| A Wedding Chapter 29 |
| Casey pulled herself up in the bed and propped against the pillows. According to the clock, it was only 5 am but she had been awake since three. She had woke from a horrific nightmare screaming and she still felt shaken to her very soul. In the dream, the deaths of Tommy, Cody and Evan had been re-enacted. Each man had acknowledged her presence by begging, “Help me, Casey. Don’t let me die.” The nightmare had taken a turn from bad to worse when Evan appeared in the dream. She had been cradling his body and rocking him in her arms while assuring him that he would be fine. He groaned and she looked down to see that it wasn’t Evan she was comforting; it was Harvey. He had been fatally wounded and died in her arms. The anxiety caused by the dream made it impossible to sleep so she had spent the time trying to figure out the meaning of the dream. Could it be a sign? Maybe she shouldn’t marry another police officer. Maybe the dream symbolized her fears. Fear stood in the way of making a decision about her career. Fear caused the second thoughts about marriage. So many decisions had to be made yet she kept putting them off. Casey was startled from her thoughts by the ringing of the telephone. Her heart was beating so fast she had to take a calming breath before answering it. “What are you doing up at this time of the morning?” Quickly recognizing the voice at the other end of the line, she smiled. “I had a bad dream and I couldn’t sleep. Why are you up?” “I let Jerry sleep with me last night but I forgot that this kid kicks in his sleep. He’s kicked the covers off the bed about ten times and he’s all but kicked me off a few times as well. He’s sleeping peacefully now but I’m wide-awake. I figured this would be a good time to talk to you before all the madness started.” Harvey stretched out on the bed as he talked. “Wanna tell me about the dream?” “No, not now. Harvey, are we doing the right thing? Getting married, I mean.” “What? Are you trying to back out of marrying me, woman?” “No.” Casey moved from the bed to the window where she stared out the hotel window. The sky was overcast and threatening rain. “The dream has me a little freaked, I guess. All of my fears are closing in on me. I’m worried about marrying a cop; I’m worried about being a good wife and mother. Basically, I’m a bundle of nerves this morning.” “Baby, I love you and I always will. We are both going to make mistakes during our marriage, that’s a given. I can guarantee that we’ll screw something up while raising a family, too. Mistakes are a part of life and we just have to deal with them as they come. All we can do it hang on tight to each other and handle whatever life throws at us together.” “I just want the best for you and Jerry.” “Take a look in the mirror then, baby, cause what we need is you.” Harvey reached over to brush the hair away from Jerry’s eyes. “Look, do you love me?” That she didn’t have to think about. “More than my life.” “And Jerry?” “Of course I do.” Her voice was gruff with emotion. “I love him very much. I consider him my son, you know that.” “Then marry us.” Harvey whispered as he glanced down at the dark haired little boy who was cuddling with a stuffed Scooby Doo doll. “Marry us because we need you and you need us, too.” Casey felt the warmth surge through her body, chasing away the fear and doubts the nightmare had caused. She had to fight the urge to leave the hotel room and rush home to her family. “Let me ask you a question, Casey.” Harvey’s voice was low and soft as he spoke. “Will you take us to be your lawful husband and son?” Casey couldn’t help but smile when she answered. “I will.” * Assessing her image in the full-length mirror of the dressing room, Casey asked, “Do I look alright?” Stephanie took a step back after arranging Casey’s hair. “You look absolutely beautiful. That gown is so perfect and the hairdresser did a fabulous job with your hair.” Stephanie’s gaze met Casey’s in the mirror. “I’m so happy for you.” Casey smiled and squeezed her friend’s hand. “This is definitely the happiest day of my life.” “Ok, let’s go over the checklist.” Stephanie sat down in a chair but Casey continued to stand for fear of wrinkling her dress. “First, something old.” “My grandmother’s combs. The hairdresser used them to hold the flowers in place.” “All those curls cascading down your back gives you such a romantic look. I’m getting sidetracked, sorry. What about something new?” “The earrings that Jerry gave me.” A gentle smiled formed on Casey’s lips. “Harvey said that Jerry picked them out but I’m sure that he had a bit of help from Dad.” “Something borrowed?” Casey reached up to touch the gold cross that hung around her neck. “Cassidy gave me Evan’s cross to wear. She thought that by wearing it, I would feel close to him today.” “Are you alright? I know that dream really shook you up. “Yeah, I’m fine.” “Alright, what about something blue.” Casey smiled mischievously as she lifted the hem of the gown. She raised the gown enough to show the lacy blue garter that hugged her leg just above her knee. “My mom gave this to me. It has a gold charm that’s engraved, ‘Harvey and Casey 10/18’.” Stephanie thought the garter was a special gift but it was Casey’s shoes that caught her attention. “You’re wearing boots?” “They’re wedding boots… leather and lace. When I saw them in the store, I had to have them.” Casey glanced over at Stephanie and shrugged. “Guess it’s just the cowgirl in me.” * “Ahh, damn! Could someone help me with this tie.” After three attempts to make the knot, Harvey finally gave up. “I’ve only been wearing these things for about twenty years. You’d think I would know how to tie one by now.” Nash gave a good-natured chuckle as he gave his buddy a hand. “Relax Harvey, it’s just a case of last minute jitters.” “You think so?” “Absolutely. I had them both times that I got married.” “Ok.” Harvey turned back to the mirror. He straightened the tie, smoothed his hair and slipped into the black suit coat. Jerry stood next to Harvey, watching and imitating his dad’s every move. Standing in front of the mirror, he straightened his tie, smoothed his hair and then hesitated before putting his jacket on. “Daddy?” “What’s up, buddy? Do you need help with your jacket?” “No, I can do it. Daddy, are you and Casey going on a honeymoon?” “We sure are. We’ll be gone for about a week or so. Why?” “I was just wondering.” Jerry climbed up on a chair and waited patiently as Harvey pinned a rose bud to his lapel. “Daddy, are you and Casey going to have sex?” “Ouch!” Jerry’s blunt question caused Harvey to stick himself with the pin. Awkward silence filled the room as Joe, Nash and Antwon exchanged surprised looks and then looked to Harvey for his reaction. Jerry stared up at his dad with wide-eyed curiosity while Harvey tried to think of the best way to explain such a sensitive subject to his four year old son. “Wh…where did you hear about sex, son?” “Lucia said that people get married so they can have sex. What is that, Daddy?” All eyes turned to Joe who, for once in his life, was speechless. Giving a nervous laugh, he slowly backed out of the room. “I think I’ll go and check with Rev. Baker…see if he needs anything. Later.” * As the organ softly played, Harvey, Jerry and Rev. Baker took their places in front of the altar. Harvey winked playfully at his mother who was already dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. Cheryl draped an arm around her mother’s shoulders and smiled proudly at her brother. It was heartwarming to see her little brother so happy and in love. A hush fell over the congregation as the music started and Joe appeared with Christine holding his arm. As they approached the altar, Joe held open the right side of his jacket. Pinned inside was a sign for Harvey’s eyes only. “RUN HARVEY, RUN!” Trying to ignore Joe’s attempt to distract him, Harvey focused his attention on Nash who was escorting Cassidy down the aisle. Following Joe’s lead, Nash opened his jacket revealing another sign. “THERE’S STILL TIME TO CHANGE YOUR MIND.” Harvey shook his head slightly and smiled as Nash took his place beside him. He couldn’t help but worry about any other antics planned by his friends. Stephanie took Antwon’s arm and slowly walked down the aisle. Again, like his friends, Antwon held open his jacket and Harvey read the last note. “THE KEYS ARE IN THE CAR. RUN, HARV!!” Those standing at the altar shared a private laugh as the invited guests were left to wonder what had been so amusing. As the wedding march began, the guest stood and waited for the bride to appear. A hushed stillness fell over the chapel as Casey, on the arm of Vincent Cortez, walked slowly down the aisle. Harvey caught his breath when he saw her. Her wedding gown seemed to glow in the flickering candlelight and flowers adorned her long dark hair. He thought that she looked like an angel. After reaching the altar, Vincent placed Casey’s hand in Harvey’s and stepped back. The couple gazed lovingly at each other for a moment before joining Rev. Baker in front of the altar. “Friends, we are gathered here today to share in the joy of the union between two people, Harvey Leek and Cassandra Reed, who’s hearts and spirits are entwined as one. This marriage is an event in the lifetime of love. We, by our participation in this celebration, do but recognize and honor their intention to dwell together as husband and wife.” Donald Baker glanced down to where Vincent Cortez was standing and asked, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” Stepping forward Vincent Cortez announced, “Her mother and I do.” As he leaned down to kiss her cheek, a tear slid down his cheek. He then took his place beside Maria and took out a handkerchief to dry his eyes. As Casey turned back to Harvey, he reached to wipe away the tears from her face. Harvey knew how close she was to her father and today he envied that closeness. Looking down at the little boy standing beside him, he vowed that he would always be there for Jerry. Reverend Baker asked that they face each other and hold hands as he continued with the vows. “Do you, Harvey, knowing this woman’s love for you and returning it, take Cassandra to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you pledge to her your love, faith and tenderness, cherishing her with a husband’s loyalty and devotion?” “I do,” he responded eagerly. “Do you, Cassandra, knowing this man’s love for you and returning it, take Harvey to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you pledge to him your love, faith, and tenderness, cherishing him with a wife’s loyalty and devotion?” “I do.” “Will you now give and receive a ring?” Casey and Harvey answered “Yes” and Stephanie and Nash placed the gold bands on the bible that Rev. Baker was holding. “This circlet of precious metal is justly regarded as a fitting emblem of purity and perpetuity of the marriage state. Like the circle of eternity, the wedding band has no beginning or end. The precious metal, gold, is so incorruptible it cannot be tarnished by time or use. May your union be incorruptible in it’s purity and more lasting than time itself.” Harvey slipped the band on Casey’s finger and fought back tears as he spoke his vows. “There was a time when I dreamed of finding someone to love and share my life with. Today that dream has come true. Thank you for being my friend, my lover, my everything. Casey, I love you and I promise to care for you, respect and protect you always. Let this ring forever be a symbol of my undying love and devotion. With this ring, I thee wed.” Casey took a deep breath as she slipped the band onto his finger. Through misty eyes, she looked up at Harvey and smiled as she began her vows. “Harvey, I love you with all my heart. You are all I could ever need in my life. My love for you is eternal and my commitment to you will never fail. I promise to care for you, respect and cherish you always. Let this ring forever be a symbol of my undying love and devotion. With this ring, I thee wed.” Rev. Baker closed the bible and spoke to the congregation. “Cassandra has something that she would like to say to Jerry.” Stephanie handed Casey a little ring and she kneeled down in front of Jerry. “Jerry, this is a ring like the one your Daddy wears…see, it has a blue stone, too. I’m giving it to you because today we become a family. I love you and I’m so happy to be a part of your life. I promise that I will take care of you and be your friend always. Whenever you need me, I’ll be there for you. So, what do you say, buddy? Will you accept this ring?” With a determined nod of his head, Jerry loudly proclaimed, “I DO!” They shared a hug as the congregation laughed. Standing up, Casey reached for Harvey’s hand and they anxiously awaited Rev. Baker’s conclusion to the ceremony. “Inasmuch as Harvey and Cassandra have declared their love for and devotion to each other before family and friends, I now greet them with you as husband and wife. Harvey, you may kiss your bride.” “With pleasure!” Harvey gathered Casey into his arms for their first kiss as a married couple. The guest cheered and applauded while Maria and Virginia dried tears of joy. Jerry tugged on Harvey’s pants leg to get his attention. “Daddy, I want to kiss her, too.” Harvey swept his son up into his arms and let him lean down to give Casey a quick kiss. The new family turned and began to make their way back down the aisle amid the congratulations offered by friends and family. * From the dark corner of the balcony, a lone figure observed the celebration. He swiped his hand across his eyes as he quietly made his way down the stairs. He looked around and seeing that the hallway was empty, walked quickly to the door. Sgt. Russell was coming into the church and surprised the man when he opened the door. Ronnie reached for his gun but stopped and then motioned for the man to pass. No words were exchanged as the tall, blond man quickly got into a black jeep and exited the parking lot. * “Ladies and Gentlemen, Please greet Mr. And Mrs. Harvey Leek!” Harvey and Casey arrived at CJs for the reception and were greeted by many more friends and family members. There was a mountain of food and drink waiting for the guests and the whole placed reeked of laughter and merriment. The wedding cake was a hot topic of conversation. A unique cake topper had been made just for The Leek’s wedding. The little bride and groom leaned towards each other and shared a kiss as they proudly stood on top of the cake. The bride was dressed in white lace while the groom wore a black suit, black beret and grateful dead armband. Needing a few minutes alone with his new wife, Harvey led Casey down the hall to the dressing room and closed the door. He kissed her soundly and then said, “Happy anniversary.” Casey whacked him lightly on the arm. “We’ve only been married for about an hour.” “And they said it wouldn’t last.” Chuckling, he gave her a quick hug. “About the honeymoon.” Casey tilted her head back so that she could see his face. “Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” Harvey shrugged his shoulders. “I kinda wanted it to be a surprise.” “Come on, Harvey. You’ve kept me waiting for weeks. Tell me!” “I think that I’ll make you wait a few more minutes.” He gave her a devilish grin and began backing her up to the wall. “You’ve got to be kidding! Here? Harvey, what will we tell our kids when they ask about our wedding day?” “We’ll tell them that their Daddy adored their Mama.” He trapped her by placing both hands flat against the wall. “Check the inside pocket of my jacket.” Casey withdrew a brown envelope and found two airline tickets. “The Virgin Islands? We’re going to St. John’s?” “Yep. We have a secluded little beach hut on a private stretch of beach waiting for us.” Pulling her in front of him, he wrapped his arms around her waist and looked over her shoulder at the brochure. “Picture this…six days alone in our own paradise. No phones, no television, just a lot of peace and quiet and relaxation.” “Wow, no television. What about music?” “We can take our portable stereo and tapes. Can’t have a proper honeymoon without dead tunes.” “What happens if we get bored?” Casey couldn’t resist teasing him. “I’ll pack a deck of cards.” He replied dryly. “Are you teasing or do you not like my surprise?” “I’m teasing.” Casey assured him. “It sounds like heaven. When do we leave?” “Our plane leaves in two hours.” * Harvey and Casey arrived at the resort and slowly made their way to the front desk to check in. The dancing water in the fountains amazed them and the tropical garden was breathtaking. Their bungalow was even more of a surprise. A large living room furnished with dark wood furniture, a kitchen that featured top of the line appliances and a bathroom with an oversized spa tub, a large glass shower and a separate dressing room. Outside a hammock rocked in the breeze and a screened in porch offered two rocking chairs to sit and observe the gorgeous ocean view. “Harvey, this is wonderful. It’s so romantic.” “You want to see romantic?” He was pleased by her enthusiastic response. “Come with me.” Harvey motioned towards the bedroom and she gently pushed open the door. Her eyes grew wide when she saw what was waiting inside. In the center of the canopy bed, rose petals had been used to form the shape of a heart. Candles enveloped the room with a romantic glow. On the bedside table, a silver tray held a bottle of chilled champagne, two glasses and a long stemmed red rose. “One american beauty deserves another.” Harvey picked up the perfectly formed rose from the table and handed it to Casey. She thanked him with a smile and continued to admire the room in awed silence. Only Harvey could have thought of something so special for their honeymoon. “I’ll be right back.” Casey grabbed her carry on bag and headed for the bathroom while Harvey opened the bottle of champagne. She came back out a few minutes later wearing the short, light blue gown that she had bought a few days earlier. For fun, she propped one hand against the doorframe and placed one hand on her hip, striking the often-used seductive pose seen in the movies. “What do you think?” Harvey let his eyes roam over his new wife for a moment before answering. “Very nice. Now take it off.” “Harvey!” His comment caused Casey to blush. She handed him the card that her friends from Amarillo had given to her. “I was told to put the gown on and then have you read this.” He laughed as he read the card: “To Casey – For Harvey” Casey walked over to the bed, sat down and fell back into the roses. “I’ve always wondered what it would be like to make love in a bed of roses.” “I just hope they removed all the thorns.” Harvey quipped as he poured them each a glass of champagne. He sat down on the bed and handed her a glass. Sitting up, Casey touched her glass to his and made a toast. “To a beautiful wedding and a wonderful honeymoon.” Harvey took a drink and then looked thoughtfully into her eyes. “This is going to be the best honeymoon ever. I promise.” |
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