Mistake (14 page)

CHAPTER
36

Six Months Later

     
Guests began to arrive, gathering in the narthex of the church. Greetings and hugs were shared by family members and friends. Smiles touched the lips and eyes of the guests as they were greeted by their ushers, two teenage boys handsomely dressed in black suits and white shirts adorned with black ties. Lil and Beth’s mom stood side by side prepared to enter the nave of the church with the young ushers. Their steps paused as they began sweeping appraisals of the church. Front and center was the gorgeous blue rose window which must have measured almost thirty feet in diameter. Colorful sparkling stained glass windows with their rounded arches lined the white walls of the church on each side displaying biblical scenes. The mothers were led to artistically hand crafted oak pews exhibiting distinctive biblical carvings. They claimed their seats on the front row.

     In the choir of the church a young woman dressed in a loose fitting floor length white dress with one strap across her left shoulder with a rope belt around her waist stood next to a golden harp with taught white silk strings that stood taller her. She leaned toward the harp as she plucked at the strings sending out soothing tones which resonated throughout the church. The pews were now filled with guests who continued to laugh and talk, hug and shake hands.

     Now standing room only, the pastor stood at the wooden pulpit dressed in his best black suit, white cotton shirt and black tie. He rested a hand on each side of the pulpit as he nodded an approving smile at the guests.       

     The music grew a little louder as the bridesmaids began to enter dressed in short lacy white dresses landing an inch above their knees with white flowers and one red rose in the middle held loosely in their left hands. The other hand rode the bowed elbow of a groomsman dressed in tan seersucker suits, white shirts and white silk ties. On their lapels rode white boutonnieres. The pairs descended the aisle, parting ways at the front.

     The harpist’s music increased just a little in volume as little Kelly began a shy walk down the aisle; her full white dress shimmering as it oscillated side to side with white patent leather shoes peeking from under the dress. From her woven flower girl basket she reached in and gathered a hand full of red rose petals, dusting the floor as she made her way down the aisle. Guests smiled, hands clasped at hearts, fingers covered lips and eyes began to moisten as little Kelly passed the artistically carved pews.

     The strings of the harp music increased in tone as it bellowed out the bridal march. In the immense doorway waited two dazzling brides, Lil and Beth, each dressed in a golden silk gown. Between the brides stood Father Masters with each bride’s hand lightly riding each of his bowed elbows. To Lil’s left her father, Mr. Rush, stood with Lil’s left hand draped over the crook of his arm. The foursome began their march down the aisle as the long trains of the dresses followed. Golden shoes peeked from under the golden dresses one at a time until the foursome reached the alter where Beth was delivered to Andrew and Lil was delivered to Richard.

     The church was still as the Pastor spoke, giving praise, advice and instructions. The guests listened and watched intently as vows and rings were exchanged between Lil and Richard. Reassuring hand squeezes were passed between Beth’s parents as vows were exchanged between Beth and Andrew.

     “I Beth give you Andrew this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you. With this ring I thee wed.”

     Beth began to slide the gold band on Andrews ring finger as she noticed a golden swirl of dust at her feet begin to whirl up toward their hands. She looked into Andrew’s eyes. He didn’t seem to notice. As the ring encircled Andrew’s finger the golden dust hovered as if waiting for something.

     “I Andrew give you Beth this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you. With this ring I thee wed.”

     As Andrew began to slide the golden band on Beth’s ring finger another swirl of golden dust whirled to their hands. Andrew slid the ring all the way while Beth watched as the golden dust swirled and mingled becoming one.

CHAPTER
37

     
Limousines and cars pulled up to the Birchwood Inn located on the edge of town to celebrate the union of the brides and grooms. Cars parked and people abandoned them quickly making their way to the glass room where the festivities would unfold.

     A sleek white limousine motored to the entrance. The doors opened as the brides and grooms exited. The grooms offered the crooks of their arms to their brides. Newly ringed fingers accepted as they all strolled in.

     Cheers blared as the couples entered. The orchestra played as family members and friends greeted the newly married couples. They seated themselves with their wedding party in golden ladder back chairs at the elongated head table covered with a white cloth adorned with a silk golden runner down the middle. Crystal glasses, china plates, gold utensils and golden napkins marked each seat. Crystal vases holding red roses lined the length of the table.

     Lil sitting next to Beth leaned close to her ear whispering, “I wasn’t sure all the gold was going to work, but it’s awesome sis. One day you have to tell me why it was so important to you.”

     “I will. I promise,” she whispered back.

     “The first dance is for the brides and grooms,” a voice announced.

     Beth looked at Lil. “Who hired him? The bartender from Club Ratchett?”

     “Calm down Beth. He’s good at this type of event and it’s open bar. He’s great behind the bar.”

     Andrew and Richard stood and escorted their wives to the dance floor holding them close as the orchestra played. Friends and family joined them on the dance floor. After the dance Lil and Beth began to mingle as did Richard and Andrew. From the corner of her eye Beth saw a waving hand. She turned to see Gabriella waving her over.

     “Beth, you are a breath taking bride. I can’t tell you how pleased I was to receive an invitation. A gold invitation? A golden wedding?” she said as she arched an eyebrow at Beth.

     “I’m not sure why but it was important to me to have a golden wedding.” Beth took Gabriella’s arm and led her to a private corner, “I need to apologize to you for not returning your book. I intended to but…”

     “It’s okay Beth. I was concerned at first when my sista told me you didn’t show up. But then the book didn’t return…”

     “The book didn’t return?”

     “Yes Beth. The book always returns to the guardian when the deed has failed. My family is indebted to you my child…”

     “Indebted?”

     “Yes. No one has ever been able to execute the deed. Not only did you successfully execute the deed Beth, you freed Theron and Zara from their eons of limbo; the golden dust that encircled your rings...”

     “You saw?” Beth whispered full of surprise.

     “Yes. The exchange of the rings between you and Andrew released Theron and Zara from their bondage. Now they can rest peacefully. Thank you Beth.”

     “Beth, dinner is about to be served,” Andrew said as he approached the pair talking in the corner.

     Andrew escorted Beth back to the table. Lil and Richard followed. The bartender approached carrying a tray of four drinks in glasses. He balanced the tray with one hand and lifted an orange drink with the other, “One Sloe Comfortable Screw for Mr. Winslow,” he said placing the tall orange drink in front of Richard. “For Mrs. Winslow, we have,” he lifted the tall white drink, “a Screaming Orgasm.” He placed the drink in front of Lil and inched down to Andrew and Beth. Beth tensed as he lifted a short light tea colored drink sprinkled with ice cubes and whispered, “For you Dr. Conway, one Between The Sheets.” The bartender scooted an inch toward Beth, showed her a gleaming smile as he lifted a tall lime colored drink topped with a pink umbrella. Lil put her hand on Beth’s arm, whispered in her ear, “They’re just fun drink names Beth.” The bartender made a production of delivering Beth’s drink, “And for Mrs. Beth Conway, the doctor’s wife, we have a Leg Spreader.”

     Lil stifled a laugh. Beth glared at her. Andrew patted her hand and kissed her cheek.

     “Did I miss the joke?” Richard asked looking sideways at Lil and Andrew.

     “Is there anything else I can get for you,” the bartender asked.

     “No,” in unison was the answer.

     The bartender still in front of Beth bowed and then scurried to the bar.

     “I know that was your doing,” Beth whispered to Lil.

     “Actually, it was me,” Andrew said. “I enjoyed the story when Lil told it.”

     “You told him?” Beth asked wide eyed.

     “It was cute and funny,” Andrew added.

     “You know what?” Lil interrupted, “I love my drink because tonight my husband will make sure I have a few screaming orgasms.”

     “So what is he saying?” Beth began, “I’m so uptight my husband will need a leg spreader tonight.”

     Andrew, Lil and Richard laughed.

     “Hey, what are you guys talking about? Who needs a leg spreader,” one of the groomsmen asked.

     The chuckles continued, “It’s nothing,” Richard replied.

     Beth turned her body to face Lil, full of indignation, “That’s the wrong drink for me Lil. I tried on the shoes,” she whispered harshly.

     “No way. Not you,” Lil whispered back.

     “Yes, I did and I’m pregnant,” Beth whispered with indignation.

     “Oh, shit Beth, you’re serious,” Lil whispered back.

     “Oh hell,” Beth murmured.

     “Did you just say oh hell? Lil asked in shock. “You never swear,” she whispered.

     “Excuse us,” Beth said grabbing Lil’s arm, “We need the ladies room.”

     Beth ushered Lil by the elbow toward the exit. They found a private spot under a tree.

     “Lil, you can’t tell anyone. I haven’t even told Andrew yet.”

     “Oh shit sis, I’m gonna be an aunt. Auntie Lil. I like it,” she said rubbing her hand over Beth’s stomach.

     “Stop it,” Beth protested. “Someone may see. You want daddy praying for me if he finds out it happened before the wedding?”

     “What do you think about Auntie Beth?” Lil asked.

     Beth’s hand flew to her mouth, “You too?”

     Lil shaking her head and smiling saying, “Yes, I haven’t told anyone either. I can only get pregnant every other month since I only have one tube. So, I refuse to take any birth control until I have at least one little bundle of joy. After my screaming orgasm I plan to tell Richard.”

     “That should have been my drink,” Beth said. I guess after Andrew uses the leg spreader on his uptight wife, I’ll tell him.”

     “Hey, maybe we’ll have our babies the same day. That would be cool,” said Lil.

     “It would be. Wouldn’t it?”

     “Let’s go claim our men. I’m ready for my honeymoon,” Lil said latching onto Beth’s arm and heading for the door.

     Walking through the door, Lil took a look around, “Hey Beth, our golden wedding turned out quite beautifully. Why gold?”

     “I don’t know,” she sighed. “It just seemed right.”

CHAPTER
38

     
A white stretch limousine delivered the two sets of newlyweds to the private airstrip where they boarded the private chartered jet headed for their honeymoon destination.

     “Wow,” Lil exclaimed, circling around to take in the expansive plane. It sported a creamy off white interior with oversized leather couches and chairs that stood on a gleaming glass floor. Richard followed with his arm lazily around Lil’s waist assessing as his head looked left, then right, up and then down in amazement. Andrew and Beth followed looking around at their surroundings.

     “Oh Richard, it’s the same plane from our first date,” Beth noted excitedly.

     “Yes and this time we will be able to indulge ourselves in all the amenities,” Andrew said as he led the way through the plane.

     “We have two master bedrooms complete with marble baths, a chef’s kitchen, a dining area and a cinema. The bedrooms have a very special feature. That I will save for later,” Andrew said smiling as he showed his guests around.

     “Welcome,” A short round man dressed in white cotton pants and shirt and white hat, said. “Will you be wanting anything from the kitchen tonight?”

     Andrew looked around, “Anything from the kitchen anyone?”

    “No, nothing for us,” Richard answered.

    “Beth?”

    “No, not for me either.”

    “Thanks, we’ll let you know if we change our minds.”

    “Yes sir,” the cook answered backing toward the kitchen.

    “I want to get a shower and get out of this wedding dress,” Lil said.

    “Me too,” said Beth.

    “You two go ahead. I have something to discuss with Richard.”

    Lil and Beth ambled to their master suites leaving the men to talk.

    Andrew walked to the bar, retrieved two glasses and handed one to Richard. He poured Cognac in each. The pair clinked glasses.

      “Andrew this is a great start to a honeymoon. Lil and I really appreciate you agreeing to a double wedding… and a double honeymoon,” he said with a chuckle.

      “Hey, when we got the news of your engagement, a double just seemed in order,” Andrew said. “Anyway I wanted to go over this remote with you.”