Chapter 15: A Surprise and the Countdown to a Holiday Wedding
Sheri and Alice were ecstatic to plan and carry out the wedding details. The only thing I asked was that I choose the dresses and tuxes and my colors of white, red, and green. They guaranteed this would be the 'wedding of the century'. Em and I were easy; we just wanted to be married. The date was set for December eighth.
During the six months of preparations, the holiday season arrived. Sheri, James and I spent Thanksgiving Day with Emmett and the extended Cullen family at Carlisle and Esme's palatial home in Santa Barbara. Everyone drove up the evening before.
There was a flurry of kitchen activity as we ladies did all the prep work for the following day's meal. Salads—ambrosia, jellied Waldorf, and cranberry, vegetables—green bean casserole, asparagus spears, and sweet potatoes, desserts—pumpkin pie, cherry pie, and pineapple cheesecake, as well as an assortment of homemade breads, coffeecakes, and cinnamon rolls for breakfast the next morning, were all in the refrigerator. The turkey was ready to be stuffed, and the potatoes were ready to be boiled for mashing. The next morning after the turkey was roasted and the potatoes mashed, the reheating and slicing and setting out the meal would be easy.
Esme had gotten up at three am to put the turkey in the oven to roast at a low 200 degrees. Around ten am, she pulled the foil off of the top of the twenty-eight pound bird and turned the temperature up to 375 degrees.
Breakfast was buffet style; with everyone filling their plates and landing wherever they found a seat. After cleaning up, we started on setting the huge, solid Mahogany table in the formal dining room. Eighteen people could be comfortably seated around it when fully extended with three eighteen inch leafs. For that day, it was set for fourteen—twelve adults and baby Jackson Cullen Whitlock's highchair.
At two o'clock, we called the men in from their ball game, and sat them around the table. Carlisle and Esme sat on either end of the table. Jasper, Alice and baby Jackson, Edward and Bella on one side, with Jake and Rose, James and Sheri, and Emmett and I on the other. Esme called Emmett into the kitchen to carry the beautifully-browned turkey out to place in front of Carlisle for carving, causing instant applause from everyone. Before he started slicing, Carlisle said grace and started the tradition of going around the table, each person telling what they were thankful for.
Esme and Carlisle started by saying they were thankful for their family and that they were all happy and doing well. Jasper and Alice were next, thankful for the family and especially for their most precious previous Christmas gift, Jackson Cullen Whitlock. Edward and Bella echoed those before them before announcing that they were expecting their own little gift the coming October. Of course everyone was ecstatic and, after congratulations were heartily expressed, we continued around the table. Rose and Jake expressed their thanks for being included as part of the family, and then Rose stood up and looked around at each face.
"I want to add my own thanks to all of you for forgiving me for all that went down before. I know I caused a lot of pain, especially to you, Emmett," she spoke softly. "But with the help and love from my Jake, I have been clean and sober for two and a half years. And with all of your support, I plan to stay that way."
We all crowded around her, hugging her and reassuring her of our love and help, Emmett even kissed her forehead. James and Sheri also expressed their thanks for being included and to Emmett for bring love laughter and happiness back into my life.
Emmett stood and pulled up into his arms.
"I love all of you, but this one here," he said, squeezing me tight, "has filled all the empty spaces of my heart. I feel happy and whole…complete. And in a couple of weeks, we will be making it permanent. I love you, Mara." Then he leaned down and kissed me sweetly.
"I love you, too, Emmett," I said cupping his cheek. "And I can't wait to be officially yours. I am so thankful to be accepted into this awesome family, and that my best friends have been, too." I turned to look at them all. "We only had the three of us for years, but now we have a big family to be part of. It's a delicious feeling. Thank you."
Finally we started to eat the most delicious of meals. There was a lot of love and laughter and many toasts…wine for all except Bella, who drank apple juice. The surprising thing was when Emmett stood and began to clear the table.
"Come on, dudes, the ladies prepared this fabulous feast, and I think we should do the cleanup. Without one murmur of protest, the guys rose and began to help.
The ladies and I gathered into the living room…leaving the TV room for the guys to watch the Rose Bowl game. After Alice put Jackson down for a nap, the wedding was the topic of conversation. The Church of the Good Shepherd had been booked, and the reception venue at the Beverly Hill Hotel was secured. The invitations had all been mailed. We had an appointment on the following Monday to meet with the chef at the hotel and decide on the dinner menu. Mmm, food tasting; Em would be in his element. The final touches were being taken care of by Alice and Sheri. Our final dress fittings were set for tomorrow afternoon.
The silence from the TV room suddenly registered with me. I got up to check what was going on. It was all I could do to keep from breaking out into laughter. Returning to the living room, I motioned for all the girls to follow me. We all stood in the doorway, smiling. Sprawled around the room in the reclining chairs, the men were all sawing logs…Emmett louder than the rest.
With a mischievous smile, I tiptoed over to his chair, leaning over to tickle his nose with the tip of my finger. His nose twitched and he snorted before settling back down. The others followed my lead. Suddenly, I was grabbed up and, shrieking, pulled onto Em's lap, his lips chewing on my neck. Soon uproarious laughter filled the room, with love permeating the air.
After calming down, we all returned to the dining room for dessert and coffee. There it was agreed that Christmas would be at Jasper and Alice's. With Jackson being thirteen months old, they wanted him to celebrate at home.
Around seven pm, we all decided it was time to head home. Hugs and kisses were exchanged, and soon we were on the road.
Emmett had asked James and Sheri to come by the house for a few moments. An hour and a half later we pulled into our garage, James's car right behind us. Settling in the living room, Em passed out drinks and stood by the fireplace.
"Well, I have an early Christmas present for the three of you," he said, reaching into the drawer of the nearest end table, and pulled out two long envelopes. He handed one to Sheri and James and one to me. "I thought you all needed to have your own place to perform, so I purchased a club in downtown Hollywood, on Sunset, for you. Go on, open the envelopes."
Inside mine was a deed to one-half interest in the club, in Emmett's and my name.
I sat there, tears flowing down my cheeks. Looking over at Sheri, she was reacting in the same way. Even James eyes were shining brightly. Suddenly, I threw myself into Em's arms, kissing him over and over again.
"Oh, baby," I murmured between kisses. "You are the best!"
Sheri and James were in each other's arms, too. Finally they turned to look at Em.
"Man," James said humbly. "Half interest in the club? We don't know what to say. This is just…too much."
"No, it's not," Em replied with a grin. "I know that this has been a dream of all of yours, and I am in the position to help you along. The girls have said they wanted to branch out and include all genres of music, and this way they can do what they want. And James, this way you can have full control of sound and lighting. You still have your job at Cullen Studios, but I have a feeling that soon you'll be too busy at the club."
Sheri walked over and motioned for Emmett to bend down. She stood on tiptoes and planted one on him, much to his surprise. When she stepped back, she grinned at me.
"You're right, Mar, he is an awesome kisser and has such soft lips."
A throat cleared across the room, and we turned to glance at James. He was smirking.
"Okay, sweet love, I know you've been curious," he growled playfully. "But, please don't expect me to kiss Mara like that. Eww, she's my sister for God's sake!"
We all burst into laughter.
"Do you want to go check out the club now?" Em asked. "Or would you rather wait until tomorrow when everyone else will be doing the 'black Friday' thing?"
"I think I'd like to wait until tomorrow and see it in the light of day," I replied, glancing at Sheri and James who were nodding in agreement.
With a few more hugs and kisses and even more thank-yous, they left for home, agreeing to meet at ten am for brunch at The Griddle Café on Sunset Blvd. From there, we would go to check out the club.
After locking up and setting the security system, Em and I headed to our bedroom, arms around each other's waist.
"I think I'll go take a quick shower," he said, leaning down to kiss me softly. "Would you care to join me?"
"As if you have to ask?" I smiled wickedly, beginning to unbutton my blouse.
Laughing, we raced to undress and run into the bathroom. Em reached into the shower and turned on the water while I placed two fluffy towels on the warming bar. Then we were standing in the shower stall, allowing the five jets to sluice the warm water over our naked bodies.
It never ceased to amaze me how that…as beautiful he was…he was even more so when wet. I couldn't keep my wandering hands off of his slick skin. In return, he ran his own hands up, down, and around my body. I wound my arms up around his neck and pressed myself against him, pushing his back to the tile wall. Pulling his head down and standing on tip-toes, I brought his mouth to mine in a searing kiss. Soon our tongues were stroking and dancing with each other.
I pulled back, gasping and sliding to my knees.
"Mara, babe, you don't have…" he started.
"Shh, I love you, baby," I murmured, taking his hardened cock gently into my hands. "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I never want to fail to show you how much I do love you."
Leaning forward, I slipped the tip into my mouth, sucking up the precum collected there, and swirled my tongue around the bulbous head. Slowly, I took him deep into my throat, swallowing around his hardness. With a moan, he tangled his fingers into my hair, holding me steady against him. I took his balls in one hand and caressed and tugged gently on them, causing him to groan loudly. I increased the pace of my licking and sucking up and down. He began to grunt and his legs stiffen. I knew he was ready for his release and squeezed my thumb and forefinger on the seam between his sacs.
"Oh, God, babe," he roared. "Oh fuck…ahh, God, Mara!"
He released ropes of his thick essence down the back of my throat. I swallowed and swallowed, loving the spicy taste of him and not missing a drop. I let him slide out of my mouth and looked up at him, licking my lips. With a growl, he pulled me to my feet and devoured my lips, tasting himself on my tongue.
Before I knew it, he had switched places and pressed me against the wall, sliding me up the slick tiles far enough to easily place my legs over his shoulders.
"I have to taste you, babe," he whispered as he placed his face at my center, burying his tongue inside me and lapping and sucking me. He began to lick up my folds, swirling the hard tip of his tongue rapidly around my clit.
"Oh, God, Em," I gasped, grasping my breasts and pinching my nipples. "It won't be long, baby"
Next, I felt his hands push mine away and take over caressing me. Then he bit down on my clit. The coil in my stomach sprang and I was flying into the cosmos, pleasure flooding through me. I grasped onto his head to keep from falling as my body melted.
When I opened my eyes, Em was staring up at me, a wide grin on his face. Slowly he pulled my legs from his shoulders and I slid down his body, resting my head on his chest.
"I love to watch you come, sweetness," he said softly, taking my face in his hands and looking into my eyes. "You are so beautiful when you do, and it makes me so happy to be able to give that to you."
Leaning down, he caressed my mouth with his, sliding his tongue between my lips, allowing us to taste our melded fluids.
We washed each other's bodies and hair. Before getting out of the shower, he pulled me back against him, sliding his hands from my hips to my breasts, pinching my nipples until I groaned. He pressed his hips against the back of mine, allowing me to feel his renewed hard erection.
Shutting off the water, he grabbed one of the now warm towels and wrapped me in it. Taking the other one, he draped it around his hips before drying me off, causing a hiss to escape my lips as he smoothed the towel across my still sensitive nipples. I picked up a smaller towel and began drying my hair as he dried himself off. He picked me up after tossing the damp towels into the laundry hamper, and carried me to our bed and pulled the covers back, laying me in the middle and climbing in beside me.
"Now, I want to make sweet gentle love to my soon-to-be wife," he murmured into my ear before taking the lobe between his teeth. I moaned, reaching between us to caress his burgeoning cock.
He rose up and slid between my legs. I wrapped them around his hips and, as he kissed me passionately, he slowly slipped into me. We both groaned in pleasure. We stilled as my body stretched to accommodate his girth. Then he began a slow gentle rhythm; all the while still kissing me. I matched him thrust for thrust. Rising up on one elbow, he reached up to caress my face, his eyes heavy-lidded with desire. He began to pick up the pace, and I could feel his muscles tightening as the coil within me began to spring.
"I love you!" We shouted at the same time, falling over the precipice into that place of ultimate bliss. Slowly we floated back to our bed as our heart rates slowed, and our breathing returned to normal. Gently he slipped from me and pulled me into his arms.
"You are my heart, Mara," he breathed, wiping the damp tendrils of my hair off of my face. "Without you there is no life for me. Promise me, no matter how tough things may get, that you'll never leave me; that we'll work it out, whatever it is."
I cupped his cheek. "I promise, my love," I whispered, looking up into his beautiful blue eyes. "You've given me back my life, and I can't see it without you. An acquaintance once told me that marriage is not a 50/50 proposition; it's a 100/100. We both have to give our all to each other; love and trust. And that love without trust can't survive. I think I agree with her. I love and trust you, Emmett."
"I love and trust you, too, babe," he replied. "As long as we have that, we can survive anything." Suddenly I yawned and he chuckled. "It's been a busy two days and I think we need to get to sleep if we're gonna make brunch with Sheri and James," he said, placing a soft kiss on my lips. "Good night, sweetness."
"G'night, sweet cheeks," I muttered, snuggling against him. "Oh, and baby…thank you for the club. Sheri, James and I are over the moon about it. If I wasn't so tired, I'd jump you again."
Slowly my eyes closed as I heard him chuckle and felt him kiss the top of my head.
The next morning, we met James and Sheri at The Griddle Café on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. It is well-known for its buttermilk pancakes in a variety of flavors and fillings. Once seated at a corner table of the crowded restaurant, we relaxed with our coffee while we perused the menu. After a few minutes, we'd made our decisions and ordered as soon as our waiter returned.
Emmett decided on the pumpkin flavored "Tis the Season" pancakes topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar. Sheri asked for the "Saturday Morning Fever" Kahlua and Baily's flavored pancakes, topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar. James chose the "Crème de la Crème" pancakes topped with creamy cheesecake topping and powdered sugar. I ordered the "Strawberries and Cream" Waffle with fresh strawberries topped with brown sugar sour cream and powdered sugar. It seemed as if we were all on a sugar fix. We each shared a bite of the other's breakfasts, finding them all delicious.
We lingered over coffee before we decided to head for the club.
"Let's walk," Em suggested. "It's just three blocks down Sunset from here."
The closer we got to the corner of Sunset and Twilight, the more excited we became. Then we were there. We…Sheri, James, and I…stopped and stared. The building was old and run down, situated on the corner. Em looked at us trying to gauge our reactions.
"I know it doesn't look like much," he said anxiously. "But I've had it thoroughly inspected and its rock solid, has new wiring, firm foundation, and no termites. The roof is in great shape. There is so much potential here and on the inside. Let's go in and take a look around."
He unlocked the door and led us inside. I wrinkled my nose at the sight. Everything was done in shades of red black and gold, including the carpeting. It was glaring, appalling, and it reminded me of a bordello.
"Em…" I started, turning and staring up at him like he had lost his mind.
"Now, Mara," he said, taking me by the shoulders and turning me back to face the horrid room. "Close your eyes for just a minute and take a deep breath." I did. "Now slowly open them and imagine what you could do to make it ours. You too, Sheri," he added glancing at her.
I moved to stand by Sheri and we linked elbows as we carefully surveyed the large room. Slowly I began to see the possibilities of changing this into a spectacular, intimate club.
"I think we need to completely gut this place and start from with bare walls and floor," I said, imagining it just so. "What do you think, Sher?"
"I agree," she replied. "I envision an open space, a straight bar instead of the rounded monstrosity. I see the piano set to the side, surrounded by small intimate tables and chairs."
"Yes," I agreed. "And a beamed ceiling with recessed lighting that could be dimmed or brightened as needed. James, what do you think?"
"It sounds great to me, along with the special lighting for you two. I could handle it all from a control booth," he said enthusiastically. We watched as he turned to walk around the room, muttering to himself.
Sheri and I turned to each other and, clasping each other's hands, began to squeal, laugh, and jump around like young teens.
"Oh God, it's finally happening," she cried. "We've waited so long, and it's finally happening! Thanks to your Emmett. I knew he was a keeper from the moment I met him."
I looked at her, and then to Em. He smirked, raising an eyebrow and suddenly, he and I began to laugh, shaking our heads.
"What," she asked innocently,
"This says the lady who threated to cut off my balls and feed them to me the day we met." Em guffawed
"Well, I did like you," she replied, lifting her chin with a smirk of her own. "I was just protecting my sister!" Then she, too, began to laugh.
"Actually, it was James who didn't like you," I said to Emmett as James walked back to us. "He thought you were just out for a good time."
"She's right," James agreed as he joined us. "I was looking out for our Mara. But, dude, it didn't take long for me to trust you. I decided any guy that would come back around after facing me, had to be serious about our Mara. But, I'll still kick your ass if hurt her."
"If I ever hurt her," Em said seriously, "I'd expect you to flatten me. I'd deserve it."
"Okay, enough of the heavy," I admonished gently. "Let's finish up here. Sheri, Bella, Alice, and I have our final gown fitting today, and we don't want to be late,"
We stopped outside once more to take a look at the exterior.
"I can see blue neon lights around the eaves, moving the door to the Twilight Avenue side so people don't stand on the Sunset side to get in," James said, starting to sound excited.
"How about long, narrow windows, and a wrought iron railing at the curb for safety?" Em suggested.
We all agreed that while Sheri and I were busy with the wedding, Em and James would hire an architect for the remodel.
"We have to get going guys," I said, pushing Em back toward The Griddle Café and our cars. "The Girls are waiting for us at the Bridal Boutique in Beverly Hills."
"Why don't you and I take our car, Mara?" Sheri suggested. "James could go with Em and maybe draw some sketches of what we want while we're gone. What do you think?" she added turning to James.
The guys agreed and soon we were headed in different directions.
Sheri and I arrive at the small, exclusive Bel Ami Bridal Boutique five minutes before our scheduled fittings. Bella Alice and Rosalie were already there, waiting for us. We sounded like a gaggle of geese as we entered the store—so excited. The owner and designer, Gretchen Michaels, was a close friend of Alice's, and had worked on numerous films with her. It had only taken her two weeks to design the dresses we had described to her, and they were exquisite. It had only taken three fittings…this being the last and final…and they were perfect. She had also ordered our shoes to match.
Alice paid for everything using Em's black Discover card, arguing that he had given it to her for this purpose. I shook my head and, grabbing my dress bag and shoes, hurried back out to Sheri's car. The girls followed, each carrying their own dresses and shoes. After saying our goodbyes, Sheri and I headed back to Em's. When we arrived, I left everything in the car; to send them home with Sheri after she'd promised to keep James out of her closet. Em was such a snoop; I knew he'd be looking for the dress.
We walked into the house to find James and Emmett in the office with Esme. Sheri and I looked at each other and back to the three sitting at the desk.
"Sweetness, come see what mom has designed," Em said excitedly. "With her being a set designer, we thought she'd be perfect for this. Look at these!"
Sheri and I walked over and greeted Esme before leaning down to the desk to see her sketches. I was flabbergasted! They were exactly as I had envisioned. Again, Sheri and I stared at each other before laughing and turning back to Esme. James was shaking his head in disbelief.
"This is exactly what we want, Esme," Sheri said, hugging her. "Perfect!"
"How do you do that, Esme?" I asked in awe. "Just a few words on paper and you produce this."
"Oh, Mara," she replied, a light blush coloring her cheeks. "When I'm given such tasteful suggestions, it's really quite easy. I was just telling the boys that I know the perfect architect and contractor for a project like this. I you all would be interested, I can give them a call and find out if and when they might be available."
"Yes, call them," we all said simultaneously. "Call them now, please, mom," Emmett added.
With a smile, Esme stood, pulling out her iPhone, scrolled through her contacts and placed the first call. She spoke quietly for a few minutes. She hung up and immediately placed another call. Shortly afterward, she hung up and turned to face us, a huge grin spreading across her face.
"Michael Dantes is one of the premiere architects in the Hollywood area and, fortunately, he has the next two weeks free and will draw up the renovation plans for you," He suggested Connor Ennis for the contractor…if he's available. Connor has about three more weeks on his current job, and will send you an estimate as soon as he receives the blueprints. Both men are extremely talented, honest and ethical. I've worked with both of them a number of times."
"No estimate needed, mom," Emmett stated. "If you approve of these men, then we'll just go with it. Is that okay with you guys?" He added, looking at us. We all agreed.
So it was that we were on our way to becoming club owners. Esme agreed to help handle the process, as we also had a big wedding coming up…fast.
Before Sheri and James left, Sheri turned to us.
"James and I have been talking," she said quietly, "and we think we've come up with the perfect name for the club. She glanced at James and looked back at us. What do you think of 'Mar and Sher's Piano Bar'?"
Em and I glanced at each other and began to laugh. Sheri and James looked at us in confusion.
"Well, if you don't…"she started, disappointment crossing her face.
"Oh no, sweetie," I cried, hugging her. "It's just that Em and I were thinking the exact same thing. I guess we have a name for our 'baby'."
Em left the room and returned quickly with a bottle of Dom Perignon and four champagne glasses. He popped the cork and it spewed, causing us all to laugh. When it settled, he poured some into each glass. Raising his, he proposed a toast.
"To Mar and Sher's Piano Bar; may it be successful and just what you and my sweetness have always envisioned," he said.
After we had touched glasses, we sipped the bubbly. It tickled my nose and I began to giggle happily, followed by the others.
Soon Sheri and James left for home, Sheri promising to call me in the morning. Afterall, we had a very busy two weeks ahead of us.
. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next two weeks flew by. The one thing Em and I thoroughly enjoyed was the food tasting for the reception. We finally settled on this menu:
Champagne Toast
House Red and White Wine Served at the Tables
in addition to the Premium Open Bar.
Appetizer
(Choice of One)
Fresh Melon and Imported Prosciutto
Maine Lobster Bisque
Gnocchi Dumplings in a Fresh Pesto Sauce
Lobster Ravioli in a Brandy Cream Sauce
Salad
(Choice of One)
Mesclun
(A Delicate Variety of Freshly Picked Field Greens,
tossed in a Balsamic Vinaigrette)
Caesar
(Crisp Romaine tossed with Classic Homemade Dressing,
Croutons and Parmesan Cheese)
Arugula
(Red Onion, Mandarin Orange and Sliced Almonds,
Red Wine Vinaigrette)
Entrées
(Choice of One)
French Chicken Breast on Sautéed Spinach with Market Mushrooms and Pancetta
Broiled Red Snapper, Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Chateaubriand ~ Sliced Beef Tenderloin, Burgundy Reduction
Fettuccini Alfredo
All served with the Chef's Vegetables and Potato.
Beverages
Freshly Brewed Coffee or Tea
Espresso and Cappuccino available on request
A Selection of After Dinner Liquors and Cognac
Dessert
Italian Rum Wedding Cake
Chocolate Fudge Grooms Cake
Sheri and Alice ran around like chickens with their heads cut off taking care of all the last minute details, including a personal Bridal Shower on the Monday before the wedding. It was kept very small, only my closest friends and Em's family. We had a wonderful time; lots of fun and laughter and beautiful lingerie…some very sensual.
On Wednesday, before the Saturday of the wedding, I received some news that I was excited to share with Em, but not until our honeymoon.
The evening before the wedding, the bridal party along with Esme went to the Beverly Hills Hotel Spa for The Total Escape which included:
A 60 minute Swedish, or Aromatherapy Massage,
60 minute La Prairie Signature Facial and
The Perfect Manicure and Pedicure.
Sheri insisted that I stay the night at her house, keeping the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding. At 1:00 am, Em's ringtone sounded from my phone sitting on the nightstand next to my bed.
"Hey, baby," I whispered happily into the phone.
"What're you doin', sweetness?" he asked quietly.
"Just lying here trying to sleep," I replied. "You know that I need my beauty sleep to look my best for you tomorrow. But I'm missing you so much that I can't fall asleep."
"I know what you mean, babe," he sighed. "This bed is so big and empty without you beside me."
"I'm sorry," I murmured. "I miss you, too."
"Maybe I could come over there, and you could sneak me into your bedroom," he suggested with a chuckle.
"What, do you not want to marry me?" I giggled. "If we try that, Sheri will have both our heads. I don't like being away from you, either, but I think we can handle twelve more hours; especially as we'll have a lifetime afterward."
"I know," he said resignedly. "I'm just lonely without you in my arms."
"Poor baby," I consoled. "I promise to make it up to you tomorrow night…all night long. How about that?"
"Mmm… sounds perfect. Then I'd better let you try to get a little sleep, at least. I love you, Mara, and tomorrow you'll become Mrs. Emmett Dale McCarty. I can hardly wait."
"That sounds so good, baby," I whispered, tearing up. "I love you, too, my darling, Emmett. Forever."
"I'll be waiting at the end of the aisle, sweetness."
"I'll be the one in white on James's arm," I replied softly. "Good night, Em.
"Goodnight, Mar," he answered and quietly closed his phone.
I laid there for a few more minutes before I slowly fell asleep, thinking of my Emmett and how much he had brought to my life. And tomorrow he would bring me even more.