fresh manicure. Beth! He'd never get tired of having her in his life!
The door opened and in came Josef and Simone. Simone said "WOW! You clean up good!" She swiped at something invisible on his jacket, probably mostly to get a feel of the luxurious fabric!
Josef smiled and said, "Hey, man, if I weren't attracted to women, I'd try to get you to ask me out, looking like that!" He chucked Mick lightly on the arm.
"Well, thanks, Josef. I'll keep that in mind in case I switch sides!"
"Oh, stop it!" Simone chided them. " You two have too much testosterone! Come here, Mick. I have to pin you!"
"Oh, really? Wanna go steady?" he flashed his killer smile at her and she thought, yeah! Get rid of Beth and I'm yours, doll! Instead, she said,
"Your boutonnière, silly. Come on! Let's get this show on the road!"
Beth was in a lavish bedroom all by herself. This was it! Her stomach was doing little back flips and she was getting eager to get going! Simone opened the door and burst in, pulled out a compact from her purse and dabbed her face.
"Do I look shiny? I feel shiny!"
I laughed and said, "You sure don't look shiny to me, Simone! You look like a model!"
"Oh, you are sweet, Beth, but today is definitely your day! You look gorgeous, and my gosh! I'm thinking I have been a total dope! I took one look at Mick in the men's room, and thought maybe I've got the wrong man! He looks SO HOT!"
"Well, he sure is to me!" I smiled, and the look on my face must have given me away.
She raised her eyebrow at me. "Yeah! Like you two thought you were being so sneaky last night! Can't keep your hands off of each other for one night!"
I turned bright red and after hedging a little I admitted it to her, "You're right—Mick surprised me last night, but he wouldn't let me LOOK at him! It was so—erotic!"
She looked at me with a wistful smile. "You are so lucky, Beth. You really love your man. And he loves you SO much! Oh, that is such a rare thing, and you have it all. I envy you."
"Hey, Simone, you're a beautiful, fun, smart woman! All you need to do is hold out for your own Prince Charming!"
There was a knock on the door, and we both said "Come in!"
Josef came in, looking official. "It's time! Ill have to say, this is one beautiful wedding! Come on ladies! Come meet your wedding coordinator!"
We walked to the huge foyer, about five stories high, all marble and crystal. The sun was sparkling on the crystal chandelier, which was at least three stories tall! I heard beautiful music coming from somewhere, a string ensemble.
"Wow, that music is beautiful!" I exclaimed. Josef nodded.
"Steve hired them. Says they play for the London Philharmonic when they aren't off in the summer." I was stunned, once again. I watched a beautiful woman approach us.
"Beth, Simone, this is your wedding coordinator, Bella." I shook her hand. She looked exotic, like Egyptian or middle-Eastern, at least. She wore a long, slinky sheath dress in emerald green, which showed off her flawless darkly tanned-looking skin, and her long, loose curls hung seductively everywhere! Josef said "Bella has been very strict about where I need to stand, so I'm going to go there, and I will leave you in her capable hands." He gave us a little wave, a couple of raised eyebrows, and went in the direction of the music.
"Come with me," said Bella in a pretty, musical, accented voice. "You will love what we have done with the balcony, I hope, Beth!"
We came to a space that was open to the outdoors. Heavy leaded pocket doors had been pushed aside. The balcony had a high wall around it, and white tarpaulins had been stretched across the opening to the sky, across the entire balcony, hiding the sun. Beneath the tarps, white netting intertwined with tiny white lights had been hung all over, and this was intertwined with hanging vines of ivy. It made a ceiling for the balcony and it was beautiful as well as practical for vampires not wanting to stand in the desert sun! Cooling misters surrounded the balcony, but the mist was so light that it didn't even hit the floor—it simply evaporated in mid-air, but it was enough to keep the area cooler than the outside temperature.
I gasped. Josef had been right—there truly was an arch, and it was covered in about ten billion flowers! There was a satin runner on the marble flooring. There were candles lit all around us, and they looked so pretty in the cover of our false ceiling.
"Omigosh! Beth! Look at this!" Simone said, clutching my hand. "This is the prettiest place I've ever seen!"
I nodded enthusiastically. Over in a corner there was a fountain flowing and the tinkling sound of the water was soothing. It was built like a modernistic waterfall, and sounded lovely with the orchestra, which began playing again. There was a harp, a cello, a viola, a violin and a flute!
"How wonderful! I said and turned to Bella. "I don't know HOW you got this all together so quickly, but you are amazing!"
"Thank you, Beth—but that is my job, and I would do anything for Steve. He is a very good friend and client. I'm glad you love it. We will get many pictures!" She looked at me—"Are you ready to be the bride?"
I took a breath and blew it out. "I AM! Where are the guys?"
"I go get them now—you wait here. When "Pachelbel's Cannon" begins, YOU" she pointed at Simone, "will start walking, get to the front, and stay on the left side. The men will be on the right. Your man," she pointed at me, "will be waiting for you under the archway. I go get the minister and we get things rolling very soon! Now listen for the music to change! Then you go! But not fast! Okay!"
Then off she flew. Simone and I were waiting in the wings where we were supposedly out of sight. I assumed the first sight I would have of Mick would be as I began walking toward him. My stomach fluttered again! I reached for Simone's hand and we clung to each other. She left and peeked around the corner and came back, informing me that the minister was at the arch! In a minute, we heard the Cannon begin.
"Here I go!" said Simone. She smiled at me and walked toward the door. I was alone, wishing my parents could be here to see me get married. I had truly been all alone in the world with no family. After today, I'd have a husband to go with the baby I was carrying. Family could happen fast!
Bella came running. "Okay, darling, let me be sure your dress is perfect." I felt her pull on the back. "Is good now. You go now—walk slowly!" She gave me a little shove and I walked into the doorway.
Mick's eyes zeroed in on mine, and I felt myself holding my breath. He looked so amazingly handsome! I couldn't believe how great he could look in clothing, but he always took my breath away! He smiled at me and I let my breath out. My legs carried me slowly down the path to him, as our eyes never once unlocked from a gaze that held us spellbound. I was absolutely mesmerized, as though charmed by his dark, smoldering stare, and I walked toward him until I felt the safety of his hand grasping mine, and once again, I felt I had come home!
We couldn't take our eyes off of each other, and while the music kept playing, we said a million things to each other without speaking.
The music stopped and the minister cleared his throat. I hated to look away, and so did Mick, but we had to in order to get married. He squeezed my hand again and we turned toward the minister. We both nodded to him. We had talked to him via webcam last week, telling him about things that were special to us. He smiled a kindly smile. He was elderly, probably late seventies, deeply tanned and lined, with white hair, but ruggedly handsome for a man his age.
"Welcome Beth, Mick, friends!" He nodded to everyone, including Bella, who stood in the doorway in the back. We are here to celebrate a most holy and happy occasion! The marriage of this man and this woman, who have consented to share their lives with one another. This is a most serious commitment, not one to be taken lightly, for it is actually a covenant between a man and woman, a covenant before God and witnesses in which they promise themselves to each other, exclusively, for as long as they live. I've spoken to Beth and Mick, and I am safe in saying that rarely do I have the pleasure of joining two lives more suited to one another than Mick and Beth. They have told me that they plan to be married again by a priest when they return home, because their faith is something they want to share with each other and any children they may have. I commend their decision to do so. So, what we do here today will be legal, but will not be the end of their committing to each other!" There was a little laughter, then he looked at us, then at Josef.
"The bride has requested one Bible reading for this occasion, and this will be read by Mr. Josef Kostan."
Josef stepped over to a little clear podium with a large, open Bible sitting atop it. His voice rang out clear and without hesitation.
"The passage I will read is known as 'The Love Chapter' from Second Corinthians 13, and I will be reading verses 1 through 8, and 13:
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast. It is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. . .
And now these three things remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Josef left the podium and stepped back by Mick's side. The minister then spoke again:
"Our bride and groom wish to say their own vows to one another." I handed my bouquet to Simone, and Mick and I held each other's hands. The minister nodded to Mick, and he took in a large breath and exhaled, his eyes locked on mine, deep and swimming with emotion.
"Today, Beth, I stand before you humbly, asking you to take me just as I am, right here and right now, believing it isn't who or what I am that matters anymore, but it's who the two of us are together that matters, how WE feel about each other.
I ask you to take me as your husband, knowing now that you DO want me as I am, something I have never experienced before! I have to tell you how much that means to me! How much you have changed my life--from one of regrets and sorrow to one where I look into our future and see day after day of shared wonder, shared dreams, and even the most impossible of dreams—shared parenthood! Family! How could I love you more? I don't see how I could, but as the years pass, and as we go together through this life, hand-in-hand, I know this love I have for you will only grow stronger and more passionate than it is today! I know, in my soul, that you were always meant for me, and I thank God I found you so we can share this day and every day from now on, together." He took another breath and blew it out a little unsteadily.
"So, I, Mick St. John, do take you, Elizabeth Turner, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, to love and to cherish always, to honor and protect with my life. I will be with you through good times and hard times, through times of plenty and times of less. I will honor you, keep you, protect you, and love you with all that is in me, now and forever."
He gave me a little smile, lifted my left hand and kissed it. I was touched! My Mick!
The minister looked at me and nodded. I took a deep breath and hoped I could get through my vows as well as Mick did! I didn't want to weep, so I squeezed his hands and he squeezed back.
"I, Beth Turner, take you, Mick St. John, as my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, to love and to cherish for all of our days, to share the good times and the not-so-good times, to have you always by my side, and always to be at yours as we walk hand-in-hand through the joys and the sorrows that life has to offer us. I know that as long as you have my back, I will be safe, and I will be happy."
I looked at our joined hands, and that gave me the strength to go on. I looked back into his eyes, my safety net, and I let the love I saw in them surround me with peace.
"Mick—I can't even put into words my love for you! You've saved me and helped me get through some dark and difficult times! We share laughter and tears so easily! I feel as though God in his wisdom made you for me and me for you, and however long it took us to get to this place, here and now, that was in his plan too, because we are perfectly matched, perfectly suited, and I am perfectly elated to take you today as more than my best friend, but now my lover and my husband, the keeper of my heart, which I give to you today gladly, without any reservations. I, too, feel I could not love you more, but our relationship is young, and we have so many years to watch our love grow—together."
His eyes glistened and I had to look away. I looked at the kindly minister who smiled in a fatherly fashion and nodded encouragement. This was going to make me cry, but I had to say it!
"We are orphans, Mick, you and I. We have been alone in this world for a while. I understand your deep desire for family because I share that desire! Today is the beginning of our family—you and I become family today, and that means everything to me! And if we are blessed with children, that will only add to our happiness, but our family starts today. I love you, Mick, and I will for as long as I live. I give you all that I have, all that is me, and in return, I will take you lovingly into my arms just as you are, for as long as we both shall live."
Mick let go of my hand and reached into his pocket, pulling out a starched, white handkerchief, which he put gently to my face, very carefully blotting my tears, then holding it out to me, letting me blot his. We smiled at each other through glistening eyes full of joy.
The minister nodded at both of us and smiled. I think he was feeling the electricity between Mick and me, being so close to us, and considering how strong the feeling was!
"The rings, please?" he said, holding out a hand for Simone and Josef to place the bands into his outstretched palm.
He began again, "These rings are a symbol of the unending love the two of you are pledging to one another today. The ring is a circle with no ending and no beginning, symbolizing the lasting covenant between husband and wife.
"Mick," he handed the ring over, "Place this ring on Beth's finger, saying 'With this ring, I promise myself to you.'"
He lifted my hand and placed the circle on my finger. He looked at me, eyes dark, swirling pools of emotion. He practically whispered, and I loved the emotion in his eyes and his voice.
"Beth, with this ring, I promise myself to you." He didn't let go of my hand, which was fine with me. The more he touched me, the more self-control I was able to exert. I looked at the ring for the first time and felt tears well up. It was an exquisite, dainty little eternity ring with small, round diamonds all around it that matched the small diamonds surrounding my big stone, Mick's mother's stone. Together they looked so pretty; I was simply overcome with emotion. I looked up at Mick and he just smiled sweetly, happy he'd made me happy.
"Beth?" the minister said as he handed Mick's ring to me.
Locking eyes with him once again, I said, "Mick, with this ring, I promise myself to you." He gazed at his ring, then at me, and told me with his look how pleased he was. He probably thought I had forgotten!
We stood there for that moment, eyes glistening, hardly believing this was really happening! I felt as though each of us was taking a freeze-frame photo of this moment in our minds as we were standing on the edge of one life, ready to step into another. I felt the last seconds of Mick and Beth, two separate people, ticking away before the pronouncement that we had miraculously become Mick and Beth, joined in marriage! This was a moment to be remembered and cherished as we gave away lives of separateness to lives lived in union, husband and wife.
"Mick and Beth," the minister said, waking us from our trance.
"By the stating of your vows and the exchanging of rings before God and these witnesses, you have now entered into the state of Holy Matrimony. May God bless your union, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." (He blessed us with the sign of the cross, which made this feel so official!)
"Amen." We said in unison.
"By the power vested in me by the State of Nevada, and as a minister of our Lord Jesus Christ, I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no one separate."
He smiled at Mick. "You may kiss your bride."
Mick pulled me to him by our joined hands, looking into my eyes. "I love you," he mouthed, then leaned over and put his mouth firmly on mine. Our eyes closed and we kissed our first kiss as a married couple. We could have kissed all day, but used a whole lot of restraint! When we pulled apart, Mick was grinning so widely that I giggled and hugged him. He hugged me back.
I reached over and Simone handed me my flowers. She had tears in her eyes! The string ensemble began playing once again, and Mick held out his arm for me, which I took, and we led the tiny procession out of the door. As soon as we were in the foyer, Mick picked me up off of the floor and swung me around as he kissed me and kissed me and kissed me again! When he put me down, I was flushed and breathless.
The people around us, from Bella to Joseph and Simone, the minister and the musicians all clapped and cheered. Someone whistled. Mick and I couldn't stop smiling at each other. What a miracle this was!
A woman in a black uniform dress with a white apron came out and said, "Please follow me and I will seat you for the meal."
Mick and I followed her, holding hands, as the others followed behind us. We entered a large, elegant dining room with a shiny black table adorned with flowers, lacy placemats, a huge centerpiece dripping with flowers and candles, and something in the kitchen smelled delicious!. I suddenly realized how hungry I was! Mick and I were seated at the head of the table with the others around us. Simone was next to me, Josef next to Mick, so they were across the table from each other. The minister sat down next to Josef, and the musicians sat on both sides of the table. Bella was running around, and didn't look as though she would eat with the wedding party.
I heard a loud pop coming from the kitchen, and soon our glasses were filled with Dom Perignon, and I was a tiny bit sorry that I wouldn't be able to swill that down today! We lifted our glasses as Josef stood to make the toast:
"To Mick and Beth, the most unlikely of couples who have proven to the rest of the world that nothing matters but love. May your lives always be filled with joy, and may you re-write many more rules over the course of your lives together." He winked at me, then raised his glass, as we all did.
I took one sip and let it rest on my tongue as I savored my small allotment of this nectar of the gods. "Mmmmmmmm." I said out loud, not meaning to!
Mick chuckled beside me, then leaned over and whispered in my ear, "Don't be sad, honey, after you have this baby, I'll buy you all the Dom you want!"
"Is that a promise?" I whispered back.
"Of course." Then someone started the tinkling sound of a knife on crystal, and soon there was a small chiming chorus. Mick turned his body toward me, bent to me and kissed me very thoroughly—about as much as could decently be allowed in public! The cheers and whistles began again, and then the food was served. I don't know if anyone was watching us, but our eyes were communicating what our hearts felt: that kiss was only the beginning of a very long night of loving!
The food was beautifully presented, of course, partridge in a reduction sauce with chestnut and current stuffing, herbed potatoes which were delicious, and both glazed carrots and fresh green beans. I was so hungry I ate my plate and half of Mick's. Mick and Josef requested Scotch, and both seemed to enjoying the selection that was served.
As dinner ended, we were introduced to the women in the string ensemble. Bella came over to the table addressed Mick and me.
"I'd like to introduce you to the people who made beautiful music for you," and she took me by the hand to the women who had played for us. I thanked them all for such a wonderful display of their talents, and they were all gracious. Mick came up behind me to meet them as well. We found out that they were in Las Vegas for a benefit concert, and when they had been asked to play for our wedding, had eagerly agreed. I guessed we all wanted to see where the Wynns hung out! I looked at them now, women of varying ages, all looking at Mick with unmistakeable lust in their eyes!
Why had I never noticed the way other women looked at Mick before! As I looked around the table of musicians, I saw that the glow in their eyes was more from appreciation of my handsome husband than of simple happiness at being part of this blessed event! I'd have my work cut out for me, I guessed! Not that I was the jealous type, but the way those eyes were looking at my husband, I might get that way!
"We both feel very honored that such professional musicians were here for our wedding!" Mick said to everyone. They all smiled and nodded. When we were done with the introductions, and Mick and I were ushered back to the balcony by the servers.
"Well, they are very attractive women! I hope you weren't sidetracked by that one batting her eyes at you!"
He kissed me. "Absolutely not. You can't even imagine what's going through my mind! I can't wait to get started on this honeymoon!" I felt shivery looking into his eyes. The electric charge that happened every time we touched seemed strong enough to cause a blackout at the hotel! His eyes were still caressing me. "I can't wait to show you all the ways I can make you mine." He gave me a sweet kiss full of promise.
I kissed him back. "That goes both ways, you know, my darling Mick. Just remember—you are now MINE as well! I don't think I'm going to let YOU forget that little reality any time soon!"
Our smiles held so much longing! Both of us were desperate to be alone, yet we didn't want the day to end!
After dinner, it was nice to be taken to a place where we were more or less alone--Josef, Simone, Mick and I all sat out under the fantasy-lit balcony cover, which felt like a low ceiling of clouds with impossible little stars all around, and it made the place feel intimate and cozy. Josef and Mick had their Scotch and cigars, Simone was thoroughly enjoying the Dom, and I sipped some kind of juice on ice. Very refreshing.
Belle had the servers wheel a beautiful cake out and set it on the coffee table, along with plates, silverware and napkins. The photographer wanted a shot of us cutting the cake together. It was so pretty I hated to ruin it! It looked like graduated, stacked gift boxes frosted in white fondant frosting and had fancy colored candy ribbons and bows adorning each square. Mick and I consented to the photograph, and I placed my hand over his as we made the first cut, smiling for the camera.
The server put the piece we had cut on a plate and handed it to Mick, who cut off a small piece with the fork, picked it up with his fingers, and placed it carefully into my open mouth, making me feel kind of like a baby bird waiting for a worm. I sucked on his fingers lightly as he withdrew them, and for that I was rewarded with a lecherous look from Mick and clapping from our audience.
I swallowed and he kissed me, whispering, "put it in my mouth for show—I'll give it back. See if we can do it." He raised an eyebrow and I grinned. Of course he wouldn't eat cake, but the photographer wanted a picture!
I cut a small piece and picked it up. He opened his mouth and I placed the piece of cake on his tongue. He closed his mouth around the cake and smiled. I leaned over and pretended to kiss him, but opened my mouth so he could slip his tongue into my mouth as I pursed my lips and removed the cake. I think everyone thought we had just lingered a bit over our kiss, not knowing what really had gone on. I swallowed the cake I had taken from his tongue and felt myself growing tingly and slightly damp with desire. We gave each other looks that nobody else would understand. This life was going to be different, living with a vampire, I thought, but I was sure I was going to have fun!
"You are amazing!" he whispered to me as Josef and Simone talked to each other in low voices. The photographer stood up and asked if there were any other pictures we wanted, and we told him he could take off and thanked him profusely. He wished us luck and took his leave of us. He said he'd be sending the proofs soon.
After a while, Josef and Simone stood and said they needed to be going. They would go change and fly back to LA tonight. I hugged Simone with tears in my eyes.
"Thank you so much, Simone! Having you here for all of this was so fun!"
She hugged me back and whispered, "Maybe you can do this for me someday!" We laughed, but I saw a little longing in her eyes that I hadn't seen before our wedding. I hoped she and Josef could work things out. I really liked both of them. Mick gave her a quick hug.
"You two have a great honeymoon!" she said to both of us, and I felt she truly wished it was her going on the honeymoon!
Josef hugged me first. "Thanks for being so good for this guy here," he said as he nodded to Mick. Mick raised his eyebrow at Josef. "No, really man! I see good changes in you since you two got together! I like it!"
"Thank you Josef!" I said with emotion obvious in my voice. "This was the best wedding—beyond anything I could have imagined!"
"I'm so glad you liked it. I'd say the day was a success!" He looked at Mick, then hugged him too. "Hey, brother, take care of each other now." They patted each other on the backs, then Josef took Simone by the arm, starting toward the door. He turned around for one more thing.
"Hey, Mick, the jet will be back for you on Saturday for your, ah, trip." He waggled his eyebrows and licked his lips.
"Thanks, Josef. We'll call when we get there." Mick nodded to his friend and we watched them catch the elevator.
"Well, I'm going to take a big piece of this cake with me!" I said, heaping a piece onto a plate. One of the servers took it from me and added another piece.
"I'll wrap this up for you, Mrs. St. John," she said and took off toward the kitchen.
"Did you hear that? She called me Mrs. St. John!" I was beaming at Mick.
"Well, you are if you want to be. I wondered if you'd keep your name for professional reasons."
"I wondered about that too, but I want your name, Mick. I want everything you have to give me. Nobody will even notice if I go by a different last name, I'm sure. I think they remember me for my face, actually!" I gave him my best cover shot smile.
Mick laughed. "I'd have to agree with that, Mrs. St. John! You do have the most beautiful face!" His eyes were caressing me, and the sweet little smile on his face told me that he was as thrilled as I was--we were both kind of shocked, I think, that we had actually pulled this off! He looked around us as we stood on the beautiful balcony. "Anything else you'd like to take? Maybe some flowers? Bella is having your bouquet preserved for you, but pick out any other flowers you'd like to take up to our suite."
I plucked a giant bundle out of the arch and put together a large bouquet for our room, which Mick thought was funny, but he waited patiently.
When I was finally ready, I went to the bathroom, picked up my purse and met Mick so we could head to our suite. He held my cake for me in one hand and took my hand in his other one.
"Which suite will we be in tonight?" I wondered out loud.
"You'll see" he said rather secretively, making me look up at him. "You'll see, Beth! Come on! Let's go!" He ushered me into the elevator, this time taking me to the top floor. We got off and right straight ahead were double glass leaded doors. Mick slipped a key card into the slot and they opened automatically.
"This isn't our room," I said kind of stupidly.
"It is now," he said in a sexy, low voice. He then put my cake on top of the bouquet, picked me up, and carried me into the huge, elegant room. I gasped! It was so like a fantasy! Mick set me down, and watched as I turned around and around with my mouth open. "There—I had to carry you over the threshold! So—I take it you like our suite?"
I knew my mouth was hanging open, probably not attractive, but I was astounded by the sheer beauty, elegance and lavish appointments of our "home" for the night! It was all crystal, marble, indirect lighting, sculptures, chandeliers, and gold. I hadn't ever seen a place like this!
"Mick! What is this? It's like a palace!" Fitting, I thought, for a princess!
"Oh, they usually put the whales up here, you know, the Japanese bigwigs, princes, presidents, all the big players. Tonight it's all ours. Think we can have some fun in here?"
I nodded, so taken in by it all that I couldn't even think of what to say! Finally I looked at Mick, who was smiling at me with his hands pressed together over his lips, a funny little gesture he used when he was trying not to laugh, I had noticed.
"I think this will do just fine!" I breathed. "Show me the bedroom!" I said, putting the cake and flowers down on a table that looked like it had probably cost more than my car.
"Let's look for it," he said. The place was so huge, I thought we might be hiking for a while! Mick pushed open an ornate door, and inside was an enormous bedroom with every possible amenity you could ever dream of! In the center was the biggest bed I'd ever seen, with a huge, high frame that went almost up to the ceiling, which had to be at least fifteen feet high! "I don't think we'll need the TV, but the bed is looking great to me!"
When he looked at me, my heart almost stopped. His stare shot straight through me, so full of want and need. My stomach lurched looking at him, so tall and handsome in his beautiful tuxedo. He took my breath away over and over, he was so magnificently handsome! I watched as his tongue slowly licked his lips, and felt myself getting weak with desire.
"I could see myself on that bed," I said, trying to sound casual.
"And I could see myself on that bed on you," Mick said with hunger in his voice. Our mutual longing was there between us, suspended, being held in check so it could be savored more slowly. I felt we both wanted to prolong the anticipation.
Mick took a breath and blew it out, then looked at me with an appraising eye. "You aren't hungry by any chance are you?" he said sweetly. "I mean, do you feel like a snack before we begin a long night of sleeplessness?"
Suddenly I felt a little growl in my belly. "Actually, yes! How did you know?"
"Well, I could use some liquid refreshment after this long day, and I thought you—with the baby—might be needing a little food before we. . ."
"Yes!" I said enthusiastically. "I'm in--let's go!"
It took us a few minutes to find the kitchen, but it was big, beautiful and fully stocked. The refrigerator was so camouflaged into the surrounding cherry wood of the cabinets that we walked by it a couple of times before figuring it out! It held an array of fresh fruits, cheeses, beverages and A-positive.
"Wow! The Wynn is a vamp-friendly place!" I said.
"Thank goodness!" Mick said as he poured his drink from a carafe into a chilled glass.
I heaped a plate with fruit and cheese, grabbed some crackers from the cupboard and poured myself a Pellegrino, which looked tempting in the frosty glass. We went into the adjoining room, which was a media room, with a lot of places to sit and about ten flat screens on the wall. Mick stretched out on a reclining chair, I put my goodies on a little table and sat next to him. We ate in silence for a minute.
"I don't know how you felt about today, Beth, but I loved it!" he sighed and sank back into the soft leather.
"HA! That is such an understatement!" I said chewing and swallowing. How was it possible to be this hungry already?
"I guess. No words really describe today." He took a sip and looked at me.
"Are you happy?" I asked him because he suddenly seemed so serious!
"Beth, I'm so blown away that you are my wife that I can hardly even speak! Happy is such an understatement!" He shook his head. When you were saying those vows to me, I almost lost it!"
"I know, Mick, I felt the same when you said your vows to me. I thought I'd melt down right there!"
"It was pretty cool! Really cool! I never knew getting married could be so—amazing. I mean, I guess I was technically married before, but the marriage was over before it began, so I really feel this is my first time." His eyes blazed with what I took for hope that this night would be the wedding night he had always dreamed of. It would be, if I had any say in the matter!
"Oh, Mick. Oh, honey, I—I'm so sorry you were ever hurt. It breaks my heart to think that anyone could ever hurt you—but when you tell me how it feels to you now—I'm glad you feel like this is your first time. I want to be your first."
He picked up my hand and kissed my fingers. "You are, Beth. You are my first ever true love."
"I feel exactly the same," I whispered.
We sat in silence for a minute. I felt so incredibly close to him.
I tried to stifle a little yawn, but Mick saw it.
"You're getting tired, aren't you?"
"Oh! It's been such a full, wonderful day! I guess I am tired!"
"Let's get back to that big bed soon. Are you almost finished?"
"I'm just going to get a little cake, and I'll put the rest of it in the refrigerator. Are you—did you have--enough?"
"I'm fine. I'll get the cake for you—just stay here." He got up and went into another room, and I noticed the lights turning on automatically as he walked through the suite. What a deal! He came back and handed me a small plate and fork. I helped myself to a small piece.
"You know," I said, "I am still just awed! I mean, what Josef did for us, Mick!"
"I know--he owed me before—now I think that's completely turned the other way!"
"We'll have to think of something nice to do for him. I know, he said he already had something for us to do. Do you think he meant turning Simone?"
"I have a feeling that's what he meant. I'm not sure I want in on that!" Mick coughed. Turning someone into a vampire was, to him, a pretty serious thing, and not something he would ever want to do.
"I'll have to tell you about my conversations with Simone when we were alone. You might find it interesting. But not now. Now I want to go to bed."
"Music to my ears!" Mick beamed. "May I escort you Mrs. St. John?"
I smiled. "I love it when I hear that name. I loved your name when I first saw it on your ID! Now it's my name too, and I love it even more!" I nodded to myself and took a drink. "Cool. Very cool."
"I'm so glad you like it--I do love sharing with you, but right now I want to share much more than my name with you. Just a name isn't enough."
"No, probably not, but it's big."
He laughed, then I laughed too. He said, "speaking of big. . . "
"My thoughts exactly!"
We left our dishes out in the kitchen and went back to the bedroom, holding hands as we traversed the vast expanse of hallways and enormous rooms with luxurious furnishings. At last we found the bedroom. I swung around, looking at Mick. "My things! They're still down in my room, Mick!"
He walked over to a set of doors which hid a walk-in closet, and there were all of my things! I hadn't even unpacked my suitcase, for the most part, and all of the bags from the boutique were there. I looked in the bathroom, which was literally the size of my apartment, and by one of the sinks, sure enough! My cosmetics and toothbrush!
"It's all been moved here! This is amazing!"
"It's the world of our friend Josef, Beth. I hope you don't get too used to this!"
"Never—I'd live in a soddy as long as you lived there too! Besides, this is just way too much to have to clean!" We both laughed then. Funny how we seemed suddenly shy with each other.
I went to him and put my arms around him, and with my heels on, I had no trouble kissing him. I kissed him under his jaw and thought how fun it was going to be taking off all of these beautiful clothes and finding his skin underneath them. I heard him groan and felt his arms come around me.
"Beth! Finally, you are truly MY Beth!" He kissed me like he'd been wanting to all day, like I'd been wanting to kiss him! We freely let our tongues and lips, explore and taste, luxuriating in our finally being alone and able to express everything held inside all day. The kiss lingered on, and soon it became needier and needier. Mick picked me up, still kissing me, and brought me to the bed. He put me down gently, then got on the bed facing me. He kissed my face and neck, then down as far as my dress would let him go.
"MMmmm. I want to kiss your entire body!" he said as he pulled me over to lie on top of him, holding me with both arms, kissing me ardently. We stopped and looked into each other's eyes for the millionth time today. What I saw in his eyes mirrored my own desires.
"Kissing my entire body might take a while," I said, completely out of breath.
"I have time. How about you?"
I lay down on top of him, putting my head on his chest. "I've never been so happy, Mick."
"Ditto."