13. Our Wedding Day

Our Wedding Day

Nate

"Stop fidgeting," Mom smacked my hand.

"Ouch! I'm not fidgeting." I was but I wasn't about to let her win that argument.

"He's nervous, Jo, be nice," Dad warned her, though we both knew she'd ignore him.

Somehow, between the two of us, we managed to get my tie tied without me being strangled. "There. You look so handsome, Nate."

"Thanks, Mom." How was it a mother's compliment always managed to reduce you to an embarrassed teen? Appreciative, but still embarrassed.

Kit and I opted for matching outfits of navy slacks, pressed white button-up shirts, and matching ties. Don't ask me why, but when we saw them we both agreed that was it. Simple but elegant in a Nate and Kit way. Ezra did a great job tailoring them to fit us and though I hadn't seen Kit in his suit today, I knew he'd be stunning. While I got ready at the bar with Mom and Dad, he was at the house with his family doing the same.

In the end, I decided to close the bar for two weeks, much to Merle's dislike, to spend more time with the family. Merle was thrilled when the moms informed him he was one of us and had been included in all the events as well as at mealtimes. Kit's family was leaving tomorrow, and he and I would be on a plane to Vegas early Monday morning. A week of fun in the sun was what these newlyweds needed. Considering most of the town would be at our wedding today and were getting fed for free, they better not complain about Pints being closed.

True to his word, Kit kept the decorations to our minimalist standards and yet, as I glanced around this old bar that had been in my family for generations, I viewed it through new eyes. The Edison bulbs that they'd strung up were perfect and would be kept in place long after the wedding. They brightened this old building that had been here for a hundred years perfectly. Not only did they set the ambiance for the dimly lit space, but every time I saw them I'd be reminded of our wedding day.

Some of the tables had been pulled to the side to set up the buffet, and the chairs were in the middle for seating during the ceremony. White and yellow bows had been tied to the backs of each chair and draped along the white linens that covered the tables. Each table had a vase with a single red rose, a pop of color, and an LED candle.

Our ceremony would be quick. Neither of us were religious and we were more about the gathering with friends and family afterwards than any long-winded speech. Charlie Pratt, the minister, stood beneath an arch adorned with yellow and white flowers. Dad stood beside me while Kit's parents would walk him down the aisle. Kit asked his mom to be his witness. She was so taken aback she burst into tears. This was a true family affair.

Kit's family was great, real nice, down to Earth people. Nothing fake about them. Easy to get along with, very inquisitive and if I wasn't mistaken, a couple of them were quite smitten with Foggy Basin. I wouldn't be surprised to see a sibling or two move here and Kit would love that. It would be great for him to have some of his family around .

"Well, son, there's your song playing. Think it's time," Dad patted my shoulder.

"It's Granddad and Grandma's song. I remember watching them dance to The Platters' ‘Only You.' It always kind of stuck with me and hit me right here." I tapped my chest just above my heart and my father teared up.

"That much I do know, son. Now, let's go get you married."

Dad and I turned to face our guests. The seats were filled and many more bodies stood behind them. What an amazing turn out. Foggy Basin wasn't just the town we lived in, it was a family, a true community. Every abled body was there for you no matter what you needed. Need five bucks? That's all I got but it's yours. Need a place to stay? Not a problem, I've got space. Down on your luck and need to eat? Have a seat and break bread with us. That's how Foggy Basin was, and I was proud to call it home.

As my husband to be came around the corner, his dad on his left, and his mom on his right, his eyes met mine and never strayed as he walked down the aisle toward me.

"Who gives this man away today?" Charlie Pratt asked them.

"We do," Kit's parents replied as one. He hugged them and his dad took a seat in the front row while his mom remained beside him. Tightly clenched in her trembling hands was the bouquet of daisies Kit had the local florist create especially for her.

"Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to join these two men, two pillars of our community, in holy matrimony. Now I've been asked to keep it short and make it quick, we all know how grouchy Nate gets." I groaned just for shits and giggles and got exactly that minus the shit.

"Let us begin. Nathaniel Walker Cloverdale Junior, do you take Kit, no last name," another groan from me. Dad shook his head and those in the audience who got the poorly executed joke laughed again. Poor Kit turned bright red. "To be your lawfully wedded husband? To love and to cherish from this day forward, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do." I slid the ring on Kit's finger.

"Do you, Kit, take Nathaniel Walker Cloverdale Junior to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love and to cherish from this day forward, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

Kit slid the ring on my finger, and I gasped as I stared down at it. It was Grandad's wedding ring. The beautiful red ruby I'd always admired now proudly resided on my finger. Tears streamed down my face. My sweet boy reached up and wiped them away, I was rendered speechless. Perfect timing, too, given there was nothing left I had to say. Would have been hard to get the words out over the lump in my throat.

"By the power vested in me by the great state of California, I am proud to pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss your husband." Amidst the claps and cheers, all I saw was my boy who I could now call my husband. I cupped Kit's cheeks and tenderly pressed my lips to his. But one kiss was not enough nor was the next one tender, which earned some not so made for prime-time whistles and hollers.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Charlie Pratt's booming voice calmed the crowd. "Let me be the first to introduce you to Mr. and Mr. Cloverdale!"

As one the crowd rose and cheered as we walked down the center aisle toward the doors. I only had eyes for my boy. He was my everything, my rock, my light, my heart, and soul. Never had I been so happy to have given the stranger who walked through the bar doors a job. From now until I drew my last breath my world would revolve around this perfect man who somehow chose me to be his.

I was one lucky bastard.

As I glanced around at our collective family, my heart filled to the brim with love, I realized there was no place I'd rather be. Everyone I wished to share this major milestone in life with was here and I couldn't be prouder to call them all family.

"Hey, you forgot to book a band," Merle nudged me as we sat to eat.

"No we didn't. If we want music we can use the juke box."

"No, man, I got ya, bro." Merle stood and went to the center of the room and as if by magic, produced a microphone.

"What the…" I trailed off as he tapped it.

"Is this thing on?" The feedback was deafening but that didn't stop him.

"Yo, yo, yo, peeps, have I got a song for you. I'm told this is all the rage."

Oh, fuck.

"I said a hip hop, the hibbie to the hibbie."

Jesus Christ, the man couldn't even get the lyrics right but the only one that seemed to know that was me. So I let it go and before long the crowd clapped along with him, though I was sure most had no clue what the hell he was saying.

This, folks, this was my life in smalltown America. Tucked away from the rest of the world. A small blip on the map you'd miss if you blinked. If we had a millionaire here we didn't know it because everyone was equal and everyone was family.

Welcome to Foggy Basin.