2.3 - Tying the Knot

The next morning, she fixed me breakfast while I cleaned out the fridge.  I think I got the poor end of the deal.  However, I could get used to a beautiful woman cooking for me, especially if it was Esmeralda.

At breakfast, we decided on a quick wedding.  I mean, why wait?  We'd known since high school.  Well, at least I had.

So, while Es was playing guitar, I was on the phone with a few of my people.  Word had gotten out fast that we were engaged (paparazzi, I guess) and they wanted to throw me a bachelor party.

So, within a week, there was a party at the Lady Luck Casino and Bar.  They invited quite a few people including a few I'd not seen in awhile.

I stood outside to greet the arrivals as the sun started to sink.  It was a beautiful evening for a party!

First to arrive was my dad.  He gave me a hug as he started inside the building.  I was so happy he could make it.

Then, Tiberius Willard appeared next.  Mom said that Tiberius, Scot and her all stayed at the same house when they were in college.  So, all of our families got together once a month.  I enjoyed it but it was becoming tough since the kids were older and busier.  However, the adults still did it anyway.  I'm glad Mom and Dad had such great friends.

The rest arrived in a blur as I continued to greet everyone and laugh at all their antics.

I ordered a round of drinks from Bartender Phoebe.  She seemed good, but I was slightly worried about her skills.  Fire!  Oh, no, wait, never mind.

Once the drinks were made, I brought a few glasses to some of the latecomers.

"Are you ready for the wedding?" asked Romeo.

"Almost.  We have a few other things to work out.  I don't even care about all the little things.  I just want Es to be my wife," I said as I looked on the dance floor.  The owner, Kitty Wiggins smiled at Romeo and I, but kept dancing to the beat.

"Yeah, I completely understand.  Once I knew Katarina was the one I wanted to marry, I just wanted it to happen.  We have to accommodate the ladies, though, and let them have their day.  Anyway, I didn't mind waiting.  I just had a tough time concentrating on all the details."

Dad came over to us as we were talking.  "I'm sorry to interrupt, but Mom wanted you to know she could pick up the flowers the morning of the wedding."  I told him thanks and then he leaned closer.  Talking softly, he said, "Kitty has a fabulous place here and definitely knows how to get everyone to have fun."  I laughed as he walked over and started dancing with a few of the other guys. 

I looked at Romeo and he just shrugged, then followed Dad.  Before I could join them, I saw Dyno walk in.  He looked around and then he saw me.  

He walked over and pounded me on the back in congratulations.  Then, we talked about what he'd been up to.  He'd just arrived in town that morning after travelling for the last month.   

Before Dyno could say much more, the food was ready.  Kitty recommended the stuffed mushrooms and meatballs as her favorite.  Of course, it was all amazing, but she was right, those two appetizers were a delight to the senses. 

Finally, Kitty stopped dancing and disappeared for awhile.  The music was left on as Felix continued dancing and Romeo sat bopping his head to the beat.  Dad finished dancing and made his way over to Scot.  They started whispering and acting like a couple of school boys.  What were they up to? I wondered.

After everyone finished eating, Dad called everyone to gather around. 

I started getting slightly nervous when I saw Scot give Dad thumbs up and Dad just grinned back.

"Well, first, thank you all for coming!  This has been quite a party and it was good to see all of you.  As you know, London is my only son.  We all know he is different, but he has taken that and turned it into a inspiration for so many around the world with his books.  He is very special to Justine and I, and we love him more than he'll ever know.  

When he first came to me about marrying Esmeralda, I thought he might be a little young.  However, he's already proven to me how hard of a worker he is, and I can see how much he loves her.  I can also see how they work together as a team and how strong that has made them.  Justine and I couldn't be any happier for them.

So, to show him how proud we are, I've ordered up the best champagne they have here.  London, would you like a glass?"  My Dad just stared at me with this lopsided grin.  I became a bit flustered as I knew he was up to something.  Since I was on the spot, however, I didn't really have time to figure it out.

I nervously said, "Yes." and the "fun" began.

Well, I wasn't real thrilled about what Dad did, but it was pretty funny.   Anyway, after Dad's speech, I couldn't be too mad at him.  It made me feel good that he was proud of me and approved of my choices.  Miraculously, I also did not get too wet.  I found a towel in the restroom and cleaned up the best I could.

Dad and Mom were the ones who paid for the party and they were very generous.  Everyone at the party received an equal amount so they could play the night away.

Romeo was the first to win.

Scot was next.

Felix had some trouble.  He kept losing, so he got mad at the machine.  I don't think kicking it helped much.

I also won.  It wasn't much, but it would help with the wedding costs.   Why do women have to buy such an expensive dress that they wear for one day?

Tiberius won as well and he did a dance.  It was humorous to watch, especially since he was a little juiced.

Dyno pulled me aside later and we talked more about his travels.  I loved travelling, so I always enjoyed hearing about the favorite places of others.  Dyno talked most about a place called "Isla Paradiso".  

It was beautiful with lots of blue skies, mountains, warm weather, scuba diving and so much more.  It sounded wonderful and the perfect place to take Es for our honeymoon. Since she still had so much to do, she had left that last minute decision in my hands.   I made a mental note to research the place later.

Romeo may not have been from Roaring Heights, but he'd heard of us.  Dad had impressed him the most.  I guess his cooking was known throughout the world.  Dad was happy to sign an autograph.

I chuckled at Romeo as I walked up.  

"You just can't leave us celebrities alone, can you?"

Romeo turned to me and made a face.  When he blushed, I couldn't help but laugh out loud.  He tried to hit me, but he missed.

He told me he had been on reality tv show, but that was nothing compared to what he'd heard over the years about Dad. 

"Did you enjoy growing up with your Dad's cooking?  Mmmmm...it just makes my mouth water imagining all the yummy things he has made," Romeo said as his eyes glazed over.

"Of course I did!  I almost stayed just to continue getting fed.  However, he's taught me a few tricks, too.  I can hold my own."  Dad agreed, which made me feel good.  



"Well, in that case, you should invite us over one night and show me how good you can cook," Romeo challenged.

"Challenge accepted.  After we get back from our honeymoon, we'll have you over," I said with a smile.


Near the end of the party, I guess Felix thought it would be funny to get Dad back.  So, he got another bottle of champagne and sprayed him.  Dad thought it was hilarious!  Thankfully, he didn't mind getting a little messy since he was leaving soon.

Romeo needed to go and we did our best bro hug.  Shortly after he left, the others began dispersing, too.  It was an awesome party and I'm glad everyone was able to come!

____________________________________________________________________


On a beautiful summer evening, our wedding guests arrived for the event.  Thankfully, our families had really helped by doing some errands and helping us set up the ceremony area.  We decided on my house since it was so last minute.

I wasn't allowed to see Es, but I could hear her.  She sounded like she was having a great time.  I am glad she didn't seem too nervous.  

First to arrive were Lynelle and Sophia.  They had just graduated and already knew what they wanted to do.  I was so proud of them!

Lynelle had a dream to open a winery, but wanted to get some ideas drawn first.  She had already visited Paris to view the wineries there.  She would leave soon on another trip to get some cuttings and other ideas for her future business.  She'd not uttered the exact words, but I knew she'd fallen in love with the place.  I would not be surprised if she made Paris her home.

Sophia had decided to go to school and become a surgeon. She had already enrolled and planned on leaving the next day. As crazy as our fast wedding plans had been, it was a blessing because Sophia wouldn't have been able to come back for it if it had been any later.

Once everyone had been seated, the ceremony began.  We said our vows and exchanged rings. 

"On this special day, I give to you in the presence of God and all these witnesses my promise to stay by your side, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, through good times and bad."

"I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to achieve all of your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind and spirit, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live."

"London, I give you this ring.  Wear it with love and joy.  As this ring has no end, neither shall my love for you.  I choose you to be my husband, this day and forevermore."

"Esmeralda, I give you this ring as a sign of my commitment and the desire of my heart.  May it always be a reminder that I have chosen you above all others and from this day forward, we shall be united as husband and wife."

I now pronounce you Husband and Wife.  You may now kiss your bride.

"Who was that?" I whispered to Es.

"Don't know, don't care.  I just want another kiss that makes my knees turn to jelly."

"Mmm...that can be arranged," I put my hands on her face and drew her closer.  Then, I slowly lowered her lips to mine.  

After lots of hugs, tears and slaps on the back, we went inside to cut the cake.  Esmeralda kept looking at me funny. I was slightly worried about her shoving cake in my face.  She had jokingly said she would.

Surprisingly, she restrained herself.  I think she knew if she started it, I'd finish it.  And it wouldn't be pretty. 

The cake may have been slightly off kilter due to an unnamed person who bumped the table, but it was delicious nonetheless.  The new bakery in town had outdone themselves.  Later, I decided to partner with them, which turned into a smart decision. 

Everyone else seemed to agree as well.  It didn't take long for the cake to disappear.

Sometime after we were done eating, our fantastic photographer caught this special romantic moment with Mom and Dad.  It will be a picture I treasure always.

The photos were next.  Esmeralda and Katarina talked frequently and I was glad they were becoming friends.  I told Romeo and Katarina they could come over any time unless I was on a deadline. 

Lynelle and Sophia joined us as well. I don't remember having as much fun with them. Funny how life changes when you move out of your parent's house.  They always drove me crazy, but now I was sad to see them go.  

I was sad that Caitlin couldn't come, as she was out on tour, but she knew the moment she was back that I'd hound her until we got some pictures.

I promised them that Caitlin and I would keep an eye on Mom and Dad.  We would call immediately, if anything happened.  I hoped that the phone call was far into the future.

Then, one last picture with Mom, Dad, Scot and Sophie.  It was tough to get us all in one shot, but we finally succeeded.

While everyone was mingling, I walked to the porch to relax and consider the day.  It was so comforting to hear all the joy and laughter.  I was thankful that our wedding had brought so many of us together.

Unfortunately, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye.  I looked at the road and my heart sank.  It was something I thought I'd never encounter and as big as day!  I looked around and no one seemed to notice it.  This wasn't good.  Why did this have to happen today?

It looked similar to others that I'd seen in pictures during my research, though I'd never seen one in real life.  I couldn't tell if something was inside or not.  It was too far away.

So, I grumpily thought to myself, what was it doing here and what did they want?

Lovesstorm's Notes

Well, nothing crazy happened at the bachelor party, but it was still a fun time.  The most important thing:  Esmeralda and London are FINALLY married!  Hooray!  :D

Don't get me started on some of these "formal" outfits.  I didn't feel like changing most of them.  :))

No joke.  The spaceship came right as they were getting ready to cut the cake.  The game also froze on me shortly after this (probably due to the alien looking like that).  :-O

So, I wonder why the spaceship is there?  Maybe we'll find out soon.  ;)

2.4 - The Surprise

Poses
L.O.V.E. by Studio Star Girls (Pamy)
With Love by Rayne
Twilight Sage by Forever Hailey
Heart by Heart by Rayne
Life's Moments by Kiddo's Dreams