Title: The Swear Jar 31/X
Author: Romantique
Email: dolph1n
Classification: Raylan/Winona Family/General
Rating: T for language (but no worse than the show)
Summary: Raylan is a new dad. This one is a stand-alone, not a sequel to 'A Change of Scenery.'
Disclaimer: It's 'Justified' hiatus time, and I'm bored. This fic is based on nothing but my imagination and takes place sometime after the end of Season 3.
Legal: These characters do not belong to me. I'm just a fan and have not made a dime. Please email me to obtain permission to post.
A/N: RIP Elmore Leonard. I have a lot to learn about not writing so much prose, and letting dialog take care of descriptions.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Tugging at the collar of his white dress shirt, Raylan checked himself once more in the mirror.
"I really don't think it looks all that bad," he mumbled. "Do you?"
"It's faded, but you would still be able to see it in pictures," Faylene answered. "Let me put just a little foundation on what's left of that bruising to cover it, to be on the safe side."
Raylan let out a huge sigh. "No offense, but I don't want to wear make-up."
"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone," Tim ribbed him from the corner of the room.
Tim had been assigned the wedding task of driving Raylan to the Mullens' home before the ceremony, as the Best Man was tasked with picking up more ice and a few last minute items that had to be signed for. Even more so, Raylan has been forced to turn over his Lincoln at midnight to Art, so that it could be transformed into a honeymoon get-away car.
So as not to take any chances with superstitions about the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding, Winona and Caitlyn spent the night with Gayle, and Gayle offered to babysit, so that the newly married couple could have a couple nights alone. A couple of nights was all the time Winona was comfortable leaving the baby without her or Raylan. Not that she didn't trust her experienced sister, but Winona passionately argued that Cait was still so young. The truth was, she didn't want to be away from her baby for long, and Raylan was just fine with that. He didn't, either.
"You won't tell anyone, anything, because you need some cover-up on that shiner you have, too," Faylene stated, under no uncertain terms. "You two are not going to spoil the wedding pictures for Winona, do you hear me?" she directed her remarks mostly towards Tim. "And if you give me any trouble about this, I'm going to go and find Art."
"Yes, m'am," Tim responded. He had a healthy fear of this woman and was beginning to understand why Art did, as well.
"Now, turn around here, Raylan," Faylene ordered.
A compliant Raylan did as he was told and allowed the older woman to dab some foundation on the yellowing bruise on his cheek. She worked to carefully, skillfully blend it in.
"There. That's much better. See?" she remarked, admiring her handiwork.
"Wow," Raylan remarked, looking at himself in the mirror. "You can't even see it anymore."
"Exactly," Faylene said, proud of herself. "Okay, you're next," she said, motioning to Tim.
Tim sheepishly went over near his boss's wife and allowed her to dab make-up on his closed eyelid and then, below his eye and on the cheekbone. His bruising covered a bigger area of his face.
"Have you boys kissed and made up?" she asked.
"I guess we have that comin'," Raylan replied. "Yeah, I think we both had a little too much to drink that night."
"I thought what happens at the bachelor party stays at the bachelor party," Tim sounded ticked, still being 'made-up' by Faylene.
"Tim, that saying only goes for Vegas," Raylan explained. "And besides, this is Art's wife. Do you really expect them not to talk to one another?"
"Why, did you tell Winona?" Tim wanted to know.
"Not in so many words," Raylan answered, "but she's a smart woman. It didn't take her long to put two and two together. You didn't think she thought Rachel or Art hit us both in the face, did you?"
"It could have been a bar brawl with patrons," Tim suggested, never admitting in the presence of his boss's wife that it was him. "I'm just saying."
"Oh," Raylan smiled, finally seeing Tim's angle. "Yeah, it could have a bar brawl with patrons. With all the drinking', I really can't recall."
Ignoring their conversation and concentrating on the task at hand, Faylene finished feathering the edges of the foundation along the bruising, blending and blending.
"There," she said, finally satisfied. "That looks much, much better. Don't you think, Tim?"
Tim took a look at his reflection. "Hey, that does look good. Thank you, Mrs. Boss."
"You're welcome," she said.
At about that time, Art bounded into the room.
"Dear, the pastor's here," Art said to his wife, sounding a little winded. "And it's getting closer to 'show time.'"
"Is Winona here?" Raylan asked his Best Man.
"Why?" he answered. "Are you afraid she's not going to show?"
Then, thinking better that today was not the day to mess with Raylan, Art corrected course. "Yes, she's here and beautiful, as always … only more so, today."
Art then smiled and gave a firm, reaffirming pat on Raylan's back, and a peck on his wife's cheek, as Faylene left the three men alone.
"I thought you and Winona would have Judge Reardon marry you," Tim remarked.
"He was our first choice," Raylan explained, nervously checking his cufflinks, "but he's on his annual fishin' trip, and nothing interferes with his annual fishin' trip. He told me he books it, a year in advance."
"I noticed he sent a gift. It's out there with the others," Tim informed the groom.
"I hope it's not a Speedo," Art quipped.
The three men laughed, but Raylan's was a noticeably nervous laugh.
"Hey, I got you something, too," Tim said, trying to distract his fellow marshal by pulling an envelope out of his jacket pocket. "Here is a sizeable down payment to the Swear Jar. You've got a kid with two more on the way, and better places for your money to go."
"Thank you," Raylan smiled and extended his hand for a shake, and he and Tim came in for a guy hug. Then, Raylan took the envelope from Tim and placed it in the inside pocket of his jacket.
"Don't lose that now," Tim remarked. "It's cash. Enough to keep you out of hock for … at your rate of swearing and, assuming you sleep for 8 hours a night … maybe for a day or two. Definitely long enough for you and Winona to get back from your little trip."
Raylan patted the envelope from the outside of his jacket. "I'll keep it safe, right here," he reassured Tim.
"Well, Tim," Art said after checking his watch for about the third time since he came into the room, "it's about time for you to take your place on the 'groom's side' of the aisle with Rachel. You and Rachel are going to be watching little Caitlyn during the ceremony, so that Winona's sister can stand up at there with her. Do you think you can handle it?"
"Of course I can handle it," Tim said, with strong authority. "I'm a Deputy U.S. Marshal." Then, he went over to Raylan and have him a firm slap on the shoulder. "Good luck to you, man."
"Thanks, Tim. Thanks for everything," Raylan nodded and watched Tim leave the room.
When they were alone, Art asked, "Are you doing okay? Because you look a little nervous, over there."
"It shows, huh?" Raylan asked, giving a little grimace. "I'm fine. I just wanna get this show on the road. You got the ring?"
Art pulled a small platinum, channeled band out of his right coat pocket. "I've got it right here," he said with a calming confidence, showing Raylan the band and then placing it right back in his pocket. "As your older, wiser Best Man, I think I'm supposed to say something wise to you, today. So, here goes: Don't ever go to bed mad with Winona and don't let her go to bed mad with you. I don't care what you're fighting about, agree to put it on hold until the next day. There is hardly anything that can't wait until the next day. And then, the next day … don't put off whatever it is. Work it out. This has worked for us for 32 years. So take this advice, seriously, because it works." After a beat, he added, "By the way, you should know that Faylene is having this same talk with Winona."
Raylan gave a broad, tight lipped smiled and nodded his head. "Thanks, Art. Thank you for everything, too."
"My pleasure," Art said.
And the two men shook hands.
"Come on now. Don't want to be late to your own wedding," Art smiled, and led the groom out the side door of the kitchen, as instructed by Faylene, and around to the far, far side of a huge back lawn and to the front of a beautifully constructed, oversized arbor made of a dark teak wood, generously draped in light green amaranthus.
"Did you make this?" Raylan asked, referring to the arbor, his eyes showing he was impressed.
"I built it, and Faylene decorated it," Art said, pretty proud of his part of the handiwork.
Raylan looked up at its height and smiled. "It's fantastic."
It was a beautiful afternoon for a wedding. "Hey There Delilah," by the White Tees was being nicely played by a string trio from Art and Faylene's church. The lawn was a cool, lush Kentucky Blue Grass that was deep green, and the smell of gardenia, one of Winona's favorites, was in the air. The temperature was pleasant, as the hint of a cool breeze passed through the yard.
Raylan turned around and immediately spotted Rachel behind him holding a sleeping Caitlyn in her arms. Next to her, Tim give him the big 'OK' sign on the baby. Raylan surmised there were about 30 people seated, equally distributed on each side of the aisle. Most were co-workers from the Courthouse.
At the end of the song, there was silence from the trio for a brief moment and then, they seamlessly went into "Here Comes the Sun," by the Beatles. A shortened version of the song, on the last refrain, Gayle walked down the aisle dressed in a long, apple green dress with her hair in soft waves, holding a bouquet of pale green hydrangea. As she approached the arbor, she gave a sweet smile to Raylan and took her place on the other side of the aisle. When the song ended, all the guests stood up and turned towards the back of the lawn, blocking Raylan's view. The trio then went into a light version of "The Bridal March," and Raylan and Art turned in the same direction as the guest. Raylan stood tall, his hands clasped in front of him, waiting to catch his first glimpse of Winona.
Time was moving slowly for Raylan as he waited to see her. Unbeknown yet to him, Winona was wearing the palest green chiffon, empire-waist, full length gown that swept over her small baby bump. It had V-neckline revealing just a hint of her full breasts and cleavage, lace capped sleeves, and a wisp of a train in the back. The gown had a gorgeous low, cut-to-the-waist back, showing off yet another of her best features. It was loosely corseted with a matching pale green satin cord. Like Gayle's, her hair fell in long, loose waves, with hers pulled back on one side with a single, celery green cymbidium orchid in her hair. The flower matched her bouquet that was a mix of the celery green cymbidium and miniature gardenia. Her make-up was flawless, natural.
Raylan finally saw her when she reached the first rows of guests. The sight of her that day, even after all their years of familiarity, literally stole his breath. He struggled to steady himself as she walked closer and closer to him. Winona handed her bouquet to her sister. Time stood still, and Raylan could not take his eyes off of Winona, or hers from him, as she turned towards Raylan. He could not process much in this strange, adrenalin time warp, until he eventually realized that it was Judge Reardon who walked Winona down the aisle and then, took his place behind the podium on the other side of the arbor.
"Gotcha," the Judge enunciated in a soft voice, with a smile to Raylan, and gave him a playful wink.
God-smacked, all Raylan could do was to remain standing upright and gaze deep into Winona's beautiful blue eyes. He didn't remember hearing a thing until he heard the Judge say, "Raylan, repeat after me."
Raylan did what the Judge said, or at least he thought he did, and the next thing he remembered was being asked to say, "I do." He then, vaguely remembered an exchange of rings and finally, being told he could kiss the bride. Raylan lowered his head, never breaking his gaze, until his forehead touched Winona's, then their noses, and then, their lips. Their mouths and tongues melded into the others, as he held her tight. He became hazily aware of his breathing when he heard a sudden "Get a room!" from a voice that sounded like Tim's, and then a ripple of chuckling.
When they finally came up for air, the Judge re-introduced Mr. and Mrs. Raylan Givens to their guests, who erupted in applause. The string trio began to play "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve, and Gayle gave her sister a peck on the cheek and handed her sister back her bridal bouquet and clutch. The couple then led the way back up the aisle towards a large covered canopy where the reception was to be held. After every one arrived, Art made a little speech:
"Faylene and I would like to invite you all over here for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while we fire up the grill and the photographer takes some pictures of the happy couple."
The photographer, who Raylan hadn't noticed before, talked to him and Winona for a moment about a myriad of shots on a list on a piece of paper, until Raylan begged him first for a moment alone with his new bride. After Raylan overcame that obstacle, Faylene walked up to the holding an iPad with Winona's mother's face on the screen.
"Hi, Momma," Winona smiled into the camera. "Say hello to Mom," she motioned to Raylan.
After Raylan was a little slow on the uptake, Winona explained, "Honey, my mom watched our ceremony on Face Time. Isn't that nice?"
"Oh. Hi, Mom," Raylan smiled into the camera. "Hey, I'm back in the family fold," he joked
"Well, I'm glad, Raylan," the older woman said. "You know I always liked you best."
With pleading eyes, Winona conveyed to him just to go along with it.
"Well, I always liked you best, too," Raylan spoke to his mother-in-law in a voice as smooth as silk.
"Now, y'all are going to come see me after the babies are born," the older woman went on. "I'm counting on it."
"Yes, Momma," Winona nodded. "We promise." After a beat, Winona said, "The photographer is after us to go and take some pictures. We're going to have to sign off for now. I'll call you in a few days?"
"Alright, sweetheart," her mother said. "And thank you for figuring out a way for me to come to your wedding. It was beautiful."
"Love you, Momma," Winona said, blowing a kiss to her mother.
"Love you, Mom," Raylan parroted, smiling and waving goodbye.
Winona handed the iPad back to Faylene and told her 'thank you.' Then, taking Winona by the crook of the arm, he led her back into the house and into the bedroom, where he waited for the ceremony to begin. He took her into his arms and held her tight and went in for a deep kiss. She felt him harden, against her, and their breathing became heavy. Finally, she pulled away.
"Honey, we can't. Not now," she pleaded. "As much as I'd love to …"
"I know," he whispered, "but this is what I'd rather be doin'. I just want you to know that it's everything I can do to not untie the back of that … beautiful dress." Then, he said, "By the way, you look absolutely gorgeous … stunning."
"Thank you," she smiled. "That is exactly the reaction I was going for."
"Would you promise me one thing?" he asked.
"What's that?" she asked back.
"Please don't change out of that dress," he pleaded. "I'm gonna think about untyin' you out of that gorgeous dress, all evenin' long."
She locked eyes with his. "I promise."
Smiling back at her, he reluctantly said, "I guess we better go back, Mrs. Givens, but first, I need to make a stop in the restroom. I can't go on like this for hours."
He was looking for some sympathy.
"I honestly do feel for you, babe," she said, with true sympathy in her eyes. "Go take care of yourself, and I promise to take real good care of you, later."
As he left for the restroom, Winona found a mirror and repaired the lipstick that Raylan had pretty much kissed off her mouth. She thought it was a good call she decided to go with a natural shade. She touched up a little mascara smear under her eye, too, and soon felt like she had put herself back together. After a few more minutes, a much 'relieved' Raylan emerged from the restroom. Then, Winona went in, only for a more traditional use of the restroom. Not that she wasn't turned on, too, but she knew she had to hold on until later that night. After she washed her hands, splashed a few drops of cold water on her face and took in a deep breath, she came out of the room to find Raylan there waiting, and he extended his crooked elbow to her.
"Ready for our reception?" he asked.
She smiled at him, taking his arm. "Yeah, let's go enjoy this party Art and Faylene worked so hard to give to us."
(To be continued …)