House on Fire

Chapter 57

  There was a knock at the door. Daniel opened it saying, “Hi Al, please come in.” Then to me, “I’ll wait in the hall.”

  The Minister extended his hand. “Hello, Cory, my name is Reverend Dulton; I’ll be performing the ceremony.” I shook his hand. “I need to ask you a few questions first, if that’s okay.”

  “Sure.” He sat in the room’s desk chair and I sat on the end of the bed. “What would you like to know?”

  “Well, first I want to reassure you, I know about your unusual situation, and have no objection on principle. I talked to Jessie, and I’ll ask you the same things as I asked her. There’s no right or wrong answer. If you don’t know, it’s just something you need to discuss together.”

  “Oh, okay. Go ahead.”

  “You’re both so young. Can you tell me why you feel the need to marry now, and not wait for a few years?”

  Crap. First question and I was already stumped. I didn’t want to lie, but I wasn’t sure if I should tell him about Amanda and everything, either. I fidgeted.

  “Cory?” he said kindly, “Is Jessie pregnant?”

  Oh, that’s what he was thinking? “No!” Wait. He’d talked to Jessie. “Is that what she told you?”

  He looked embarrassed. “No, no, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply that. It’s a question I ask all young couples.”

  “Oh, okay. No, we’re in no hurry to start a family.”

  “So you’ve talked about having children?”

  “We’ve agreed to hold off at least until we’re out of college.”

  “Oh, good, you’ve discussed education, too. Are you both planning for college?”

  “Definitely.”

  “I’m glad. Teen marriages often result in low education and income.”

  “So what did she say about getting married young?”

  “She said you had chosen each other as children, and that the love has just gotten stronger.”

  “That’s true,” I said, smiling and relieved. “Now feels right. Some things you just know in your heart. Like faith, I guess.” I was pandering a little, but he didn’t seem to notice.

  “Your father seems supportive. That’s good. Usually parents are not so pleased at your age.”

  “Honestly? I’m not sure he’s real thrilled, but he agrees that it’s best.”

  “It’s unusual that your last names are the same. I think this is only the second time that’s happened in my experience.” I hadn’t thought about that. Did he really know we were legally related? If not right then, he’d see it on the marriage license. Would he still sign it? Oh God! Did he suspect something? I held my breath.

  He said with a chuckle, “I assume that neither of you plan to change it?” Whew. I just nodded and slowly let the air out of my lungs.

  “I know that you and Jessie grew up together and go to the same church. That eliminates a lot of the challenges that many couples face. Cory, how do you feel about marrying Jessie today? Are you hesitant, scared, or nervous?”

  “Way excited,” I grinned.

  “Do you have any reservations or worries about this commitment?”

  “None. I just hope I can be, you know, the husband she deserves.”

  “Is there anything that you’d consider a deal-breaker for the marriage, such as violence, infidelity or some other betrayal?”

  “The only thing I can imagine is if staying married to me made her unhappy. If she wanted to leave, it’d break my heart, but I’d let her go. I’d do anything for her, even that.”

  He smiled. “That’s good, but don’t let her go too easily, okay? Do you know how you’ll handle money, like debts, joint accounts, spending and saving?”

  “Right now we’re still in school, of course. Dad provides for us. We take care of the day-to-day finances, so we’re used to that. We have no debts except the mortgage, and we share our spending money. We have a college fund from some insurance we got. The other things? We’ll have to work it out as we go. Like most people, I guess.”

  “What happens when you fight?”

  “The only time it happened...” I was going to say that she cleaned my clock, but I didn’t want him to think she was physically abusive. “We just had to be honest about how we felt, and it worked out fine.”

  “Do you ever feel jealous or defensive with each other?”

  “I don’t think she does, but I used to be jealous. I’m consciously working on that.”

  “Do you keep secrets from her?”

  My heart stopped. What could I answer?

  “I have... That’s something I need to work on.” He studied my face closely.

  “Do you tell her lies?”

  “I, I, well, yeah. Yeah, I have. I guess I need to make that right, huh?”

  “Sometimes it’s really hard to be honest, especially if you think the truth might hurt the one you love. In the end, though, it’s always best to say how you really feel. You have to trust and feel safe with one another. Along those lines, can you talk about your needs and preferences with Jessie, emotionally and sexually?”

  I was more than a little embarrassed. That wasn’t a question I expected from a Minister. “We had some miscommunication for a while, but we learned from that.” He was quiet. I hadn’t really answered his question. “The other stuff... uh, we haven’t, yet, sex I mean, so… I think we’ll be okay talking when we get to it.”

  He held up his hand. “Remember, there’s no right or wrong answers. It’s just something that you two need to be able to talk about together.”

  “Oh yeah, okay. Good"

  “How about some of the daily things that everybody has to work out? Chores, cooking, that sort of thing.”

  “We share all the chores.”

  “How do you feel about each other’s families?”

  “We don’t have a lot of family, and aren’t very close with them. I think we’re okay there.”

  “How do you feel about each other’s friends? Do you have your own social circles? Are there any friends who aren’t a good influence?”

  “No, they’re all basically good kids. We have separate friends, but everybody knows each other and gets along.”

  “Do you have your own interests or do you tend to do everything together?”

  “I like reading and drawing and playing guitar. She’s more into martial arts and socializing.”

  “It sounds like you’re more introverted and she’s more extroverted. Has that ever been a problem between you?”

  “Not that I can think of.”

  “If you could change one thing about Jessie, what would it be?”

  That was a tough one, and I thought hard. “Dad says that a relationship isn’t like a cafeteria, where you can just pick the things you want. He says it’s more like a banquet where you have to enjoy it as it is.”

  His face indicated that he didn’t like the metaphor.

  “You have to love the whole package, and I love Jessie for exactly who she is.”

  “Really? There’s not a single thing you’d change?”

  “I guess... She’s so beautiful, you know? But I think sometimes she doesn’t like the way she looks. I wish she could see herself through my eyes.”

  He smiled. “That’s a very loving wish. I’m sure you’ll remind her often. She said the same about you.”

  “I must have a face only she could love.”

  The man rested his hands on my shoulders and looked right into my eyes.

  “She loves you partially because of your scars, Cory, not in spite of them.”

  “Really?” He nodded.

  “They remind her how brave and loving you are.”

  Great. How could I ever tell her the truth?

  “Cory, what is the most important thing you know about being married?”

  I thought that might be hard to answer, but it just popped out. “That it’s not about me.” The Reverend looked surprised and pleased. “That’s
what Jessie told me.”

  He looked up, as if checking to see if there were any more questions on the ceiling. Apparently satisfied, he said, “I think you two are going to be fine. I’ll be very happy to perform the wedding. Do you have anything you’d like to ask me?”

  “So you really think we’ll be okay?”

  “You’re both mature for your age, and have a lot going in your favor. But listen, Cory, you have to trust her. With everything, even the stuff that scares you to tell. Maybe especially that. No more secrets, no more lies. She accepts you for who you are, but she can’t do that fully unless you’re honest with her.” That stung a little.

  “Would you like me to pray with you?”

  “Not out loud, but you’re welcome to sit with me. I have a lot of thanking to do.”

  After a few minutes, he asked, “Do you have any questions about the service?”

  “Oh, yeah! There’s a verse I’d like you to read – Corinthians, uh, chapter thirteen, I think.”

  “I know the one. Always a good choice.”

  We sat quietly while my brain spun. A vacuum next door rumbled back and forth. Finally, there was a soft knock on the door. Daniel opened it from the outside.

  “They’re ready.”

  “One last thing, Cory.” The Reverend turned to me as we stood, “A wedding is a celebration of a couple’s love, public vows expressing a private commitment. The wedding is almost nothing; the marriage is everything.”

  As the three of us walked to the hall, I asked, “Daniel? How long have you been married?”

  “Not nearly long enough, kid. Not even close.”

  Daniel led us into a large room, where familiar faces waited: James and Paul. I shook hands with the guys. Classical music played on a portable stereo. Daniel introduced me to the minister’s wife, Holly, who would be our photographer.

  Dad arrived in a matching tux. “Dad! You look awesome!”

  “Looking pretty sharp, yourself. Stand over here next to me.” The camera went click-click-click. Daniel and Reverend Dulton joined us. Dad said, “Okay, Cory, wait right here.”

  Dad walked the length of the room and opened the far door. Jessie stepped in wearing an elegantly simple white dress. Her hair was done up with ribbons, and she carried a small bouquet of lavender roses. Gems glinted on her hand, neck, and ears.

  When we saw each other, we both gasped. I felt my heart melt into my shiny, black shoes.

  Grace followed her in and pushed a button on the cassette player and the music turned to the wedding march. Grace walked slowly up and stood to Dulton’s right.

  Dad took Jessie’s hand and they walked toward me, step by slow step. When he reached the Reverend and me, Dad leaned over and kissed Jessie’s cheek. Abandoning decorum, she flung her arms around him and held him tight. After a long minute she released him and just said, “Thank you, Daddy, thank so much.”

  Then she turned back to me with eyes of wonder. Dad took her hand again and placed it in mine. His face was grim, but for me this reality was better than any dream. The music faded, and the Minister spoke.

  “Dearly beloved, we gather here to celebrate the joining of Cory and Jessie in the unity of marriage. Will you please face each other and join hands?”

  We stared into each other’s eyes.

  “Cory? Jessie? These are the hands of your best friend, strong and full of love for you as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.

  “These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

  “These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it as you build your future together.

  “And these are the hands that, even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

  “Lord, we gather this day to give thanks for the love you have shared with these two young people. We ask that you help Jessie and Cory to always remember this day, and to work this love into practical things, so that nothing can divide them. Please help them find words both kind and loving, and hearts always ready to ask forgiveness as well as able to forgive.

  “The union of these two souls...”It was hard to hear the words over the brilliant circus that flowed inside me. I couldn’t take my eyes off of... my bride. Bride. It sounded unreal, even in my head.

  “Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous.” No, no need to be jealous any more.

  “...rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” She takes the breath from me. I would, I can, do anything. I could move mountains. I was standing tall, with no slouch or fidgeting.

  “Love never fails.” The picture of us on the couch, but now we’re truly aged. Eternity. I’m not sure I believe in it, but I hope... Jessie’s eyes were fixed on me in awe. She looked at the Minister, then back at me. I think she was having trouble hearing as well.

  “Now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Yes, yes that’s true. “I’ll read the vows, and you can repeat after me. I, Cory, take you Jessie...”

  “May we say them together, please?” I asked.

  “Of course. I...”

  We were already ahead of him. Watching her lips to match the words as exactly as I could, we said to one another, “I, Cory Mikael Laine, take you Jessica Pearl Laine, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish until death do us part, I pledge to you my faithfulness. I do.”

  Not accustomed to being upstaged, the Reverend asked, “May I go on, now?” We grinned at each other. “The rings, please?” I had a moment of panic. We had no rings! Would we still be married if we forgot the rings?

  I needn’t have worried. I felt Daniel’s hand press a gold band into my palm. It was Mom’s ring; I knew without looking. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

  I repeated the words, and placed the ring on her hand, next to the little diamond. Jessie gaped at it, awed by the gift.

  Then she looked around as if lost, suffering the same panic I’d felt. Dad took her hand, slid the wedding band from his finger, and placed it in her palm. We both stared in astonishment.

  “With this ring...” The minister said, but Jessie stood transfixed. “With this ring...” he repeated.

  She looked at Dad, who was smiling, as if the cares of the world had been lifted from his shoulders. Her hands trembled as she put it on my hand. “With this ring, I thee wed,” she whispered. It was still warm. I was amazed to see it there, and to feel its heft. It was a little loose, but I was amazed that it fit at all.

  “You have pledged your faithfulness each to the other before God, and have declared the same by joining hands and by giving and receiving rings in the presence of these witnesses. I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

  I never had a chance. Jessie grabbed my head with both hands and kissed me hard on the lips. All my senses returned. The stereo played the recession. The camera clicked and I realized that it’d never really stopped; I just stopped hearing it. Jess let go at last and with a jubilant whoop, threw herself into Dad’s arms.

  The minister was shaking my hand, Grace was kissing my cheek, and Dad was shaking my hand and saying “Congratulations, Son.” Jessie was hugging me, I was hugging Dad, and Daniel was hugging me. They took more pictures, the stereo played party music, and I was kissing Jessie.

  There was a combination birthday and wedding cake. Jessie and I fed each other a piece, but nicely – we didn’t cram it like some people do. Dulton signed the license. And then I was kissing Jessie again. Good icing on the cake.

  We said goodbye to James and Paul. In the hallway, Dad was handing an envelope to the Minister. The Franks accompanied Jessie and me back to our rooms. I thanked Daniel for the hundredth time and we wis
hed each other the best. Jessie appeared, without ribbons. Dad handed me a garment bag, which I slung over my shoulder. We walked together into the lobby.

  Instead of walking to the door as I expected, we sat at a small table.

  “Jessie, the necklace and earrings are yours to keep.” Jessie started to say something but he cut her off.

  “You’re welcome. And yes, they’re small, but real.” He opened the briefcase, brought out two small, wrapped boxes, and set them in front of us. “These are your public birthday gifts, ones you can show your friends.”

  Jessie tore hers open quickly. It was a jewelry box, and inside was a gold necklace. She tried to pick the object up, but it slithered out of her hand. She tried again and succeeded. She gasped, “Oh thank you, Daddy! It’s so beautiful!”

  I held out my hand, asking to see it. I was surprised by the piece’s disproportionate mass. Definitely solid gold, and not cheap – Dad had really gone all out today. I was fascinated by how the hundreds of tiny metal pieces could fit together to make something so slinky and animated. I poured the gift into her palm.

  I opened my box to find another chain, masculine – a little shorter and much heavier. I stared at it saying, “Dad, really this’s too much...” On the clasp were the characters A&F. Jessie held out her hand and I could tell she was startled by the weight, too. “I’m blown away. Thank you, Dad.”

  “You are both very welcome.” He looked a little sad. “Now, I have to ask the two of you to do something difficult. Please take off your rings.” He was right. I had no idea how agonizing that gesture would be, but I grudgingly complied.

  “Cory, I want you to put Jessie’s rings on her chain, as if it was her finger.”

  I saw what he meant. I threaded the chain through Mom’s – Jessie’s – rings. I carefully fastened the chain around her neck.

  “Jessie, this has no less meaning here than it did on your hand.”

  She did the same with Dad’s – my – ring. “This has no less meaning here than it did on your finger.” She kissed me, and then turned to face Dad. “You must’ve been the most wonderful husband on earth.”

  “I had my moments, I guess.”

  “What do we tell our friends about these?” she asked, marveling at the pendants.

  “Just tell them the truth: that they used to belong to your parents. Any further questions would be rude.”

  “I didn’t get a chance to even ask, Dad. Are you sure this’s okay? You’ve worn it so long...”

  “Son, for the last three years, every time I saw it, it made me sad. Now every time I see it, it’ll make me happy. That part is a gift to myself. Besides, if you guys can start a new life, so can I.”

  “You can still see where it made a dent in your finger,” Jessie noticed.

  “That will fade eventually, just like pain does.”

  We all stood up and hugged each other. I held Jessie’s rings to see them once more, and saw that on the inside the band was engraved “A&F”.

  I showed her, and she looked at mine, pointing out the same inscription. Dad put the wrapping paper and empty jewelry boxes in the trash. “I don’t think you’ll ever need those again.”

  I grabbed the garment bag and we walked toward the door. Dad asked the doorman to call up a cab. Once on the road, Jessie asked, “Dad, how could you set all this up so fast? Like, overnight?” He chuckled deeply, pleased with himself.

  “And what about the dress? It fit beautifully! I wish I could’ve kept it, even if I couldn’t show it off.”

  “That was easy. I told Beth I was shopping for a birthday surprise, and needed to know what size to look for.”

  “No, I mean it was so perfect – it was just what I dreamed of, maybe better. How could you know?”

  “Remember talking about the dresses while we looked through those photo albums? I faxed the picture of your great-grandma to Mrs. Franks and she found one like it at a bridal shop here in town. Oh, and wish granted,” he said nodding at the garment bag.

  “Uh, Dad, won’t people see us driving home from the airport?”

  “Oh, I figure we’ll get in about six-thirty. It’ll be dark. I guess there’s a chance someone might recognize the truck heading out the service drive, around the comer... but probably not. We’ll already be on the south side, so we can drive down to get some good burgers at the Lighthouse. It’ll look like we just came from home.”

  “Okay,” Jessie said, “But I’m not sitting under that ripsaw on the wall – it’s like the sword of Damocles.”

  “Besides, there are always some folks from town there – it’s a good place to be seen. Then we go home from there.” I could only shake my head. He told me once that he was never a Boy Scout. It was a shame, because he sure was prepared.

  “I mean, for your birthday, even if you still aren’t feeling better.” We looked at him curiously. “You’re home sick, remember? So don’t look too good – I’m keeping you out of school this week.”

  Lester was ready for us, but this time we had to wait our turn to take off. Once we were in the air, we unfastened our seatbelts, and Jessie curled up in my lap, where she dozed on and off. Dad and I just sat peacefully; occasionally our eyes met and we smiled.

  “Dad?” I asked. “I know there were other options. Thank you for choosing this one.”

  “This was the only one that made sense.”

  When we deplaned, Dad handed an envelope to Lester.

  “A pleasure,” he said, “I’m glad you folks had a nice trip. Have a good evening, Mr. Laine. G’night, kids.”

  It was after sunset, and we rode in the dark, holding hands in the back seat. She hugged me and whispered into my ear. “I don’t care what we promised. Tonight’s for us.”

  That gave me a chill.

  Dinner was good; Jess and I both had our appetites back. On the way out of the restaurant, I almost messed up and kissed her. This was going to be challenging. In the parking lot, she had the same urge and leaned toward me.

  “Sis? What are you doing? Yuck.”

  At first, she looked hurt, and then she slapped her forehead. “You’re right. But I think it’ll probably be safe in a moving pick-up in the dark of the night.” She looked to Dad for a sign.

  “It’s totally up to you guys now. For what it’s worth, I agree with Cory – a dangerous habit with so much at stake.”

  “Let’s fly back to the other place,” Jessie pouted. “I like the rules better there.”

  “Let’s save that discussion for tomorrow,” he replied.”

  When we got back to the house, there were Mylar balloons tied to the handrail, shuddering in the chilly breeze. I unlatched the storm door and saw a lined yellow page taped up inside. Several cards were propped up inside against the front door. Jessie scooped up the deliveries and we stumbled into the house. I read the note out loud.

  “Hi, guys, you still weren’t at school today, so we brought you a birthday party, with cake and everything. It was delicious. Hope you’re not at St. Francis, just out celebrating. Beth and the gang. Call me!”

  “It’s almost eight; do you think we should call?”

  “And say what? That we were out celebrating, but still won’t be in school tomorrow?” I asked.

  Dad was on top of it as always. “Call Beth first, then anyone else who’d be offended if you didn’t. Make sure you call the best gossip, too. Tell them you were at the UMC.” The University Medical Center was nearby, but most people went to St. Francis.

  “They don’t have to know it means Undisclosed Marriage City. Tell them not to expect you tomorrow. If they want more info, tell them you can’t talk now. We’ll figure out the next steps in the morning. Go ahead, before it gets too late.”