Part 22
When we last left our heroes….
"Raoul," Suki asked the bodyguard who had finally made it. "Take Jerry back to his house. Make sure he stays there. Get help, Jerry. You have no case. Let it go."
"No!" He screamed and before Raoul could grab him, he dashed forward, grabbing Raquelle, and gripping her by the collar, the little girl screaming for her father.
Lance watched with terror as the crazed tom cat took his daughter. "Raquelle!"
Suki reached out to the cat. "Jerry, what are you doing? Let that little girl go."
"Stop! Don't come near me, or I'll break her neck right here. I'm getting justice one way or another!" He shouted, tearing away with the little girl.
"What! Where's he taking her? I have to save my daughter!" Lance pleaded. "I have to save my baby!"
Suki shook her head, astounded by Jerry's desperate behavior. "There's only one place. Where it all started."
"Hurry, we must catch up with them," Nana said.
—————————-
Where it all started. The theater was completely empty. Jerry ran to the lift to the catwalk with the little girl trying hard to get away.
"Let me go! Let me go, please! I'm scared! Daddy!" She screamed.
He shook her head. "Shut up you little brat!"
The group amassed on the stage below, looking up at the cat and his hostage. He held her over the edge but was having difficulty letting go.
Ash couldn't believe she was seeing this again. Except it was even worse. Raquelle was just a child, just a baby.
Rosita looked around and saw the springboard from their performance was still set up. "Get me up there." She said, but Norman grabbed her trotter.
"Honey, you can't. It's not safe," he begged her.
She hugged. "I'll be careful. That little girl needs help." She was the one who could make the jump if it came to it. She'd have to hope the babies could handle it.
He watched helplessly as she and Gunter ran to get in position.
Suki looked around. "We need to get a landing pad in place or a net." The authorities radioed the fire department for the request.
"Where's Eddie?" Nana asked curiously.
They looked around and Meena realized. "Alphonso and Ryan aren't here either."
"Up there!" Johnny pointed, wondering when they'd run off.
————————
Up on the catwalk, Jerry told himself he wanted to do this. He needed to do this to avenge Crystal but he couldn't make his hand release the child. She screamed and cried for help.
"Please stop!" Eddie called out to him as they hopped off the lift.
Jerry turned to the sheep. "Don't come any closer! I'll drop her! I swear I will!"
Eddie stopped. "Okay, I've stopped. Look, you don't want to do this. She's just a baby. You don't want to hurt her."
"I have to avenge Mr. Crystal!" He insisted. "I can't just let him go!"
Eddie shook his head. "You don't want to hurt that little girl. Let her go, let her go back to her dad and let's talk. She's innocent." The tabby cat tried to ignore him. "You're in pain, I understand that. I lost someone I loved too. But hurting that little girl won't bring him back and it won't make the pain any less. It'll just cause more pain. Let her go, please."
He shook his head. "I can't! I don't know what else to do! Justice for Crystal is all I can think about."
"This isn't justice!" Ryan protested. "She's just a kid. Come on, don't hurt her."
"Listen to them, you can still come back from this," Alphonso added. "You don't have to do this. Please, let us help you." He begged.
—————————
On the stage below, Ash watched feeling just as helpless as she did the last time. Beside her, Lance was focused on one thing. His daughter, 1000 feet directly above them. "Raquelle! Daddy's coming!" He shouted. "How do I get up there.
Nana shook her head. "Too many up there could spook him and make him drop her. Let Eddie talk to him."
—————————
Looking out at the spot where Buster had fallen was painful but Eddie couldn't think about that now. "Listen to me, please. I just want to talk. My name's Eddie. You're Jerry, right?"
"Leave me alone!" The cat shouted back. "I have to do this. It's the only way I can move on!" He insisted.
"No, it's not. Believe me, I know you're in pain. I know. I hurt too," he pleaded. "Come on, put her down, let her go and let's just talk."
"How can you possibly understand! Crystal… Crystal…" he trembled and shook violently and they could see the tears shining in the cat's eyes.
Eddie nodded. "Because I loved Buster. We both lost someone we loved that night. But trust me, as hard as it is, it does get better. It gets easier. When you have friends to help shoulder the burden."
"I have no friends! All I had was Crystal! He was everything to me!" Jerry said, his voice breaking even as he tried to stay angry, all Eddie heard was the agony he was in.
The polled sheep nodded. "And it feels like your entire world is just falling apart and at any moment you're going to fall down into a great hole and just be swallowed up?"
Gray eyes shot over at him. In his shock at hearing exactly how he felt being put into words, he dropped Raquelle to the floor. She ran away to Alphonso and Ryan before he could grab her again.
"Get her out of here," Eddie told them. He drew closer to the cat and sat down, his legs hanging over the edge like when he and Buster would sit around his pool. "Did he know how you felt?" He asked.
Jerry shook his head. "I could never tell him but it didn't matter. He was in love with his wife, even though she's been dead for fifteen years. I never told him because I knew he would never feel the same way." He didn't know why he was telling the sheep this except he had to tell someone. "But I loved him anyway. I didn't need him to love me back."
Eddie nodded. "That sounds hard though. To love someone who can never love you back. To stay so loyal to someone even if they can't appreciate it."
He nodded quietly, trying to force his pain back down into his stomach. "I did everything for him. Anything he asked. I did it. He never said thank you for any of it. He didn't have to. I was happy to do it." He buried his face in his hands, sobbing.
The sheep listened, letting the cat grieve. "Because that was your way of telling him in even a small way. I think the worst part is wondering. What might have happened if I'd just told him how I felt, ya know?" He sighed. "If I hadn't let my parents banish him and keep us apart."
"Would it have made a difference if I told him? I'll never know. I'll never even get the chance," he wept. "And when that monster gorilla… I was just so angry. He took away that chance. And I wanted to hurt him. The way I hurt."
Eddie nodded. "I get that." The last thing he needed was judgment from him. "You're wrong you know. You do have friends. Miss. Lane and Ms. Crystal are both down there. I bet they're just as afraid for you as they were for Raquelle. Maybe more because they actually know you while she's just a stranger," he explained. "And… I'll be your friend. Don't hurt alone when you don't have to." He stood up, his knees cracking audibly. "Ahhh, I keep forgetting I'm not in my twenties anymore. Should we go down? Let them know you're safe?"
Jerry looked out over the edge. "Maybe… I'm going to be in so much trouble… and it hurts so much… maybe it would be…" Eddie grabbed his hand, ending his thought.
"No, it would not be. Come on, it'll be alright," he promised. "They know you're hurting." He led Jerry back to the lift, holding his wrist to make sure he didn't try anything dumb at this point.
At the bottom of the lift, Alphonso and Ryan waited. Raquelle was safely in Ryan's arms. The cat looked at the little girl. "I'm sorry I scared you and tried to hurt you." He said in a small voice.
The little girl's lip wobbled. "I want my daddy."
Together, they went down to the stage. Applause echoed as Ryan put Raquelle down and let her run to her father and her brother.
Lance picked up the little girl, crying in a way Ash had never seen him cry before. She heard him saying her name and how much he loved her, over and over again. And she realized how scared she had been and how much she already cared about these kids. Maybe Rosita was right. Maybe she could be a good mom. And maybe she should consider taking a chance again.
Nana smiled at her grandson as he led the heartbroken assistant over to Suki and Porsha. The authorities were waiting with them.
Suki wagged her finger. "Jerry, I can't imagine what you thought you were doing or what you hoped to accomplish with that stunt!" She scolded.
Eddie stopped her. "Miss Lane, please. He doesn't need this now! He let her go and now everything's alright." The cat looked like he was ready to go crawl in a hole.
She sighed. "I… I'm sorry, Jerry. But you scared me just now."
Jerry nodded. "I'm sorry, Suki. Porsha, I'm sorry. I never meant what I said. I just didn't know what to do. Wahh!" He shouted as Porsha picked him up in a giant, tight hug.
"I'm just so happy you're okay! I was so afraid my daddy's only real friend was going to be hurt," she said as she squeezed tight.
Jerry gasped. "Seeing stars, seeing stars…" He took a deep breath when she put him down.
Rosita came down with Gunter once they got the word that Raquelle was safely on the ground. She went to her husband and children. She was glad she didn't have to attempt the jump after all.
Meena ran to Alphonso. "Alphonso! I'm so sorry our wedding was ruined. And I'm sorry I didn't tell you everything."
He nodded. "I can guess why you didn't. It's okay. And it's not too late. You know, we met here. On this stage. It's where I first learned my goddess' name." He took her hand.
She understood where he was going and turned to Suki. "Do you still have the set for the Planet of Love?"
Suki smiled and nodded. "I still have all the sets for that matter."
They took an hour to get everything cleaned up, seated, and got the planet into position. Once again, Clay played Canon while Meena walked down the aisle of the theater with her family.
Pastor Rick was as jovial as ever to get another chance to do the ceremony. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, in the sight of the Almighty God, to bear witness to the union of Alphonso Ramirez and Meena Patel in holy matrimony. If anyone can give just cause as to why these two should not be married, please speak now or forever hold your peace." Grandpa glared around the room, daring anyone to speak up this time. "Who gives this cow to this bull?" He asked.
Mrs. Patel smiled through teary eyes. "Her grandmother, her grandfather and I, in love, give our sweet Meena to Alphonso." She hugged her daughter once before letting her go to her groom. The three elephants sat down in the first row of seats.
"Marriage is not the invention of man; it is the invention of God. The purpose of marriage resides within the purpose and plan of God. Your marriage is to honor God because it was created by God and for the glory of God. As in all of life, what matters most in marriage is God. I would also remind those who have been invited here today, that you are not here as spectators but as witnesses. You have been invited by this couple to witness them be charged and give vows in the sight of God, before you, and before one another. You have been summoned here to hear vows and you have a responsibility to hold them accountable to those vows. This beautiful wedding party, the guests, and the beauty of this moment is not mere formality and ceremony," Rick looked at the couple. "While I have not known Meena for very long, I did have the pleasure of watching Alphonso grow up coming to church with his mother and father. And while I know he had a rough time as a youth, I always knew that God's grace would bring him home again."
Meena wondered what he was talking about but had a feeling that Alphonso would tell her when he had a chance. She didn't care. She loved Alphonso.
"Alphonso and Meena have chosen to write their own vows. Alphonso, if you would," Rick instructed.
Alphonso pulled out a set of notecards. "Meena, I first saw you outside of this stage, looking ready to just collapse with panic. When I saw you, all I could think was who was this beautiful angel before me? Ultimately we were brought together by great tragedy but it's in these times when all we can do is trust that he is guiding our path. I knew it was love the first time I heard your voice. I knew you were the cow that God chose for me. I love you Meena and I promise to be a good, loving husband to you. I will provide for you, protect you, and forever be faithful to you alone, until my last breath leaves my body."
Her blue eyes shone with unshed tears, smiling the biggest smile. "Alphonso, after we met outside the stage, I spent the next few weeks trying so hard to get the courage to speak to you. I ate so much ice cream, I gave myself a headache." The guests chuckled at her admission. "I didn't know then that it was love. And as for God, when we truly met, I was certain even if he did exist, he must not care. But you came into my life right when I needed you the most. You came to find me and any other male would have left and I would have understood because almost right away you were burdened with my pain. Yet you stayed and you even moved your life to be with me. You comforted me when no one else really could. I can't say how grateful I am and I love you. And I promise to always come to you first when I need comfort. I promise to love and cherish you all of the days of my life."
Pastor Rick motioned for Caspar to come forward. Alphonso took one of the large golden rings. "Alphonso, as I hold this ring before you. I want it to always remind you of your commitment to love Meena to the utmost. May every time you look upon this ring, you not simply see a piece of jewelry but you see the commitment that you've made in the sight of God and these witnesses to love Meena without end. Your love for her shall never end. May this ring always remind you of that sacred commitment. Repeat after me…" He instructed as Alphonso lovingly placed the band around her wrist.
"I, Alphonso, take you, Meena, As my lawfully and spiritually wedded wife. I promise to forsake all others and cleave only to you. I promise to love,
honor, comfort, and spiritually build you up. I take you from this day forward, for better or for worse
in riches and in poverty, in sickness and in health,
till death do us part. I promise to pray for you, to live with you in an understanding way, to grant you honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life and to forgive you as God has forgiven me. I promise to give myself to you, to be your spiritual leader,
therefore I receive you as God's lovely gift to me."
Trying desperately and failing not to cry, Meena smiled and picked up the second band. Pastor Rick gave her the same speech and she put the ring around Alphonso's wrist.
"I, Meena, take you, Alphonso, as my lawfully and spiritually wedded husband. I promise to forsake all others and cleave only to you. I promise to love, honor, comfort, and spiritually build you up. I take you from this day forward, for better or for worse, in riches and in poverty, in sickness and in health, till death do us part. I promise to pray for you, to seek to understand you, to forgive you as God has forgiven me and to follow your guidance, as God's man in our home. I want to be an excellent wife whose worth is far above jewels, therefore I receive you as God's gift to me."
The little raccoon in his suit nodded. "Based on the charge that you have received today and based on the vows that you have taken in the sight of God and these witnesses today, Alphonso and Meena, we rejoice with you that the two roads that brought you here will now be one as you leave. Now, by virtue of the authority invested in me as the minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord in the presence of God and these assembled witnesses, I pronounce you husband and wife. You have given sacred vows before each other, before us, and before a holy and righteous God. These vows are never to be broken. What God has joined together let no man separate. You may now kiss the bride."
Trunks wrapping around each other, their lips joined. Loud whoops and applause echoed through the theater, getting even louder when he dipped her slightly. It was several minutes before they came up, glad they could breathe through their trunks.
Ryan laughed. "Sheesh, we gotta practice, Johnny." He teased his lover.
At last, they finally, reluctantly pulled apart to let the kindly minister finish. "Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Alphonso Ramirez."
Porsha, Rosita and Ash got onto the platform where Clay had stood to play the processional. Johnny hopped on the piano and began playing.
Rosita sang with Ash and Portia singing backup. "This will be an everlasting love. This will be the one I've waited for." In time the crowd clapped as the couple walked back down the aisle.
Walking down the aisle, Meena saw something out of the corner of her eye and turned her head. It was gone but she was almost sure she'd seen him. His crystal blue eyes shining with pride and fatherly love, bee-bopping to the tune.
——————————
The wedding adjourned back to the church for the reception. It was just too difficult to get all the food and especially the cake to the hotel at this stage. As per tradition, the guests got to the reception hall first.
The praise and worship band of the church was already playing "You Can't Hurry Love" and Ryan turned to Johnny. "Dance with me?"
Johnny blushed and let Ryan lead him out to the dance floor. The tiger's paw found the small of his back.
Lance was reluctant to leave his children for even a moment after what had just nearly happened. Ash smiled at him as he danced with them. This was not what she planned. She still wasn't sure if it was a good idea. He hurt her once and everyone was afraid he'd do it again. Yet, she couldn't help thinking about how different he was five years later. Becky had made a terrible mistake by leaving them but he manned up and grew from that immature, jealous, controlling boyfriend into a loving father. What if she turned him away now and lost the chance to ever know what they could have been together? Thinking of Eddie, she didn't ever want to ask that question. Taking the chance was dangerous but the rewards were potentially limitless. Even if she wasn't sure what kind of mother she could be, she was willing to try.
She walked over to them, suddenly feeling shy which was not like her. "Hey, may I cut in?"
Little Lance and Raquelle eagerly let their father take her onto the dance floor. Lance looked at her nervously. "So, one dance? That's the plan right?"
She remembered the plan they'd discussed only hours ago. "Well, I was thinking about that. We've both changed a lot in five years…" She wondered how to broach the topic. "You didn't have to stay after we were arrested. It could have gone so wrong so easily. I still don't understand how we were rescued. I'm not even going to pretend. Even if it would have been only manslaughter at worst, it still would have destroyed us all. You risked your own reputation for me."
He shrugged. "I knew the charges had to be trumped up. I had no doubt you would win even if it got that far. Besides, what reputation do I have to protect?"
Ash sighed. "Look, I'm trying to say that… I know there's a lot of history between us but I also know that not everyone gets a first chance to find real love, let alone a second. I don't ever want to ask myself 'what if'. You know? If you are interested, I'd be open to giving us a second chance." She bit her lip, praying she wasn't making a mistake.
His eyes seemed to light up. "I'd… I would really like that. I mean my kids really like you and I've missed you." He reasoned. "I'd really like to give us a second chance. If you're sure." Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the famous old lion sitting with his arms crossed. He jabbed two fingers towards his eyes and one at Lance. The message was clear. He had one chance and he couldn't blow it again.
—————————
Clay watched Lance lead Ash in a slow dance. He had attempted to warn him away from her out of a paternal wish to protect her but the choice was hers. But he would keep a careful eye on them.
He looked up as Mrs. Patel approached him. "Good evening, Mrs. Patel," he greeted her politely. "A lovely wedding."
She nodded. "Oh please, Mr. Calloway, call me Sitara. I wanted to thank you personally for making my daughter's wedding day so special. It was an honor to have you play for them," she said. "Especially since I know how hard it's been for you to get back on stage."
"It was an honor to be able to play," Clay pulled out the chair beside him and offered it. She took it gratefully. "Your daughter and her friends saved me. Saved me from a life of misery and grief. They reminded me that Ruby would never have wanted to cloister myself away as I did. In many ways, they saved my life."
"My father and mother-in-law had to do that for me. When my husband died, I thought I had nothing on Earth to live for. They made me realize that Meena was my reason to keep living." Sitara explained. "She's all grown up and she's got her own life now."
He nodded. "Of course, that still doesn't mean your life is over. Just the start of the next chapter." The lion seemed to consider his next words carefully. "Would you like to dance, Sitara?" He offered his paw.
"Why Mr. Calloway, I would be honored," she accepted his paw and let him lead her to the dance floor.
He chuckled. "If I am to call you by your name, I must insist you call me Clay." He didn't know what the future held but for the first time, he had hope that there might still be room for love in his life. At least he knew he was done mourning. Fifteen years was long enough.
An hour into the party, the band leader stopped the music and everyone turned. "Everyone, Mr and Mrs Ramirez!" He announced as the doors opened and the bride and groom entered. Meena's dress had been pinned so that she could dance without damaging it.
Alphonso led Meena onto the dance floor and the other dancers went to their seats. The band leader gave them each a microphone.
Holding each other close, Meena began singing. "The moment I wake up, before I put on my makeup, I say a little prayer for you."
He spun her gently, singing with her. "While combing my hair and wondering what to wear now, I say a little prayer for you." Together they sang the song exactly as it happened in her fantasy though without the set and thankfully it really was him this time and not Darius.
The band took over after the first refrain, letting the couple just enjoy their first dance together as husband and wife. The rest of the guests got back onto the floor, making sure to give them ample room.
Marcus brought Suki a cup of the fruit punch. "Punch."
She nodded. "After what happened earlier, I could go for something stronger." She laughed.
He chuckled and pulled a small flask from his coat pocket. "Shhh," he said conspiratorially. He poured them each a small splash. "I hate to drink in a church but…. Yeah." For a brief time, he was terrified that his son might actually go to prison for his crime. "I'm sorry that you were arrested for what I did. If earlier hadn't happened, I would have confessed just to get you all out."
She shook her head. "Then you would have been looking at life in prison for first degree murder. I wouldn't have let you do that. Whatever that was earlier, I'm grateful for it but I would not let you do that. You've been too good to Porsha and to me." She told him. "Especially to me and I wasn't necessarily deserving."
He laughed. "Su, I'm an ex-felon. If not for my son's boss, I might still be in prison as we speak. If anyone is undeserving it's me." He sat down. "How is the cat?" He asked. They looked over to where he now sat, at Nana's table with Eddie, the stern, old woman keeping her eye on him.
"Jerry? He's not alone in his grief anymore. I'm sorry about him and thank you for not holding it against him too much. And I'm sorry he threatened that poor child," she felt terrible for not making Jerry get help sooner.
Marcus sighed. "Grief can make someone do and say things that they otherwise wouldn't. My grief for Marian is what drove me to a life of crime." He explained. "And I did things that I bitterly regret today. If anyone understands, it's me. That's how I knew what had to happen with Crystal. I never reached the level he did but only because of my son. For him, it was too late. He crossed the Rubicon."
She nodded. "He was so sick for so long. I'm ashamed that I didn't see it sooner. Thank you for doing what no one else would and for not making him suffer in prison." She knew no one else would say it. "But… I'm done mourning for him. I'm ready to move on." She smiled at the gorilla. "With someone who will treat me with respect and affection."
He blushed lightly and held out his hand. "Would you dance with me?" She put her hand in his and he took her to the dance floor.
Upon sitting, Nana ordered Hobbs to fetch them each a plate of hors d'oeuvres. When the penguin returned, she pushed one of the plates towards the cat who had threatened her friends. Her expression was no nonsense. "Eat!" She commanded. Her grandson could handle the empathy. That was not her speciality.
The tabby looked up at the stately ewe. "I can't eat."
"You gotta," Eddie told him. "Don't make Nana get scary, she can be one mean sheep," he warned.
Reluctantly, partially frightened by the menacing glare she gave him, Jerry ate one of the stuffed mushrooms and one of the small shredded chicken sandwiches on the tiny slice of pumpernickel bread. He grabbed his stomach and groaned before running to the nearest trashcan.
"How long has it been since you've had a real meal?" Nana demanded from behind him.
He thought about it, unable to give an answer. "I tried to eat earlier today but…"
She nodded and sighed. "I thought so. Hobbs, go to the drugstore and purchase a supply of nausea medication." She pushed a bottle of water into his little hand. "Sip on that, you're dehydrated and your stomach is rejecting food because it's been so long. That settles it, you're coming back with us. So I can make sure you take care of yourself." 'And ensure nothing like this earlier this night happens again,' she added silently to herself.
He shook his head. "They won't want me to come. I tried to hurt all of you tonight. I almost ruined their wedding. I almost…" He turned and vomited again, though it was mostly bile that burned his throat.
She shook her head. "They will forgive you. They tend to do that pretty easily. Since you cannot be trusted to tend your own needs, you must be watched over by someone who will see to it. I will handle it myself." When he seemed ready to argue, she jabbed her fan at him. "And I will remind you that you owe both your freedom and your life to my grandson. So you will do as you are told. Or I could turn your care over to Mr. Green if you prefer." She indicated the silverback gorilla dancing with the saluki and he shook his head with alarm. "Good." She was tempted to ask Rosita to see if she could work the same miracle on him that she and her husband wrought on Eddie but with another litter on the way, it wouldn't be prudent. And this cat was much further gone than Eddie had been. It would take a much tougher hand to bring him back.
Rosita naturally danced with Norman, grateful she was still able to do so. Their piglets weren't far, playing and dancing with each other and their new friends, the porcupettes. "That was very brave of Eddie to go help that poor girl. Very brave and sweet how he stayed to comfort poor Jerry."
Norman smiled. "He's come a long way, because of you. You're the best mother in the world." He kissed her. "I was afraid tonight, for you and our new babies. I should have fought for you."
She kissed him back. "You know you couldn't. If you were arrested too, what would have happened to our kids? You were where you needed to be. That earthquake tonight came at just the right time."
"It's the craziest thing I've ever seen. And it only damaged your cell," he pointed out.
Rosita cupped her forehead. "At least it was just a tremor and no one was hurt but it might be indicative of a bigger quake around the corner."
Still wrapped in each other's arms, Meena looked around. "Alphonso, tonight, I was afraid at first that we might not get to do this at all but then in that cell, I felt so calm. I knew we weren't going to be stuck there long. And I heard your voice."
He held her. "That was faith. Knowing everything is going to be alright even when it seems like everything is going all wrong." He explained, smiling at her.
She nodded and looked around. "No one else really understands do they?"
He shook his head. "Nahh, only those who want to believe will. For the rest, they'll just write it off as coincidence or chance. It's okay. They don't need to believe. We know what happened and that's all that matters." He kissed her again.
"Hey! Isn't it time for cake already?" Nooshy asked. She had been dancing with the piglets and the porcupettes.
Meena and Alphonso laughed. "It could be." They all went over to the enormous wedding cake. "Wow, it's amazing. Exactly what we wanted." It was five tiers high and the biggest tier was 10 inches in diameter. The round tiers were sat one on top of the other. On the top, was a replica of the Love set made out of modeling chocolate and two very detailed models of Meena and Alphonso based on photos they had sent to the bakery. The cake was chocolate, filled with a cherry-cream cheese icing and covered with white-quilted fondant.
One of the caterers handed her a pastry knife and joining hands, they sliced the first piece to a round of ooohs and ahhhs from their friends and family. Daintily, they fed each other a bite from the first slice.
Ryan laughed. "Hey you're supposed to smash it in her face. That's the fun part." He said as they were all handed pieces.
"What, you mean like this?" Johnny asked with a playful tone before smooshing his piece into his boyfriend's face. Everyone laughed as Ryan retaliated by kissing him without even taking the time to clean up his face. Johnny didn't mind. Earlier that evening, he was afraid that he'd never see Ryan again.
Alphonso and Meena carried pieces of cake over to Nana and Eddie. Alphonso kindly offered a slice to Jerry.
"You don't have to be so nice to me." He said morosely. "I understand if you hate me."
Alphonso shook his head. "I don't hate you. I don't like what you did but I don't hate you." He offered the slice again. "Neither does Meena." He looked over to her as she conversed with Nana about the cake's quality. "I don't think she knows what hate is." He smiled with adoration. "Dealing with the pain of loss is never easy. I went through my own trials after my mother died. Made some pretty big mistakes. I haven't told Meena about them yet. It's a part of my life I prefer to forget. But I was lucky. I had one of the best friends in the world who never gave up on me and a father who loved me in spite of everything. And I think I know someone who can help you. Maybe I can introduce you sometime…"
Jerry seemed to think about it and nodded quietly. He had reached that point where he was almost ready to accept any help he could get.
Eventually, as midnight neared, the newlyweds noticed their guests losing their energy. Filled up with food, cake and fruit punch, the adrenaline rush from the chaos long gone.
There was only one thing left to do. The unmarried female guests all gathered around as Meena stood on the stage with her back turned, holding her pink rose bouquet. For added measure, she closed her eyes and flung the bouquet behind her.
All of the girls jumped to try and catch the bouquet, but it was to no avail as the bouquet landed in Ash's hands. She blushed and wondered if the superstition was true, glancing at Lance who was watching his children sleep, preparing to take them back to the motel.
Alphonso gently removed Meena's garter and got in position while the unmarried men gathered. Ryan wasn't even paying that close attention when the garment almost literally fell into his hand. He held it up for Johnny to see, twirling it around with a cocky smile. Johnny blushed deeply, scratching his head in nervous anticipation. The idea of marrying Ryan made his stomach fill with butterflies. Happy butterflies, but still butterflies. Would it ever happen?
A beautiful shiny blue rental car waited outside the church with streamers of bells tied to the bumper with a sign that said "Just Married!" Alphonso held the passenger side door open for Meena and she got in. He got in beside her. Everyone clapped and shouted their praises to the couple as they drove away.
—————————
It was too late to start the trek to their honeymoon. Calloway had warned them that the road up to the lake house could be treacherous after dark. So instead, they went back to the motel. They didn't have a traditional bridal suite but the small mom and pop inn had been so excited and grateful to have such a large party staying at their establishment instead of one of the bigger corporate monsters in the city, that they turned one of the rooms into a makeshift bridal suite. Flower petals littered the room and the bed. A bottle of sparkling apple juice was chilling in a bucket of ice. There was even a beautiful gift basket filled with flowers and candy including chocolate roses.
Alphonso carried his bride inside, kissing her tenderly as they both knew what came next. He let her down and helped her get out of her gown, revealing a sheer, white lace bodice with flattering triangle cups attached to a long sheath skirt accentuating her thick, gray rump and legs. For a moment, he felt anxious but remembered they were married now. He was allowed to see her this way now.
He laid her on the bed and she gave him a nervous smile. He undressed himself and joined her. "Are… are you…"
She nodded. "Just be gentle," she pleaded as he kissed him. She was ready for him. To truly become his in the most intimate of ways.
AN: Okay, I think this chapter has gone on long enough. I'm toying with the idea of getting Eddie and Jerry together seeing as they are both going through similar pain and experiences. What do you think? Weigh in, please. Comment, review, critique please. Oh I've been editing earlier chapters too so please reread them if you haven't.