Chapter Twelve
Lana woke up in her Talon apartment. She looked over at the wedding gown hung up next to the mirror. It was nine o'clock, and the wedding started at one. Chloe and Lois had slept over last night after the rehearsal dinner, but they weren't in the apartment. Lana sat up, a little exhausted. She had spent yesterday icing the cakes with Martha, making last minute preparations, rehearsing the ceremony at the church, and finally the rehearsal dinner. Lana looked at the bed, and smiled.
Rose petals were littered on the quilt with a small box placed next to her. She opened it, and pulled a necklace out. It had a silver chain, and the pendant was a diamond lilac. Lana smiled as she placed it around her neck. The door burst open, and Chloe and Lois came in with a tray of food.
"Breakfast in bed for the bride!" Chloe said. She and Lois stopped when they saw the rose petals.
"Wow," said Lois. "Clark is more romantic than I give him credit for."
Lana smiled as Chloe came and placed the tray on Lana's lap.
"Ooh, another present from Clark?" asked Chloe as she pointed at the pendant.
"Yeah," said Lana. She smiled as Chloe and Lois sat on the bed. "I'm getting married today!"
"I know!" Chloe cried as they hugged each other.
"Eat your breakfast," Lois said. "We got a lot of work to do."
Clark walked down the stairs in his tux pants, dress shoes, and tux shirt. His mother was wearing a nice red dress and she was finishing breakfast. His father was wearing a suit, and he was also finishing up breakfast. They both stopped and watched Clark enter the room. Jonathan smiled proudly at his son while Martha had a nostalgic look on her face.
"What?" asked Clark as he laughed. Martha came and held his hand.
"I remember the first time you fell for Lana," Martha told him. "You were six years old. We were at the farmer's market, and she came over. As soon as she left, you came over to me, and said…'That's the girl I'm going to marry.'"
Clark smiled at her, and hugged her. He looked over at his father, who put a hand on his shoulder.
"We are so proud of you, son," said Jonathan. He embraced Clark as Martha put the dishes in the sink.
"We're gonna go ahead and head up to the church," Martha told him. "We'll see you later, sweetheart."
She planted a kiss on his cheek, and followed Jonathan out the door. Clark finished getting ready, and supersped to the church.
Chloe and Lois had finished their hair and make-up, and were now working on Lana. Lois was curling Lana's ponytail as Chloe applied blush to Lana's cheeks.
"How does it feel?" asked Chloe.
"How does what feel?" Lana replied.
"To know that in a few hours' time, you will be Mrs. Lana Kent," Chloe finished.
"Amazing," answered Lana. "I woke up a Lang and will go to sleep as a Kent."
"Okay, I'm done," said Chloe. "How's it going, Lois?"
"This curling iron is whipping my ass," said Lois. "I don't know; I guess I just never had a woman's touch."
Chloe came around and finished up Lana's hair as Lois fetched the dress. Lana went into the bathroom and changed. Lois put the gown into a garment bag as Lana came out.
"Ready?" asked Chloe.
Lana took a deep breath. "Yeah."
Clark and Jonathan stood in the back room as Clark straightened himself up. It was 11:30; time to greet the guests.
"You ready?" asked Jonathan.
Clark came over to the door. "Dad…"
"Yes?"
"Thank you…for everything."
Jonathan smiled. "You're welcome." They hugged.
"Let's do this," said Jonathan as they walked out.
Lana got out of the car, and headed for the church. Chloe and Lois followed her with the gown and veil. Lana entered the church and made her way to a back room.
"What time is it?" asked Lana.
Chloe looked at her watch. "Noon…only one hour to go."
Lana went to the door that connected to the auditorium. The door was located to the right of the stage. When Lana opened it a fraction of an inch, she saw people filing into the pews guided by Lex or Pete. Clark was standing at the altar with the minister. He looked spiffy in his tux. Lana could hear the music coming from the speakers. Right now, "Every Time We Touch" was playing. Other songs Lana had chosen were "How Do I Live," "Everything," "Time After Time," "From This Moment On," and "Nobody Knows Me Like You."
Lana closed the door and came back to Chloe and Lois.
"Oh, gosh," said Lana. "All those people."
"Lana, wedding day jitters are perfectly normal," Chloe assured her. "Just don't get cold feet."
Lana laughed. "I won't."
Clark stood at the altar, waiting. It was thirty minutes until the wedding started. He looked around at all the people in the pews, talking. It was finally the day; it had finally come. Clark looked over at his mother to see her smiling at him. Clark walked down to her as she stood up.
"Mom…" Clark said as he held her hands in his.
"Sweetheart," said Martha as she smiled at him. "I've waited for my whole life for this day. I am so proud of you."
"It's all thanks to you, Mom," said Clark. "You're my heart…my soul. You helped me to get here."
Clark hugged Martha, and headed back up to the altar.
Lana came out from behind the screen in her gown. Chloe and Lois smiled as she headed over to the mirror. The door opened, and a woman came in.
"Aunt Nell!" Lana cried as she rushed over to her. "What are you doing here?"
"I got your invitation," Nell said.
"I didn't think you'd be able to come!" Lana exclaimed as tears slid down her face.
"I wasn't about to miss this," Nell said. She stood back to admire Lana's attire. "You look beautiful!"
Lana smiled as Chloe picked up the veil.
"Unfortunately, the ensemble isn't complete yet," said Chloe. She stepped forward and situated the veil under Lana's ponytail. "There; now you look like a bride."
Lana went over to the mirror and looked at herself. Nell stood behind her as Lois handed her the lilac bouquet.
"Clark is a very lucky young man," said Nell as she put her hands on Lana's shoulders. "I better get going; it's almost time."
Nell left as Chloe looked at her watch. "Five minutes," she warned.
"Okay, let's go," said Lana. She, Chloe and Lois walked into the hall that would lead to the auditorium doors. Jonathan was waiting halfway down the corridor, and he joined them. He offered his arm, and Lana took it. They walked arm-in-arm as Chloe and Lois followed.
"You look beautiful, Lana," said Jonathan.
"Thank you, Mr. Kent," said Lana.
"Oh, please, call me 'Dad.'"
Lana laughed as Jonathan smiled. "Okay…Dad."
They all met Lex and Pete just outside the doors. Lex and Pete both came and hugged Lana.
"You look amazing," said Lex.
"Yeah, ditto," said Pete.
Lana smiled at them as Chloe joined Lex, and Lois joined Pete. Lana took Jonathan's arm again as she heard the wedding march start to play. Chloe and Lex walked down the aisle slowly as Lois and Pete followed a little later. Lana heard everyone stand up as she and Jonathan appeared in the doorway.
Clark watched as Pete and Lois joined them at the altar. Everyone stood up as Clark looked at the doorway. Lana appeared with his father and the two of them gazed into each other's eyes.
Wow… Clark thought. Lana looked spectacular. Her dress was so eloquent, and the light shone off of her hair. Lana smiled at him as she slowly approached. When they got to the bottom of the stage, the music stopped.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join these two in holy matrimony," said the minister. He looked down at Jonathan. "Who gives this woman to this man?"
"I do," said Jonathan. He hugged Lana, and then joined Martha in the front pew. Lana walked up to the altar, and joined hands with Clark. Clark looked down at the lilac necklace around her neck, and back at her. Lana smiled as she grasped the pendant in her hand.
"Marriage is a sacred union for two people in love," said the minister. "When a man and a woman choose to spend their lives together, they are expressing their truest feelings. Marriage is not something to be entered into lightly, but should be an expression of love…and fidelity."
The minister stepped aside as a song started playing. Lana had chosen that their wedding song—"Wind Beneath My Wings"—be played while they light the unity candle. The two of them walked up to the candle, and stepped in front of it. Clark focused his heat vision, and the wick burst into flames. They both looked down at it as Lana smiled.
"Did you ever know that you're my hero?" Lana whispered along with the song.
Clark and Lana laughed quietly as they walked back down to the altar. The minister joined them as the song ended.
"Do you have the rings?" he asked. Lana turned to Chloe and took Clark's ring while Clark got Lana's from Lex. They turned back to each other as the minister turned to Clark.
"Do you, Clark Kent, take Lana Lang to be your lawfully wedded wife for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," said Clark, and he placed the ring on Lana's finger.
"And do you, Lana Lang, take Clark Kent to be your lawfully wedded husband for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others as long as you both shall live?"
Lana smiled. "I do." She placed the ring on Clark's finger, and they held hands.
"Then by the power invested in me by the state of Kansas, I now pronounce you man and wife," said the minister. Clark and Lana smiled at each other. "You may kiss the bride."
Lana and Clark kissed as they wrapped their arms around each other.
"Let me be the first to present to you…Mr. and Mrs. Clark Kent," said the minister. Clark and Lana broke apart as they turned toward the auditorium. They headed down the aisle as their recessional song "A Whole New World" started playing.
Lois and Pete followed, and then Chloe and Lex came. When they all got out to the corridor, they walked to where they wouldn't be seen by the exiting guests. Lex and Pete shook Clark's hand, and offered their congratulations. Chloe and Lois were hugging Lana. When they were done, they went out to join the crowd to wait for the newlyweds. Clark and Lana kissed and hugged each other.
"How did I ever get so lucky?" asked Clark.
"I don't believe in luck," said Lana. "But I do believe in fate."
"Well, Mrs. Kent, shall we?" Clark asked as he offered his arm.
Lana took it. "We shall."
Clark and Lana walked to the front door, and pushed it open. Outside, the guests were lined up on either side of the stairs. The bridesmaids and ushers were the first in line, and then the Kents. As Clark and Lana walked out, they began throwing bird seed into the air. The limo Lex had loaned was waiting at the bottom. Clark and Lana hurried down the stairs, and got into the limo. It had white sashes along the side with a sign that read "Just Married" on the bumper. The limo pulled away as everyone cheered. Clark wrapped his arm around Lana.
"I can't believe it," said Clark.
"What?" asked Lana.
"We're married," said Clark. Lana smiled as they leaned towards each other. They kissed as the limo took them to the reception.
Jonathan and Martha went around the reception in the front yard as everyone arrived. Lex, Pete and Jonathan had carried the cake out, and Martha was talking with the photographer.
"As soon as Clark and Lana get here, we'll start with the pictures," said Martha.
"Okay," the photographer said. He walked off as some more people arrived. Since their driveway wasn't big enough, Clark had taken apart the fence the day before to make a parking lot on the lawn. They had left the driveway open for the limo.
Martha went over to Chloe. "I hope they get here soon…and without trouble."
"Mrs. Kent," said Chloe, "it's not like Clark's going to blow off his reception to save the world."
Martha and Chloe both paused, and began to worry.
The limo pulled into the driveway, and the newlyweds climbed out. They entered the house as the announcer ran to the microphone. Clark took Lana to the front door.
"Ready?" asked Clark.
"I've been ready for this for the past four years," Lana told him. They kissed as the announcement came over the loudspeaker.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Clark and Lana Kent!"
Clark and Lana walked out onto the front porch as everyone applauded. They walked down the steps as Martha came towards them.
"No trouble?" asked Martha, worried.
"Smooth sailing," Clark told her as they hugged.
"Well, the photographer is waiting around the side of the house," said Martha. "Go ahead, and I'll round everyone up."
Clark and Lana went to where the photographer was. He was planning on taking the pictures with the fields in the background. Martha and Jonathan soon came around the corner with Chloe, Lois, Lex and Pete. The first picture was everyone: Clark and Lana in the middle with Martha, Chloe and Lois next to Lana, and Jonathan, Lex and Pete next to Clark. Then there were pictures of the newlyweds with the Kents, Clark with his parents, Lana with the Kents, Lana with the bridesmaids, Clark with the ushers, and then the bridesmaids with the ushers. The photographer found some good scenery areas around the farmhouse and posed the two of them there. Finally, twenty minutes later, Clark and Lana were able to get back to the reception. The head table was filled by Chloe, Lex, Lois and Pete. Two chairs in the middle were waiting for the bride and groom. Clark and Lana took their seats as the caterers brought everyone their food.
Lex stood up and rapped his fork on his champagne glass. Everyone hushed as Lex put his fork down. Lex turned to face Clark, who had his arm around Lana.
"I never thought I'd see this day," said Lex. Clark smiled as he held Lana next to him. "I remember the first time I met Clark. At the time, he was harboring a secret crush on a girl that was currently dating the quarterback. No matter how many times I told him to go for it when the opportunity was given to him, he never did…because he cared more for this girl's feelings than he did about his own happiness. Who knew that slow and steady would win the race? That girl is now sitting next to him…and they're about to share their lives together. I would be half as lucky to be in Clark's place. In all the years I've known Lana and Clark, I have never seen them happier than they are right now. Clark, all I can say is…it's about time." Clark and Lana laughed at that. Lex raised his glass. "To Clark and Lana…may you have the best together."
Everyone applauded as Lex sat, and Chloe stood. She also raised her glass.
"My turn," she joked as she turned to Lana. "When I heard that Clark had finally popped the question, I was shocked. Who would've thought that my two best friends would get married? I remember the cheerleader all dressed up for the championship game. And I remember that bumbling farm boy trying to make it through the front door with an armload of books. But as we entered our senior year, I noticed how far we'd come in four years. That cheerleader had gone off to an art school in Paris, and that farm boy had become Smallville High's Golden Arm. And now…they're getting married. Lana…I'm glad you finally found what you were looking for. Good luck you two."
Everyone applauded as the DJ got the microphone.
"And now, it's time for the bride and groom's first dance," said the DJ.
Clark pulled out Lana's chair as she stood up. He held his hand out to her.
"May I have this dance?" he asked.
Lana smiled. "I thought you'd never ask."
She placed her hand in his, and he led her to the dance floor. The song "You and Me" came on as they began dancing.
"Remember the last time we were here?" asked Lana.
Clark smiled. "Prom."
"That was the night I started falling for you again," said Lana. They smiled as Lana rested her head on Clark's chest. Near the end of the song, Lana faltered a little.
"Lana, you okay?" Clark asked, worried.
"Uh, I'm feeling a little woozy," Lana told him.
"From the baby?" asked Clark. Lana nodded as the song ended. Clark looked around, and looked at the house. "Okay, come on."
Clark helped Lana towards the front door as Chloe ran up.
"Everything okay?" she asked.
"I'm taking Lana to rest," Clark told her. "Stall for time."
Chloe nodded as she ran off for the DJ. Clark got Lana into the house, and laid her down on the couch. Clark rushed to the kitchen and got her a glass of water. He came back and gave it to Lana. She noted the worried expression on his face.
"Don't worry, Clark," said Lana. "This is normal."
Clark relaxed as he brushed some hair out of her face. Lana took some more sips of water as Clark sat there.
"I'm ready," she said as she sat up.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Clark Kent, I am not about to miss out on my wedding day," she told him.
Clark smiled as he helped her up. They walked back out to the reception. Clark led Lana back to their seats as the DJ spoke up.
"You're just in time for the mother-son dance!" he said as Lana sat down. Clark kissed her.
"I'll be back," he said as Martha came over. She and Clark walked out onto the dance floor. They danced as "Perfect Fan" started playing.
"I chose this song just for you, Mom," Clark said. They were both silent as they listened to the words.
"It takes a lot to know what is love. It's not the big things but the little things that can mean enough. A lot of prayers to get me through, and there is never a day that passes by I don't think of you. You were always there for me, pushing me and guiding me always to succeed. You showed me when I was young just how to grow. You showed me everything that I should know. You showed me just how to walk without your hands. 'Cause, Mom, you always were the perfect fan. God has been so good; blessing me with a family who did all they could. And I've had many years of grace, and it flatters me when I see the smile on your face. I wanna thank you for what you've done in hopes I can give back to you; be the perfect son. You showed me when I was young just how to grow. You showed me everything that I should know. You showed me just how to walk without your hands. 'Cause, Mom, you always were the perfect fan. You showed me how to love. You showed me how to care. You showed me that you would always be there. I wanna thank you for that time, and I'm proud to say you're mine. You showed me when I was young just how to grow. You showed me everything that I should know. You showed me just how to walk without your hands. 'Cause, Mom, you always were the perfect fan."
Martha looked up at Clark, and she had tears in her eyes.
"Thank you, Clark," said Martha. They hugged as Clark went back to the head table. Jonathan came over to Lana for the father-daughter dance. The two of them walked out onto the dance floor as "Ready, Set, Don't Go" came on. Once the song ended, Martha came to Jonathan as Lana went back to Clark. The Kents danced as "Unchained Melody" from Ghost started playing.
Lana made her way through the crowd, and found Clark.
"Time to cut the cake," she told him. He followed her over to where the cake was as everyone looked over at them. Clark picked the knife up and placed it in Lana's hand. He wrapped his hand around hers as the photographer took pictures. They cut the cake, and each grabbed a small piece. They fed it to each other as everyone applauded. Clark and Lana walked back to their seats as the guests helped themselves to cake. Clark and Lana were talking with each other when an envelope fell onto the table in front of them. They both stared at it; it read "To Mr. and Mrs. Clark Kent." Clark looked at Lana, and picked the envelope up. He opened it and pulled out a small note.
"'To the newlyweds on your wedding day,'" Clark read out loud. "'This might help you get started.'" He pulled a check out, and stared at it, shocked.
"What?" asked Lana.
Clark showed her the check, stunned. "Twenty thousand dollars."
"Are you serious?" exclaimed Lana. She took the check to look at it herself. "Oh, my gosh." Lana started laughing and crying out in joy, and hugged Clark. Clark's parents ran over.
"What is it?" Jonathan asked. Speechless, Clark showed them the check. Their eyes went wide as they stared in disbelief. "Who gave you this?"
"No clue," said Clark. "It just fell onto the table. But three guesses who it was."
Chloe, Lois, Lex and Pete came over.
"What's all this noise about?" asked Lex.
"Like you don't already know," Clark said, smiling.
"No, I really don't," Lex told him.
"You weren't the one who gave us twenty thousand dollars?" asked Clark.
"What?" exclaimed Chloe. She grabbed the check and stared at it. "Twenty thousand dollars?"
"Lex, you didn't have to do this," said Lana. "You've already helped out so much."
"I didn't do this," Lex told them, stunned. "If I were going to give you money to buy a house, I would buy the house right off the bat."
"He's got a point," said Chloe.
"Who would've done this?" asked Lois. "Who would give someone twenty thousand dollars, and not even sign the card?"
"Obviously, someone with a lot of money," said Pete. Clark stood there, silent. "What is it?"
"It's too much," Clark said.
"We can't accept this," said Lana.
"It's a wedding present!" said Chloe. "Besides, you don't even know who to give it back to. And you need this; you're planning on living in the Talon?"
"That is going to be a small space for three people," said Lana. Clark looked at the check, still torn. "Tell you what; we'll think it over."
Clark nodded as the DJ came on the loudspeaker. "Okay, ladies; time to throw the bouquet!"
Chloe, Lois and Lana went towards the house as the women followed. Lana held her bouquet in her hand as she climbed the stairs to the porch. She faced the girls gathered there and turned her back on them. She tossed the lilac bouquet into the air and turned around. The person holding the bouquet was Chloe. She started laughing as Lana came down to her. They all laughed as they headed back to the table. The sun had gone behind the clouds, and the temperature had dropped a few degrees. Lana sat next to Clark, and he wrapped his arm around her to warm her.
"My dream wedding to the perfect guy on Christmas Eve," Lana whispered. "I can't think of anything that could make this day more special."
"I can," Clark whispered back. He was looking at the sky, smiling. Lana looked up just as something wet fell on her face. She smiled as she saw the white flakes falling from the sky. Everyone looked around at the snowflakes.
"Merry Christmas, Lana," said Clark.
"Merry first Christmas together, Clark," Lana replied. "The first of many."
They kissed as the snow fell onto the lovely scene.