So here we go...finishing what we started ... Hope you enjoy
"You mean we're getting married here?" Mary's voice squeaked. She was beyond shock.
"Yeah…" Matthew grinned as his eyes blinked in the sun."Don't you like it?"
The glare off the pink Cadillac outside hurt Mary's eyes as she took in the establishment advertising "We make dreams come true…"
The Las Vegas Elvis Wedding Chapel was about as far from a dream of Mary's as she could possibly imagine.
An Elvis impersonator standing by the door.
"He'll walk you down the aisle if you want?"
Mary's mouth fell open…
XX
Mary signaled the disturbingly grinning Elvis impersonator to back off with a dismissive flick of her hand.
She turned, staring daggers at her potentially erstwhile groom.
And Matthew's eyes widened in utter confusion that Mary didn't like his choice.
He deadpanned. "It's a bargain at $99." He angled his head expectantly towards the awaiting justice of the peace and gave a friendly wave.
Then he blinked.
Rapidly.
And Mary knew.
"You beast!" She shrieked, digging him in the shoulder. "You really had me there for a second."
Matthew finally broke. He cracked a broad grin. "So that's a no I take it?" He pulled the Mustang back out of the driveway.
Mary looked more than relieved. "Please take me anywhere else!"
"To McCarran Airport then." He said decisively, turning out of the chapel's lot.
"What?" Mary was discombobulated completely now.
Matthew was so chuffed Mary fell for his ruse he couldn't stop smiling. But now he was eager to tell her the truth.
"I had a word with Michael yesterday and he's told the pilot of his leased Lear jet to fly us to our real destination. We leave at 11am."
As Mary gave him another inquisitorial glare, Matthew threw up his hands against the steering wheel, in a gesture of concession. "Honest." He solemnly crossed his heart. "And the flight is quite short. We're going to South Lake Tahoe to the Valhalla Grand Hall, built in 1923. It's quite beautiful and appropriate. The minister will wait for us there."
Mary gazed over her eyebrows at him. "What then?" Not letting him off the hook yet.
"He's giving us a few days at his Echo mountain condo that he lets for the season." Matthew loved this bit, but then his voice lowered, "I do have to be back by Thursday for my seminars. I had some thought about finding a replacement but it's rather late in the day."
"No Matthew." Mary reassured him, moving closer and giving his arm a squeeze, "I don't expect you to renege on your obligations. I know you came here to work. After we have our few days, I'll go back home. I can't have Jerry take everything on forever."
Matthew peeked back and forth between Mary and the road. "Will you wait until I get back to tell?"
"Oh yes" Mary divulged smugly. "As punishment for the Elvis chapel I'll have you tell Papa."
Matthew's face blanched in fear.
XX
Matthew chatted amiably with the non-denominational minister employed by the lodge to conduct the marriage services. They had already gone over the paper work and now it only required their signatures after the ceremony. Matthew wanted to make a good impression on the younger man who shared his interest it turned out in cricket.
"Back in the Punjab I played with the state team." Harbir Godara spoke to Matthew as they made their way up towards the fireplace where Matthew requested the service take place. Built in 1923, the Valhalla Grand Hall had beautiful wood floors, an open wood beam ceiling, a balcony of lodge pole construction, and a 20-foot high stone fireplace. The space was vast and just the two of them near the hearth made it instead intimate.
"I think I saw them play at Lord's one year. That's fantastic. I never made it past village cricket." Matthew was toying tensely with his sleeve. A surprise present from Mary the 9ct gold round mother of pearl cufflinks in the style of a button were made in the '20s and he loved them.
"Nervous?" Harbir asked, noticing Matthew's fidgeting.
"A bit." Matthew admitted. "As you probably know, this has been somewhat of a whirlwind."
The minister bowed his head. "Steffanie brought me in at the last minute so I thought it was something special. I don't usually perform Tuesday ceremonies."
Steffanie was the manager Matthew had a long conversation with the previous day making these arrangements. He hoped Mary was pleased with it all, especially after his prank earlier that day.
It still made him laugh. The look on her face when that Elvis impersonator made a move towards the car, quivering lip and all, directed right at his horrified fiancée.
The lip immobile in mid quiver at her subzero stare.
He could get away with that because he knew she'd love what he really planned. And as soon as they pulled up in the taxi to the Valhalla lodge, Mary's sharp intake of breath was all the validation he needed. The lake, the panoramic view, and mountains beyond were at their most perfect. She had turned, a look of delight such as he'd never seen before in her eyes.
They had kissed, and she had whispered a relieved, "thank you."
Matthew could say nothing. His heart beating fast, he clasped her hand and kissed it. Placing his fingers against her flushed cheek, they allowed the moment to sink in.
They were really going to do this. Matthew reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a ring box.
He handed it to her. Mary opened and Matthew was rewarded with another gasp of surprise at the diamond and platinum ring. He pulled it out of the nestled silk and placed it on her finger.
"My darling…" was all his choked-up voice could muster. "They're waiting for you upstairs to get ready."
Mary gave him one last kiss and went inside and up to the private dressing room. Matthew never even asked about the long carry bag containing, he presumed, her wedding gown.
He had less of an issue with choosing an appropriate suit. He had the Tom Ford tuxedo cleaned and pressed at the Aria and had bought a new shirt, silk tie, and handkerchief to finish off the look. The cufflink present the perfect personal touch.
And now the fire roared, sending a warmth in the chilly room.
As Mary entered to take the short walk to the hearth, Mozart's March of the Priests played quietly over the speakers.
Both men turned towards her.
Matthew saw a vision of loveliness descend towards him. The train of her gown sweeping behind her, Mary's eyes met his as she made her way towards her groom. She could see Matthew furtively biting his lip.
The last notes echoed as she took his hand into hers.
Matthew murmured before the minister began the ceremony, "You look so beautiful my darling."
Mary's eyes were shining, her hand shaking inside his.
They turned and Habir began in a deep, melodic voice "We are gathered here today…"
And then, "Would you please face each other and join hands. Matthew, Do you take Mary to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others
and holding only to her forevermore?"
Matthew's cheek was wet with a single tear and his voice hoarse with emotion, "I do."
Habir turned to Mary and repeated the vows. Her tenderly murmured response of "I do" made Matthew smile. He looked up at her from beneath his eyelashes. She was so very happy, he felt lighter than air.
They exchanged rings and the final words "As you travel through life together, I caution you to remember that the true measure of success, the true avenue to joy and peace, is to be found within the love you hold in your hearts. I would ask that you hold the key to your heart very tightly."
Encouraged to kiss to pledge their troth, Mary and Matthew did so.
They released hands, Habir saying "Congratulations. Let's go sign the certificate."
And after the formalities were over, Steffanie came over. "We've got everything arranged as you requested," she whispered to Matthew.
He smiled and nodded as they stepped out once again into the great hall.
"What's up your sleeve now?" Mary followed him out, he stepping back to help her with the train of the gown. They kissed again.
Indeed Mary believed she never would stop kissing this man. He had given her the most romantic wedding for two she could ever have imagined.
"I arranged for a meal to be served in the alcove of the hall." He said, pointing over to where a candle lit table for two had been set. A bottle of champagne on ice.
Steffanie interrupted, "If I may, I think before the light goes we should have the photographer in."
The new bride and groom agreed. Mary retreated to freshen up while Matthew and Darcie Hanson, the hired photographer moved outside so they could capture the vista of the lake and the mountains beyond before the fading light of day made it impossible.
A series of photos later, both outside and then by the hearth Mary and Matthew finally sat down in the cosy alcove.
"I'm worn out." Mary slipped onto the comfortable chair that Matthew had pulled out for her.
"We have all the time in the world to rest." Matthew slipped a kiss along the nape of her neck, strands of her hair tickling him. "They don't have another event until much later. There might be some noise across the way, as they've got to get ready for a much larger wedding reception this week end."
"I'm fine. Just need some water." And she took a sip of the sparkling water arranged for her as she could not partake of the alcohol. Matthew cocked an eyebrow in question when he drew the champagne from the ice, and Mary relieved him by saying "Go ahead. Drink two. One for me as well as your own."
And Matthew smiled, pouring himself a glassful. It was dry and sparkling and just what he needed.
"To us." He said, holding his flute towards Mary. She did the same. "To us."
They sat back as the first course was served, a light soup.
Mary realized she was far more ravenous than she anticipated. The soup was delicious.
"I can say now I was a bit worried you might bolt." His eyes twinkled as he said it.
"Bolt?" Mary queried. "Why?" She delicately wiped the corner of her mouth after taking a spoonful.
"Well I did push the boat out a bit with the Elvis chapel."
She rolled her eyes, "Oh that!" She smirked playfully, "I will chalk that up to being in Vegas too long. It rubbed off on you."
"Better now?" He leaned in over the table.
"It's been a lovely surprise Matthew. I am overwhelmed with your effort." She took his hand.
"I'm glad." He kissed her palm. "And more than a little relieved." He always loved it when a plan came to fruition. This was, however, far more important than any business deal. "I had a lot riding on your approval."
"You more than have it, as I think you know." Mary said quietly. "I noticed you got quite emotional during the vows. You made me quite weak at the knees."
He blushed. "I was just overcome. You are so very, very beautiful."
"Is that all?" Mary looked troubled even at the compliment.
"It's a bit scary," He confessed. He closed his eyes, trying to find the words to articulate his fears.
"Is it because you've done this before? And it didn't end well?" She always truly astonished Matthew with her ability to discriminate his emotions.
Matthew faultered in his response, "I didn't think I should say anything on our wedding day. Didn't want to mar our bliss as they say."
Mary said quickly to help him out, "I think we need to enter this marriage with both eyes open and cards on the table. Otherwise we are a bit doomed."
Matthew appreciated her understanding, but would have none of this seriousness. He declared, "We will have such a wonderful life together." His voice was breathless with excitement. "I can't even begin to contemplate how much fun we're going to have."
The commotion in the room across the hall floor got louder. It was partitioned off but muffled noises of instruments wafted across to the couple dining in the window alcove.
Feedback made their ears hurt.
But that was fixed, and they heard a tapping of a microphone and a male singer started to sing
From the way you smile
To the way you look
You capture me
Unlike no other
From the first hello
Yeah, that's all it took
And suddenly
We had each other
And Matthew stood up to take his bride into his arms for a first dance. The words so fitting to how he felt upon first seeing Mary at that rooftop restaurant.
And I won't leave you
Always be true
One plus one, two for life
Over and over again
The refrain only reinforcing his commitment to this relationship.
Just put your heart in my hands
Promise it won't get broken
We'll never forget this moment
It will stay brand new
'Cause I'll love you
Over and over again
Over and over again
Matthew gathered Mary into his arms, pushing her closer and closer to his body. She leaned her head on his shoulder as he led her around in a close circle. She felt weightless with joy.
The song ended.
They remained on the floor.
Alone. A world of two.
Matthew's hands grasped each side of her face and pulled her in for a deep kiss, the pressure of his lips on hers exquisite.
He turned to see that the partition had opened, and the band that had been practicing for a wedding yet to come, were now playing just for them. The staff must have told them about the private wedding supper in the corner. Matthew now noticed that they had garnered some attention from the servers who had stopped to watch them dance.
The female singer blew them a kiss, "this next one's for you as well."
And the words began, "I hold my breath and close my eyes/I've never felt so alive…."
Mary loved that song. A bit sentimental which was unusual for her, she liked the idea that her journey in life had made her strong, and ready to take on these new challenges of marriage and motherhood.
"I love you Matthew." She needed to say it again and again.
"My darling…" He swept her up into his arms and buried his face in the locks of her hair. Her scent intoxicating him. Her love making him want to be a better man.
They finished off a trifecta of dances with the male singer taking to the microphone in a cover of Luther Vandross's "Endless Love."
Then Matthew whispered, "Do you want to see this cabin then eh?"
"I can't wait." Mary let go of his arm.
They both turned to thank the employees, Matthew taking Steffanie aside saying how grateful he was to her attentions to detail making their wedding as perfect as it could be. He promised to send gratuities to both her staff as well as the band that so sweetly serenaded them.
Mary found her wrap and bag, the rest of her carry luggage had already been toted out to the waiting cab. Matthew met her at the door and they made their way towards the taxi. He gave directions and they were off.
Matthew had asked that Mary not remove her wedding gown until they arrived at their honeymoon destination.
"I want to do it." His voice heavy with emotion.
She would oblige.
XX
Michael Morton's rental condo was nestled in the countryside close Echo Mountain. Trees surrounded the property and each unit had their own private vista. The interior was rustic modern, with natural stones throughout in walls and floors, iron lighting fixtures and hardwood floors in the ultra outfitted kitchen. The fireplace faced both towards the living area and the master bedroom.
It had already been lit by the property manager, Matthew told Mary as he unlocked the door and she felt the immediate heat envelop her as she stepped over the threshold.
"Michael texted me he had the refrigerator stocked as well so we don't have to go anywhere tomorrow morning." He dropped their bags on the floor.
"This is marvelous Matthew. Maybe you should investigate properties around here. He probably makes a mint in leasing."
Matthew chuckled "I thought you said no work on honeymoon!" And he stole a kiss as she leaned over to get small zipped bag out of her luggage.
"But I do agree with the observation. Michael and I traveled around this area a couple days ago."
"Is that where you got the idea for the wedding?" She zipped the bag shut and carried it along with a shoulder bag into the bedroom. Matthew followed with the wheeled luggage.
"It is." Matthew fell on the bed with a relaxed thump. "Oh I am glad to be finally here."
Mary joined him, though her dress kept her upright on the bed. "But you weren't sure I would come back. How could you know?"
He opened his eyes, half slitted. "I was pining. What can I say?"
Mary pressed her hand against his torso, unbuttoning his jacket slowly.
He sighed in utter contentment.
"Should we unpack? Are you hungry?" She practically purred it, knowing his answer already.
Matthew opened one eye, "I'm hungry alright. Just not for food." His register pitched low, his arms already reaching out to pull Mary down on top of him.
"I have to have help with the buttons," Mary moaned in delight as his hands reached around waist to cup and massage her breasts. Matthew sat up and began to undo the series of silk buttons on the back of the gown. His fingers grazed along either side of her spine as each came undone. He pushed the sleeves off each shoulder, moving his hands along and placing delicate kisses along her clavicle. His hands moving to lightly caressing her skin.
Barely touching, he stroked the nodules of her spine as his fingers languidly moved down her back.
White, alabaster skin revealed. He could feel the warmth of her skin, sense her breathing. At his dancing fingertips, her flesh turned to goose pimple. He moved down her body, his greedy fingers slipping down to each rounded cheeks of her posterior. His lips brushed with small, quick kisses all along her back. Taking her in. His head dipped down, his tongue lightly flicking. His senses filled with anticipation of the carnal pleasures of the night yet to come.
Mary could hardly move, conscious of every touch, every tantalizing feel as her skin deliciously prickled and burned. She wanted it all. She opened herself to him. Matthew completely undressed her, her gown tossed and forgotten, adorning the hardwood floor beneath their feet.
His eyes instead roamed greedily up and down her naked form.
"Your turn." She tantalized in his ear. She felt along his tight torso. His muscles twitched with her ministrations. She roamed down to his bellybutton and his already taut erection. Soft grunts of about a second interval each followed as her hands massaged and manipulated his arousal.
He too was soon naked, his tuxedo a thing of the past and greeting her gown on the floor.
A crashing, burning love making session commenced. She was wet, ready for him. Needing him to put his fingers into her opened thighs. Ready for him to push her against the hardness of the headboard. His lips tearing into hers. She whimpered in delight. Making every part of her body tremble he continued to pry open her mouth and felt his tongue push its way down her throat.
"Lift up your arms." He both asked and commanded, his voice once again that guttural sound as if his life depended upon her acting as he wished.
She raised her arms up and he grabbed both and put them in a tight vise grip behind her. Using one hand he kept them there as he spread open her legs and pushed inside her. His thrusts made her lose all sense of control. She writhed in ecstasy.
But Matthew wasn't sure. "Am I hurting you?" Matthew's devastated voice met her ears.
He eased up a bit, letting go of her wrists.
"God no!" She rasped out hard and she pushed him back down on her, gripping his arse and scraping his fingernails along each cheek. His grip on her wrists had been strong, but pleasurable. She was enjoying the sensations of letting him take charge.
He got the message. Matthew would not let go. They were tied together, body and soul. She was all his. He was all hers.
Fire and desire became one as their bodies swayed against each other. Mary's tongue moved inside his mouth and gripped his with her lips. Their kisses became hard. She moved up and down on his tongue with her lips. He drove his body within hers in and out faster and deeper.
He felt her climax and extenuated it, grinding his rigid member against her most sensitive spot. Panting, guttural sound escaped as he drove the final thrust upwards of his release.
Satiation met, they lay entwined limbs and arms. Mary's hair splayed magnificently aware against the brocaded pillowcase.
"That was shattering, darling." Matthew managed with exhausted breath.
Mary's intense gaze met his for long seconds before she could utter any response. She wanted to soak in this moment. She moved closer to him, feeling his skin warm and inviting.
He covered her body with his own, his arms making her feel not only loved but safe. He kissed her shoulder.
"Can we lay by the fire?" Mary asked, looking around for blankets. Matthew lifted his head and glanced over at the fireplace.
It was blazing. Something else Michael's property manager had ready for them.
They left the bed, gathering all the duvets and blankets and Matthew arranged them near the hearth.
Mary threw a quilt around her shoulders and wandered around the condo's kitchen looking for some bottled water. The delicious love making session had made her mouth parched.
"Matthew!" She cried out excitedly. "Look here."
Matthew padded out in bare feet, not bothering to cover up. "What?"
"Darling… " Mary's face reddened seeing him naked in the kitchen. She glanced out the window to see if they had any neighbours.
He sidled up behind her, a cheeky smirk on his face. "There's no one. Just us." His lips on her neckline, making her shiver in delight. "I'll share your warmth."
She murmured inarticulate moans as his arms encircled her waist. And then he looked over her shoulder, "Oi look at that."
Mary had completely forgotten why she called him out as she was already feeling waves of erotic arousal once again.
But Matthew was distracted by the cake. Michael had managed to get a local baker to place a three-layer wedding cake with flowers flowing down each tier on the sideboard of the kitchen alongside another bottle of champagne.
"We have to have some of that." He laughed. "There's some Perrier as well. Let's have a picnic in front of the fire."
Matthew rummaged around the drawers until he found a cake knife. It was raspberry and lemon sponge and he cut while Mary found some plates.
They carried their riches towards the living room and spread out the quilt on the carpeted space. Matthew nudged one of the sofas closer and they leaned against it, Mary spreading another of the duvets around her legs as she curled them up underneath.
Matthew's mobile buzzed and he glanced at it, as it was located just on the side table.
"It's the photographer. She's sent some photos in her message. Says more will come but she thought we'd like to see a selection."
"Lovely." Mary looked over his fingers as he clicked on the text.
A series of about five pictures opened. One of the couple standing on the balcony overlooking the lake, the waters reflecting the oranged ochre of the waning sun.
"Mama will love that one." Mary said, sliding forward to see another of them seated on an iron bench with the large windows of the Valhalla hall behind them. "She has one of her and Papa just like it seated at Downton."
Matthew moved ahead to see the others, "I had no idea she had was even there," he noted as he handed the mobile to Mary. The photographer had caught them in mid dance, Mary's long train flowing as Matthew swept her across the floor. It encapsulated for Matthew his favorite moment of their wedding. "That's the happiest moment of my life. It was just us. Our time." His voice slightly choked up as his eyes focused on the image.
Mary loved that he said that. It truly meant he had shed the last of his lingering tendrils of guilt and was committed to being with her, no baggage. Nothing to keep them in the past.
Matthew put down the mobile in order to embrace his bride once again. "Are you happy?" He snuggled into the duvet.
After a few minutes cuddling, Matthew reached for the plate of cake.
"Oh yes," Mary's mouth opened to accept the forkful Matthew had served to her. "That is delicious," Mary's tongue licked her lips, flicking it out to capture a lingering spot of frosting.
Matthew put the fork down.
"You're delicious…" He couldn't resist saying, his hand straying to affix some loose strands of hair around her shoulder.
His voice, dry and pitched low, Matthew reached over and completely undid the duvet so that her naked form was visible to his hooded, dark eyes. "Come here…"
"What about the cake?" Mary kidded as she too succumbed to need.
"It'll wait…" His barely audible rasp as his fingers delicately encircled her peaked nipples, his tongue grazing the tips making her completely helpless in his arms once again.
XX
I love happy Mary and Matthew. I hope you do too! A Thanksgiving giftie to American readers.
Reviews always loved and appreciated. Thank you to everyone who has read, favorited, reviewed this story. Still a lot to go—telling the family next!