Chemistry

Chapter 10

SECURITY

They have hired personal security to accompany Alex and Carl wherever she goes out of the PH. She chafes at this a little, but understands. Hopefully it won't be forever. They stay as unobtrusive as possible when she is with her friends.

Clark already has a CC permit; he now goes to the gun range more frequently to keep his skills sharp. Lois is considering a CC permit also. After much discussion with Clark, she gets her permit and they now go to the range together. Shooting time is family time!

EASTER

The girls finally get to wear their Easter outfits! Both are dressed in flowy pastel pink dresses with cap sleeves, knee length; white shoes with a low heel, white gloves and bonnets. They feel special, and they look stunning!

The family goes to Easter services at the downtown Methodist church that they occasionally attend. After church they return to the PH where they host an Easter luncheon for several colleagues from the Daily Planet.

Guests include James & Margaret Olsen with Jimmy Olsen and his girlfriend; Perry White with his wife, son & daughter-in-law; Lt. Adam West & his wife Terri. Lois & Alex are hostesses and the young lady is in her element; she is a gracious and poised girl – Lois and Clark are so proud of her. Her parents would be also. Clark welcomes everyone, blesses the food and all the families, and they enjoy the scrumptious repast Robert has prepared.

Mr. Olsen has a question, "Lt. West, has anything come of that TXT Lois received a while back?"

"No, unfortunately not. I'm thinking, and hoping, that we put the fear of God in those two guys. We don't have enough evidence to do more than what we're doing. That is an occasional drive-by and a reminder to officers to be on the lookout for them. Their pictures remain on bulletin boards at applicable precincts."

"Lois, have you settled down, dear?" Margaret Olsen asks.

"More or less, thank you for asking." Lois replies.

"I like Carl taking Nancy and me to school every day," Alex inputs.

"I'm sure you do," Clark smiles. "We will keep it up for a while longer."

"Forever," Lois mutters.

Clark shrugs and places a tender kiss on her cheek.

WEDDING – SMALLVILLE JULY 3

Mama Kent is ecstatic! Her boy is getting married to the love of his life. She has never seen him happier. The couple have been out to the farm several times in the last 3 months to plan for the big day.

Martha and Lois have developed an extremely close relationship. General Sam Lane's wife passed away from cancer when Lois was only 6 y/o. So, Lois, an army brat, was raised in an almost exclusively male environment. Even though her dad did his best (depending on which day you asked), Lois dearly missed the loving/soft/girly nurturing influence only a mother can provide. She quickly came to recognize that mama Kent could, and was willing, to fill that role. And Martha took to that role with gusto.

Then there was Alex and her new grandma. That relationship was a beautiful thing to behold! Alex was constantly at grandma's skirts in the kitchen; watching, asking questions, giving advice and learning. Martha loved every minute! If you observed closely, you could see a bit of moisture in grandma's eyes. This was a long time coming. She wished that Jonathon was here, he would be so proud.

The ceremony was performed under the giant, old Oak tree in the back 40 (a farming euphemism).

Officiant = James Olsen's brother, a Methodist minister.

Maid of honor = Chloe Sullivan.

Bridesmaid = Lucy (Lois' sister).

Best Man = Adam West.

Groomsman = Pete Ross.

Flower girl = Alexandra Jackson.

Bible boy / ring bearer = Scott West.

Catering = Martha Kent.

VOWS

Lois: When I learned that some 2-bit war reporter had won MY AWARD I was pissed. No way was I going to attend some boring award ceremony and be humiliated. So, I went to a family birthday bash in Smallville, KS. Well, my rental car was struck by lightning, and who should come along and offer me a ride? None other than the hunk standing next to me – Clark Kent. That weekend lit the flame, that burns brighter each and every day.

I can truly say that I never expected this; but you are the sweetest, kindest, most loyal man I've ever met. And I love you to death. Clark Joseph Kent – I am yours forever!

Clark: Lois, when you looked into my car that night, looking like a beautiful drowned rat, needing a ride . . . you asked for my Identification. My ID for god's sakes. (guests chuckle) That weekend did have sparks, and more. (Lois blushes, yes blushes)

Fortunately for us, I had developed negative publicity and was brought back state-side. I was hired by the Daily Planet and the light was green romance wise. I learned that under the gruff & tough Army brat exterior there was a soft, lovable girl. I just had to chip away a little, and there she was! And she captured my heart. Lois Katherine Lane, I love you completely. From this day forward – I am yours, forever.

Alexandra rushed to join them in a 3-way family hug after the bride got her kiss. The three of them walked down the aisle together.

HAWAIIAN HONEYMOON

"Clark, relax. You are making me nervous."

"How long are we going to spend here, dear?"

"This is a beautiful spot!"

"It's a cemetery, Lois!"

"Yes, it's the Punchbowl. He National Cemetery of the Pacific Theater. And you are a war reporter, my dear!"

"Just that one assignment, my dear. And that makes me thirsty. I don't see a concession stand anywhere. Do you?"

"We have a cooler in the car. Come on, I want to look at another row."

"Do you know anyone who died in the Pacific Theater?"

"No, so what?"

"Why are you reading all these names?"

"It's interesting. This is history. These are fallen heroes."

"There is a Joe McDougall. I bet he died in a bar fight in Manila"

"CLARK!"

"Well, he might have."

"No, he wouldn't be here."

"You don't know that." Clark huffs.

"I do too. The army doesn't do things that way."

"Ah, ha, gotcha. This is the Pacific. These are all Navy and Marines. The Army only fought in the European Theater!" Clark grins.

"I hate you!"

"No, you love me. And 1-4-3!"

"I'm done." Lois admits.

'PTL' Clark sighs. "Where are we going for supper?" As they amble towards the car.

"Cheeseburger in Paradise!"

"That's a burger joint."

"Not just any burger joint. We are flying to Maui today, remember? It's on the Lahaina waterfront. Magical place."

"Onion rings?" Clark asks excitedly.

"Maui sweet onions, for my sweetheart." Lois kisses him on the cheek.

He grins and gives her a passionate return, full on the lips.

She doesn't hate him anymore.

Smooth flight, fabulous cheeseburger, large basket of Maui sweet onion rings, cab back to the hotel, sharing their love under moon light and caressed by a warm tropical breeze. They call it HEAVEN!

TBC