Well, this is it – Dave and Mindy are getting married!
This momentous event is split over two chapters. Chapters 200 and 201.
The good stuff; the wedding night, is in Chapter 201 and needs plenty of space and I hope it will not for the faint hearted, or for those who get embarrassed when somebody says 'boob'!
Friday night
Glenview
Dave was already asleep, but the impending events of the following day were keeping me awake as I ran everything through my confused mind.
I was not scared, but I was a little apprehensive about what was about to occur. For me it meant a stable future; I knew that I was doing the right thing, but I also had doubts and I had no idea why.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, I dozed off and drifted into a fitful sleep.
...+...
I found myself in a room, an empty room with white walls, and matching floor and ceiling. I was alone. At least I thought I was...
"You look pensive, baby doll."
"I am, Daddy," I replied automatically, then turned to see my father leaning against the wall a few feet away from me.
"Talk to me, child."
"I – I don't think I'm going to be good enough for Dave..."
Daddy surprised me with his answer.
"Are you fucking nuts?"
"Huh!"
"Dammit! I brought you up to be intelligent, Mindy!"
I was more than a little confused by my father's outburst, but I pushed on nonetheless; I was never one to back down.
"He does so much for me – I don't know if I deserve..."
Daddy looked at me as if I were six-years-old.
"Listen, child – I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but Dave is the perfect companion for you. He cares – he really does and I know that he would die for you. You really can't ask more of a guy than that, Mindy, you really can't!"
"I know he loves me; I don't doubt that, and I love him – but..."
"But, what?"
I could tell that Daddy was starting to get a little testy!
"He could find somebody better than me; I'd only be holding him back. I know I owe him, but..."
Daddy laughed and gave me a very patronising look indeed.
"Oh, yeah, child – you owe the kid! He has saved your life more than once, twice before he even knew you properly... He drove a thousand miles and searched non-stop, for weeks, just to find you! Then when he found you, what happened?"
Now I felt ashamed as I thought back and heard my own words: 'What the fuck do you want? I don't need your fucking help, cunt!' I then heard more of my own words, echoing in my head: 'Are you fucking deaf, or just an idiot? Did you not hear me, the other fucking night? I don't need your fucking help, cunt!' Damn, I could be a real bitch sometimes!
"Not pretty, huh?" Daddy asked rhetorically.
"Not my finest hour!"
"But you've had better since, all thanks to the help and support that one young Dave Lizewski has given you. I would never have believed that 'Ass-Kick' would turn out as he has and that is because of you, child! You taught him everything, Mindy, and I am damn proud of you for that. However, you did not stop there – you built an amazing organisation, with a catchy name: Fusion. I really could not be any more proud of you, baby doll – your Mother is really proud of you, too."
I smiled and felt myself blushing.
"That boy, no that young man, he will stay with you and he will protect you and I know that you will do the same for him. Tomorrow, you will publicly make that vow to each other, as your mother and I did to each other, years ago. I am damn proud of you, honeybun and we both severely wish that we could be there with you, for your special day. I really, really, hate saying this, but Dave is perfect for you and he is the best thing that could have ever happened to you, Mindy. You are a special girl that needs a special person to be with her. I've been watching you – ever since Dave killed that bastard, Frank D'Amico."
That sounded so worrying on so many levels!
"You've seen everything?" I queried tentatively.
"Unfortunately – yes!" Daddy replied, closing his eyes and shaking his head. "Don't worry; I closed my eyes when you posed naked for Dave, before you two made out for the first time and... The less said about what happened in Gotham... The better!"
Oh, crap! I felt myself blushing madly.
"And as for the night you two got engaged...!"
"Daddy!" My face was getting very hot.
"Enough said. You will always be my little girl, whether you are eleven or nearly eighteen. I am so very, very proud of you and I miss you more than anything."
"I miss you too, Daddy."
"So, no more talk about being wrong for Dave, young lady!"
I rolled my eyes.
"Okay, Daddy, I trust you as always."
"Good call, baby doll!"
"Sleep tight, Daddy!"
I found myself in a room, an empty room with white walls, and matching floor and ceiling. I was alone. At least I thought I was...
"You ready for this, sport?"
"Definitely, Dad," I replied automatically, and then turned to see my father standing a few feet away from me.
"I'm real proud of you, pal. Okay, okay, at first I thought you were wasting your life, but then I saw what you have made of your life since and... Wow! Thanks to Damon, I even got to see what occurred when you first met that girl."
"Damon?"
"Mindy's Dad..."
"You know Damon...? Hang on... You know who Mindy is?"
"Mindy is the girl that crept into your bedroom one night and sat crying on your bed..."
"You knew about that?"
"Yeah, I did... I was glad to see you with a girl in your bedroom – sort of!"
"Stop embarrassing the boy, James!"
Mom was now standing beside Dad. Alice Lizewski studied her son for a moment before speaking again. There were tears in her eyes.
"I am so proud of you, Dave – words just can't say how much."
The walls seemed to melt away and then...
"Dave?"
"Mindy?"
Mindy was standing two feet away from me, and leaning against another doorframe was a man that I assumed was Damon Macready, having never seen him without his Big Daddy mask, but he looked very similar to the photo of him that hung in the Safehouse.
"Damon."
Damon nodded with a smile, which was a surprise.
"Hi, James, Alice," he said, cheerfully.
"You know my parents?" I asked.
"We've been spending a lot of time together since you and Mindy, err started living together," Damon growled. "I'm glad you at least waited until she was sixteen!"
"Daddy!" Mindy exclaimed, blushing.
I reached out and took her hand in mine, reassuring her.
"Damon, behave!"
I immediately recognised Mindy's mother Kathleen. The eyes were identical, as was the shape of the face.
"Hello, Mrs Macready," I said.
"Hello, Dave – it's good to meet my daughter's partner – Damon had some, err, interesting things to say about you."
"I bet he did..." I replied sardonically.
"He means well... Thankfully Mindy got my brains..."
"And your looks, lucky for her!" James laughed.
Everything started to fade; I took one more look at Mindy.
"Weird, huh?"
"Yeah!" Mindy agreed.
...+...
"You okay?"
"What – oh, yes!"
We were awake again.
"Daddy gave us his blessing, last night."
"Been knocked on the head, had he?" Dave quipped.
I laughed.
"Or worse! Did that actually happen?"
"Your Mom is very beautiful and she has passed all her beauty onto you..."
I was blushing with pride.
"I love you Dave..."
The following morning
Saturday, October 24th, 2015
Chicago
We were up early and we all headed for a major five-star hotel in the centre of Chicago.
There we met up with the others and I reluctantly separated from Dave as we headed for different suites to get ourselves ready. I was seized by my over excited bridesmaids, which with Chloe as Maid of Honour included Abby, Erika, Hailee and Megan. Once in our suite on the forty-sixth-floor, I took a long shower and then with the help of the girls, I got myself cleaned up and dressed.
I needed help as I was trembling with fright – a novelty for me I can tell you! I could not even shave my own damn legs for fuck's sake, but I was being waited on, hand and foot. Chloe fussed over me like a mother hen, ordering around my bridesmaids to ensure that nothing was missed. I had chosen some very seductive lingerie to wear beneath my dress, which I hoped would make Dave explode, and Chloe ensured that I was wearing the correct set.
The makeup took the longest, which was also a novelty; I never usually bothered with any makeup but Chloe was determined that I should look right for my big day. For somebody who normally does everything herself, being waited on and not being allowed to do anything for my self was a little trying!
Once I was as ready as I could be, I sat and stared out of the window while the others showered and prepared themselves for the day. I had never felt so nervous and it took all my concentration just to remain sitting still. All around me there was chaos as the five girls dashed around and sorted themselves out.
In the middle of it all Marcus appeared with Anne-Marie, so she could get ready.
..._...
"Hi, Marcus – bit busy – see ya!" Megan called out as she ran past Marcus and Anne-Marie wearing nothing but her bra and knickers.
Marcus just stood there a little stunned.
"Marcus!" Chloe exclaimed – she was wearing even less with only a towel to maintain her dignity – assuming she had any left after the party! She seized Anne-Marie's hand and dragged her off towards the bedroom, telling her to strip.
I grinned at the man who had raised me for the first five years of my life and then taken me in again for some of the most difficult years of my life. He paused as I stood up and his mouth just flapped for almost a full minute.
"You look – beautiful, Mindy..."
He was speechless and I blushed badly!
"Thank you," I said quietly, feeling tears of happiness welling up as I gave Marcus a kiss on the cheek.
"I never thought that I would ever see you dressed so beautifully – it just never seemed to be your thing!"
"I never thought I would either – with this dress, I feel like a different woman – I feel like Mindy Macready today and only Mindy Macready..." I felt the tears in my eyes and gripped my hands together to stop them from shaking.
Marcus had a momentary thought. "You packing?" He asked quietly.
"Do I really need to answer that?" I replied with an embarrassed grin as I pulled up a side of my dress, turning away from where Anne-Marie stood as she came out of the bathroom wrapped in a fluffy white towel.
There on my right thigh, secured in a white thigh holster, was a custom Glock 26 Gen 4 with a white frame and a purple slide!
"Specially commissioned for today!" I grinned sheepishly. "You never know..."
"With you? No, we never know... Tasteful, though," Marcus quipped dryly. "Matches the dress!"
"That was awesome!" Josh commented, gazing at my bare leg as he came in the door.
I quickly dropped the dress and scowled at Joshua.
"You can check me out, if you wish," Chloe suggested, pulling up one side of her own dress to reveal a single, long leg.
"Almost as good," Josh quipped.
"Asshole!" Chloe growled with a grin.
Once all the girls were dressed and ready, we headed downstairs to the venue. At least we tried to; my legs would not move I was so nervous. Chloe enlisted Hailee and Erika to assist me to the elevator.
The time had come... It was happening.
I was nervous as hell.
Standing there with my Best Man, Marty, I was shaking from head to toe. I had only felt this nervous once before and that was when I had been strapping on a jetpack that had Gatling guns attached! Even that had seemed easier than standing there waiting for Mindy.
To ease my nervousness, I glanced around the venue. The place was very full. Everybody that we had invited was present. I could see all our friends: Isaac Swanson, Jack Bay, Bruce Wayne, Selina Kyle, Alfred Pennyworth, Cameron and Natasha King, a crying Paige, and Cathy Bennett with Ryan. Tony and Shannon Morgan were there too, along with Kim and baby Matty. Also present were Brooke, Vicky Richards, Sam Fellowes and Paul Murphy along with their own families.
I felt a slight pang in my stomach as I wished that Dad and Mom could have been in those seats, along with Damon and Kathleen, but it was not to be.
My thoughts were interrupted by the Wedding March beginning.
..._...
I turned and saw Marcus appear in the doorway.
Behind him came Josh, Kyle, Tommy and Curtis. All wore Lingfield grey morning suits with ivory waistcoats and wing collars with purple cravats, as did Marty and I. Each morning tailcoat had a jade green pocket square. The suit seemed to crush me and I was having trouble breathing, but I knew that was just the nervousness.
Next came Anne-Marie and Danny. Anne-Marie was our flower girl and wore a pure white dress with a purple sash that tied in a broad bow at the back. She wore a purple flower in her hair that had been curled and tied back; she looked very beautiful. Danny wore a smaller version of the same suit that I wore and he was our pageboy.
Marcus guided the youngsters to the aisle between the chairs and they were followed by Tommy and Curtis, then Kyle and Josh. Then came the Bridesmaids, all of whom wore floor length, purple, off the shoulder dresses, they all looked stunning, and most of them were blushing. It struck me as strange that these same young women while looking so beautiful and normal were also quite lethal when out fighting Chicago's worst criminals.
The Bridesmaids formed up behind the groomsmen with Megan and Abby in front, with Erika and Hailee behind. It had to be the first time that I had ever seen Hailee in a dress; she looked stunning and she was blushing madly. In pride of place, behind the bridesmaids came Chloe in her position as Maid of Honour. She was blushing madly too and she looked simply amazing.
Marcus stood still behind them all, his left arm out ready to receive his daughter's hand.
I was sweating badly and the suspense was killing me.
..._...
Finally, Mindy appeared and she took Marcus' hand.
I was astounded by what I saw.
Mindy's sleeveless dress was floor-length and of white satin, with a V-neckline and an empire waist. The dress was finished off with a purple sash and a white and purple court train. Mindy's natural blonde hair fell past her shoulder, and was draped loosely down her left side. She wore diamond earrings and a diamond necklace.
She was smiling, as I had never seen her smile before. She was more beautiful than I had ever seen her and I was speechless. Right at that moment, you could have knocked me down with a feather! She was gripping onto Marcus' arm rather tightly I noticed; she must have been very nervous.
The processional began and with a nudge from Josh, the twins began their walk towards me, Anne-Marie blushing sweetly. It seemed to take an age for them to come level with me, but finally they arrived. Josh smiled encouragingly as he turned and stood beside Marty with Kyle, Curtis and Tommy. The girls lined up on the other side of the aisle, all still blushing and enjoying the attention that they were receiving.
"Damn you look hot, Megan!" Curtis said which made the colour of Megan's face almost match her dress.
He was right. Now that Megan was developing a more feminine figure, the dress did match and accentuate her developing curves very well.
As Marcus handed Mindy over to Dave, he glared at his future son-in-law.
"You take good care of her, you hear me!"
Mindy scowled and Marcus grinned at his adopted daughter.
"She's your problem now, Dave!" Marcus added and then he took a deep breath. "Thank God for that – freedom!"
There was a ripple of laughter from the assembled guests.
"Hey – you've still got me, remember!" Megan called out.
"Don't remind me!" Marcus replied, grimacing.
The Ceremony
"The ceremony of marriage in which you come to be united is one of the first and oldest ceremonies in the world. Marriage is the clasping of hands, the blending of two hearts and the union of two lives into one. Your marriage must stand, not by the authority of the State, nor by the seal on your wedding certificate but by the strength and power of the faith and love that you have for one another."
Somebody was crying – I could hear sobbing; how dare they cry, it was supposed to be a happy event!
"We are gathered here today to witness the coming together of two people whose hearts and spirits are entwined as one. You are adding to your life not only the affection of each other, but also the companionship and blessing of a deep trust as well. You are agreeing to share strength, responsibilities and love."
I peeked to the side – Chloe, Abby, Erika, Hailee and Megan were all tearing up; I was tempted to tell them all to get a fucking grip!
"Love is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humour. Love is having the capacity to forgive and forget. Love is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. Love is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner."
"Here we go!" I quipped and heard polite laughter.
"Dave and Mindy will now exchange vows."
"I, Dave Lizewski, take you, Mindy Macready, to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live."
"You may now place the ring on her finger."
Dave delicately pushed the ring he had been holding onto my hand. The ring stopped against my engagement ring. Oh, fuck! I was crying – God, I hoped they were tears of joy!
"I, Mindy Macready...," I faltered for a moment; the emotion was getting too much. "...Take you, Dave Lizewski, to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live."
"You may now place the ring on his finger."
I was shaking – it was ridiculous, I was losing control; my hands shook as I pushed the band of gold onto his finger.
"As you wear these rings, whether you are together or apart for even just a moment, may these rings be a constant reminder of the promises you are making today. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands and have made promises of faith and devotion to each other. You have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of the vows. You shall no longer walk alone. As your hearts will be your shelter and each other's arms will be your home. From this day forward, may your days be good and beautiful upon this earth... It is my privilege by the authority vested in me to pronounce you husband and wife!"
"Cool!" Megan exclaimed, causing a ripple of laughter.
"You may now kiss the bride!"
Everything around me seemed to dissolve as I gazed into Dave's blue eyes; they sparkled and were hypnotic. I felt his lips on mine; they tingled – and then I fucking melted! I felt the tears as they streamed down my cheeks when I wrapped my arms around my new husband and kissed him like there was no tomorrow.
We were finally interrupted by a discrete round of coughing from Marcus.
I let go of Dave and turned, holding his hand tight, not wanting to let go of him, not even for a second. I was blushing severely and my face was wet with my tears. I had never been happier than at that moment, not just because of my new husband beside me, but also because of all the people who stood in front of us smiling, clapping and cheering. They were there for Dave and for me, and they all meant so much to me.
...+...
I took a moment to think back to the start of everything.
The scared Kick-Ass at Rasul's apartment.
Almost killing Kick-Ass for causing my Daddy to die.
Then Kick-Ass stepping up and saving my life in D'Amico's kitchen.
Again, he stepped up with his immortal words:
"Hey! Why don't you pick on someone your own size?"
Then that damn bazooka – awesome!
...+...
"Daddy, I wish you could have been here," I whispered to myself.
I noticed that Mindy had started crying again.
My hand had hurt where Mindy had been squeezing it, at least until I had squeezed her back just as hard and she had reluctantly loosened her grip. Mindy was happier than I had ever seen her and I loved her more than ever. The day had been so perfect and it was such a great feeling to have all our friends around us for such a special day.
...+...
I took a moment and thought back.
It had been six years and almost six months since I had first seen Hit Girl in Rasul's apartment. I remembered it well, including what she had said to me on the roof in answer to my question:
"Who are you?"
"Me? I'm Hit Girl!"
It had been six years and a month since she had first introduced her true self to me and the first time that I had really seen her for whom she really was without the mask:
"Mindy, Mindy Macready..."
...+...
There was the tinge of sadness again that neither of us had had our parents there to witness the day, but that was life.
"I think that went well, don't you, James?"
"I would have to agree with you there, Damon – they are perfect for each other and Mindy is the image of her mother and very, very beautiful."
"Thank you, James, but flattery will get you nowhere!" Kathleen Macready said with a grin.
"James, stop flirting on your son's wedding day!" Alice Lizewski cautioned.
"I was just stating the obvious – Dave has managed to find himself the prettiest damn girl on the east coast!" James Lizewski persisted.
"I never thought I would ever see our daughter that happy," Damon Macready commented.
"Well your parenting skills were, to say the least, horrendous, Damon!" Kathleen said with a grimace.
"I did my best and yeah, in hindsight it probably wasn't all that successful..."
"Hey! This is supposed to be a happy day, so let's not go there again!" Alice called.
"Damon, remember, stay out of their suite tonight – you may see something that you will regret!" James cautioned with a laugh.
We moved outside, into the hotel gardens and the vixens gathered.
"You bitches, ready?" I called out and I threw my bridal bouquet behind me and instantly turned to see where it fell.
There was a rather violent clamouring of hands from the single females present and then I saw just one girl holding the bouquet triumphantly upwards. I laughed when I saw who it was and smiled at her and she smiled back.
"Oh, fuck!" Joshua exclaimed as he saw Chloe smirking at him and holding up the bouquet with a look of barely concealed lust on her face.
I laughed. They were both too young to marry, but their time would come.
After what seemed like several hours of photos, I was starting to feel hungry; it was time to eat.
The Wedding Lunch
We all sat down for an enormous meal.
It was great to chat with my friends and I was enjoying all the attention, which surprised me; I had been brought up to avoid attention and to keep to the shadows.
After the meal and a good deal of Champagne, Marty stood up to begin the speeches. I cringed at the thought of what the speeches were going to uncover, but I was pleased that we were in public, so certain stories could not be talked about!
..._...
"I've known Dave since first grade and I am so very happy and more than a little jealous, to be here today to see him marry the hottest girl around – err, other than Kim, of course!"
"Nice save, Marty!" Josh called to some laughter.
"I know they both love each other unreservedly and will always support each other till the day that they die. They are a unique couple, with their own, very unique, outlook on life. My time with Mindy has been an education and I love her like a sister. Anyway, I have plenty of embarrassing stories; so please see me after the meal. For now though, please raise your glasses for the Bride; Mindy Lizewski!"
..._...
Once Marty had sat back down, Chloe stood up and she looked absolutely stunning in her dress.
"Meeting Dave and Mindy changed my life, for so many reasons. I see Mindy as my big sister and Dave as my big brother. They have helped to guide me along the right paths as I have grown up over the past few years. There have been times that I have ignored them to my cost, thinking that I knew better, but they have always been there to pick me up when all went wrong and calmly tell me where I went wrong. I love them both to bits and I thank them for allowing me to be here for their special day and for choosing me to be their Maid of Honour. Ladies and gentlemen, the Groom, Dave Lizewski."
Chloe was crying as she sat back down again and I smiled over at her, ignoring my own tears of happiness.
..._...
"Welcome, everybody and thank you for coming to this auspicious event!" Marcus began. "As many of you know, I looked after Mindy from when she was only a few days old, until she was a few days past her fifth birthday. She was the sweetest baby I had ever laid eyes on. As she grew, she had not only the eyes of her mother, but also her looks, not to mention some of her traits.
"It is a tragedy that Kathleen Macready is no longer with us, she was a fabulous woman and she would have been so very proud of her daughter today. To me, Mindy is a very special young person who despite many distractions along the way has grown into the fabulous young woman that she is today.
"When she was eleven, she came back into my care after the death of her father, Damon. Mindy was very different to the five-year-old girl that I had last seen, all those years before; she was taller for a start!"
There was general laughter.
"Mindy had also picked up some new skills along the way; none of which I approved of. There were again plenty of tantrums and problems as she grew up – ask me later, I have plenty of stories! She became involved with a boy; a boy I did not initially approve of but one that persevered and I am glad that he did.
"That boy helped to keep Mindy on the straight and narrow – most of the time at least! While there were a few lapses, he was mainly successful. I owe a lot to that boy, or my daughter may not be here today as the perfect daughter that she is. Thank you, Dave Lizewski for being there for Mindy, every step of the way and every time that she needed you."
I was crying again! I loved Marcus as much as I loved Dave and he knew it, but... I jumped up and hugged Marcus almost to the point where he was struggling to breathe.
"Thank you..." I was unable to say anymore, so I sat back down again.
"It is amazing to see Mindy running a successful business and raising two of the most lovely, well behaved kids that I have known in a long time..."
"That is not exactly how I would describe Anne-Marie and Danny!" I quipped and received scowls from both of my kids. I smiled back as people laughed. "My kids are little monsters!"
"... She may be right!" Marcus continued with a grin. "Again, Mindy has only been successful thanks to the support of her friends and mostly thanks to the encouragement from the man who is now her husband, Dave Lizewski. Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses to the Bride and Groom, Mr and Mrs Lizewski!"
..._...
Dave and I both stood up.
"Before we get flooded out by the women crying, I would like to thank you all for coming today and showing your support for us both; it is very humbling to know that we have so many good friends. For those of you not familiar with Mindy, she is usually a lot stronger than this and she does not usually burst into tears at the drop of a hat!" Dave said, squeezing my hand tightly.
"Thank you, all of you..." I could not say another word; I just hugged Dave as we both raised our glasses to everybody.
Late Afternoon
The Party
After a short rest, it was time to let our hair down and have some fun – just not the sort we had had the previous night!
As was expected, Dave and I had the first dance. To make things easier for me, the train of my dress was removable, which Erika and Hailee took care of for me. I grinned as the music began – somebody was having a laugh!
Okay, I will admit it; Dirty Dancing is one of my favourite films – especially the final dance... I looked Dave in the eyes as he began mouthing the words to me – we both knew them by heart. We both knew the dance movements too...
Now I've had the time of my life
No I never felt like this before
Yes I swear it's the truth
and I owe it all to you
Then I was mouthing the words back to Dave...
'Cause I've had the time of my life
and I owe it all to you
Whoever picked the song for us knew what they were doing...
I've been waiting for so long
Now I've finally found someone
To stand by me
It must have been Chloe...
We saw the writing on the wall
As we felt this magical fantasy
I felt so happy singing together with Dave...
Now with passion in our eyes
There's no way we could disguise it secretly
So we take each other's hand
'Cause we seem to understand the urgency
Just remember
You're the one thing
I can't get enough of
So I'll tell you something
This could be love because
The chorus was my favourite bit:
Because... I've had the time of my life
No I never felt this way before
Yes I swear it's the truth
And I owe it all to you
'Cause I've had the time of my life
And I've searched through every open door
'Til I found the truth
And I owe it all to you
No, we did not do the jumping thing. I mean, I could have done it – but it was just a little too public! It felt good being able to dance with Dave; he felt so soft and warm as I hugged him. I was also feeling a little aroused by the events of the day – no idea why!
..._...
Then the music changed as the DJ selected another suitable track, which upped the tempo and brought Chloe and her bridesmaids out onto the dancefloor with the groomsmen.
I don't give a damn 'bout my reputation
You're living in the past, it's a new generation
A girl can do what she wants to do and that's what I'm gonna do
An' I don't give a damn 'bout my bad reputation
Oh no, not me
Chloe, Hailee and Megan had jumped up eagerly as the first bars of the tune began – they all loved Joan Jett. While the song played and I hugged Dave, I thought again back over how we had come together. The assault on the D'Amico Penthouse being the start of everything. I remembered the elevator, the corridor and then the kitchen... Being rescued by Dave...
After that second, faster Dance with Dave, I took the opportunity to dance with Joshua, while Chloe danced with Dave.
"Thank you, Chloe; you have been wonderful at organising all the other girls, not to mention Anne-Marie and Danny," Dave said and I felt very embarrassed.
I would do anything for Dave and Mindy, without reservation. I had been overwhelmed when they had asked me to be their Maid of Honour; it was an amazing opportunity and it had showed me how much they loved me.
"I love you two and I am honoured to be able to this for you both..."
"We know," Dave said with smile and a kiss on the cheek. I felt my face warming up to overheat!
Dave laughed and passed me to Marcus, while he danced with Erika.
The day was so beautiful and I was grateful to have been a part of it.
Hearing so many people say such nice things about Dave and Mindy confirmed my feelings that they were good people. I loved the dress that I wore and everybody kept taking photos of me; I was in heaven! They also kept saying how sweet and cute I looked. The attention was fun, but I hated being called 'cute'!
My brother, however, enjoyed the attention he was receiving from the girls; he did not mind being referred to as 'cute' and lapped up all the attention!
My feelings for Dave and Mindy were growing day by day. Danny and I had talked about calling them Mom and Dad, but while Mom may not have been too bad; it had been a while since she had gone.
Dad, though, was still too fresh in our minds.
I finally got a chance to dance with my Maid of Honour.
"Thank you..."
Chloe was crying and I felt myself crying too as we hugged.
"I'd do anything for you, Mindy; today has been unbelievable and I have loved every minute," Chloe said quietly. "Thank you for entrusting this responsibility to me."
"I trust you unreservedly Chloe. You are a sister to me and you have always been there for me; even when I never listened..."
We hugged, holding each other tightly.
"You two going to cry all night?" Megan demanded.
"No," Chloe laughed, smiling down at the young girl. "Your turn, kid."
That evening
Now that the evening was in full swing, it was karaoke time!
Dave went up first.
"You sing something that embarrasses me; I'll fucking gut you!" Mindy growled.
This ought to be good, I thought. The machine kicked into life and I heard the music and saw the song – oh, cool! Mindy glared. The words started and Dave started singing, looking directly at Mindy...
Every time I look into your loving eyes
I see a love that money just can't buy
Mindy was actually starting to blush and was averting her eyes. Dave never flinched as he gazed at his new wife...
One look, from you, I drift, away
Afraid that you, are here, to stay
Mindy was now very red and Anne-Marie was enjoying every minute of it, dancing to the music...
Anything you want, you got it
Anything you need, you got it
Anything at all, you got it, baby
Mindy braced herself, looked up at Dave, and smirked, still an interesting shade of pink...
Every time I hold you, I begin to understand
Everything about you tells me I'm your man
I could see tears spilling down Mindy's cheeks and she seemed oblivious to them, or the people watching her...
I live, my life, to be, with you
No one, can do, the things, you do
Anything you want, you got it
Anything you need, you got it
Anything at all, you got it, baby
Anything you want, you got it
Anything you need, you got it
Anything at all
Josh and Marty now joined in...
Doo doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo doo, you got it
They left Dave to finish the song...
I'm glad to give my love, to you
I know, you feel, the way, I do
Everybody joined in for the remaining chorus...
Anything you want, you got it
Anything you need, you got it
Anything at all, you got it, baby
Anything you want, you got it
Anything you need, you got it
Anything at all, you got it, baby
Anything at all, you got it, baby
Then Dave had the final word...
You got it!
Mindy leapt up from her chair and jumped into Dave's arms hugging him tightly. The perfect song from the perfect man, the genius Roy Orbison.
Then it was Joshua's turn.
"Bet you can't match that!" Dave challenged.
"I am dreading this!" Chloe moaned as she sat down, taking off her heels to ease her swollen feet.
"I considered, 'Devil Woman'!" Chloe glared and Josh flinched. "But changed my mind..."
Does she walk? Does she talk?
Does she come complete?
My homeroom homeroom angel
Always pulled me from my seat
Chloe blushed – it was one of her favourite songs: Centrefold by the J Geils Band.
She was pure like snowflakes
No one could ever stain
The memory of my angel
Could never cause me pain
Years go by I'm lookin' through
A girly magazine
And there's my homeroom angel
On the pages in between
Chloe was giggling and blushing as Erika whispered something into her ear.
My blood runs cold
My memory has just been sold
My angel is the centrefold
Angel is the centrefold
...
It's okay I understand
This ain't no never never land
I hope that when this issue's gone
I'll see you when your clothes are on
Take you car, yes we will
We'll take your car and drive it
We'll take it to a motel room
And take 'em off in private
As Josh came to the end, Chloe jumped up, gave her boyfriend a big hug and a very deep kiss that seemed to shock Joshua, and caused more than a few wolf whistles.
The night was warming up steadily!
Now it was our turn!
"Okay, bitches – get up here!" I called.
We had prepared the song, just for that night: Abby, Erika, Chloe, Hailee, Megan and myself. Once in position, Hailee hit the music.
When the going gets tough
The tough get going, tough, tough
When the going gets tough, the tough get ready
I think the men were enjoying our singing.
Yeah, oh, du da do da
Even Marcus was enjoying the beat, along with Paige. Cathy was dancing with Ryan. I could even see Bruce and Selina dancing too.
I got something to tell you
I got something to say
I'm gonna put this dream in motion
Never let nothing stand in my way
When the going gets touch
The tough get going
Anne-Marie was dancing with her brother!
I'm gonna get myself 'cross the river
That's the price I'm willing to pay
I'm gonna make you stand and deliver
And give me love in the old-fashion way
Dave, Josh and Marty were now dancing to the music...
Darlin', I'll climb any mountain
Darlin', I'll do anything
Ooo, can I touch you?
And do the things that lovers do
Ooo, wanna hold you
I gotta get it through to you, oh
Kyle had attracted the attentions of Brooke – hope he knew what he was in for!
When the going gets tough
The tough get going
When the going gets rough
The tough get rough
Hey, hey, hey
Oh baby
Curtis was dancing with Natasha and doing very well, too.
I'm gonna buy me a one-way ticket
Nothin's gonna hold me back
Your love's like a slow train coming
And I feel it coming down the track
Darlin', I'll climb any mountain
Darlin', I'll swim any sea
Darlin', I'll reach for the heaven
Darlin', with you lovin' me, ooo
Everybody joined in with the final chorus, which ended with Dave and me kissing. Chloe vanished with Josh into a dark corner – I had a feeling what might be happening!
..._...
The DJ now took over with a request, I think from Erika, for Megan and Curtis who were kissing in one of the darker corners. They jumped up as the DJ called out their names. I laughed as I recognised the song: Absolute Beginners by David Bowie! Megan scowled at Dave and me. I just laughed and smiled back.
You can now go on to Chapter 201!
Please be warned that Chapter 201 will include smut and behaviour that should be seen as indecent and salacious, including words or insinuations of a very dubious, unseemly or downright dirty nature.