Authors: Mercedes Keyes
The musicians brought their arrangement to its end, signaling all to quiet down. Manny could swear each and every man, woman and child could hear his heart beating. With her head lowered, Lena took several deep breaths, holding her eyes closed and at the clearing voice of the preacher, she looked up finding the pastors' eyes on her. He smiled at her and then at Manny, reassuring them that he was on their side, he began in a deep resounding voice.
"Dearly beloved, we are
gathered here today, in the presence of God, and in the presence of witnesses, to join together this man, and this woman, in holy matrimony. This, for which they enter, is an honorable estate, instituted of God, signifying unto us the mystical union which exists between the Christ and his church, which is a holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence. It is therefore not to be entered into unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate these two persons come now to be joined. If anyone can show just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let them speak now, or forever hereafter hold their peace."
Lena and Manny both felt their stomachs knot up in fear. It seemed all present held their breaths so that a sound not be made. After the necessary pause the preacher looked around and was satisfied. He then called out for all to bow their heads and he began to pray for them; a resounding amen was heard and all looked up attentively.
"Maynard, Ceś alena, I call to your attention the seriousness of the decision which you have made, if there be even the slightest doubt, speak so of it now, for once the vows be made before God, you will thereby be expected by him to keep them. Are there any doubts?"
Manny answered first. "No Sir!" Lena answered next, softly but firmly. "No sir." The preacher nodded. "So be it."
"Who gives this woman, to be married to this man?"
"I do sir." Mike spoke up proudly. The pastor nodded. Mike took his mother's hand, backed up from between them, and pulled her gently over to his father, placing her right hand in his left; he turned and sat next to his sister in the first row. Manny and Lena looked at each other and melted, both fighting emotions that threatened to bring forth tears.
A voice cleared, "Are you ready to begin?"
Manny and Lena nodded in quiet unison.
He started with Manny, having him answer the, "Will you" questions in which Manny gladly stated, "I will." while squeezing Lena's hand.
"Ceś alena, will you…" He went on, with her replying at his finish, "I will." Both said their vows amidst sniffles from the onlookers as the ceremony moved on to the exchanging of rings. The preacher turned to Felix, again he petitioned all to bow their heads as a prayer was said over them. It was then Manny's turn to give his pledge, vowing as he placed the ring on Lena's finger. A tear dropped from her eye when he slid it on, she wiped it away, staring down at the wide gold band a moment, then she raised her eyes to his, to see him whisper silently, "I love you." Lena tore her eyes away before she lost control, taking deep breaths as she did.
The pastor picked up the large wide band and handed it to
her; and bade that she repeat after him, which she did, turning her eyes up to Manny once again. She found herself falling in love with him once more, unable to hold back her tears, they ran freely while she kept her eyes on him, blinking occasionally to clear her vision, she swore, "In token and pledge…of our ... constant faith and abiding love ... with ... this ring ...I thee wed, in the name ... of the Father ... His Son and His holy spirit ... Amen." She slipped the gold band on his finger and wiped at her tears as she looked back up at him. "I love you." She whispered, meaning it sincerely.
"Forasmuch as Maynard and Ceś alena have consented together in holy wedlock and have been witnessed before God and his company and therefore have pledged their faith, each to the other, and have declared the same by joining hands and by giving and receiving rings, I now pronounce that they are indeed, husband and wife, together in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the holy spirit. Those who God hath joined together, let
no man
, put asunder. Let us all bow our heads in final prayer and blessing."
Lena and Manny bowed their heads with their hearts hammering and their hands glued firmly together as the last prayer was stated. They then came the, "…amen." which was chorused by all in attendance. The two of them slowly looked up at each other, and then at the pastor.
"Is that it?" Manny asked, with building excitement. The pastor smiled and nodded. "That is all; you may now kiss your bride."
Manny looked back down at her, at once smiling and crying as he shakily reached to palm the cheeks of her face, lowering his mouth to hers for a kiss. His lips gently touched hers. He could hear Thomas's chuckle, but didn't care. Upon contact, a joyful sob broke from Lena's lips.
Manny's joy uncorked, feeling an explosion so intense he grabbed her to him, holding her as everyone looked on and cheered for them. With tears in his eyes, he threw his head back and shouted, "Yes!! My – wife! Dear God - yes!!"
Held tightly in his arms, Lena hugged him, weeping as he laughed and cried. "Come here you!" He pulled her away from him to pick her up. Lena threw her arms around his neck laughing as he made chomping noises in her neck, as if to gobble her up. "Ohhh, I love you." He growled, squeezing her with strong arms and walking in circles trying to hide his tears from his men. Their grandchildren were cheering as Hope and Josey both sat wiping tears away, hugging each other. Mike's face was red as he tried to keep his moist eyes hidden, leaning forward, his forearms braced on his knees, with Maria rubbing his back whispering, "It's done my husband, it's finally done…you can let it all go now…let it all go - I love you."
"To all I command a cheer! T
o the bride and groom!" Carmine yelled out and a resounding cheer was shouted with gusto, "To the bride and groom!"
Soon Manny and Lena were surrounded, receiving pats on the back and congratulations from all. "I told you didn't I? That this was your day!" Sandra cried gleefully as she hugged Lena and kissed her cheek. Lena nodded as she blew into a handkerchief, Manny right by her side, receiving hand shake after hand shake and pats on the shoulder.
"Now you've gone and done it!" Thomas laughed.
Manny's face was red, his eyes still moist as he grinned. "Thank God! It feels good Thomas, and it will never be undone!" Manny beamed, reaching by his side to pull her up against him for another hug. Lena wrapped her arms around his waist looking up at him as he asked, "Will it Missus? This is forever, from now on…say it!"
"From now to forever…yes!" She cried happily.
"Hey hey hey! What's going on here, when do we get to kiss the bride?!" Leon broke in as he stepped forward. Manny sobered. "Hey! None of that now!" He protested, pulling her back out of everyone's reach. Lena laughed as he shielded her. Thomas joined in with the others, "Come on now, hand her over! The line is gettin' long!"
"How many in the line?" Manny asked, stretching his height upward to look it over as he counted. "One, two, three, four, five ... ohhh no!! To hell with the lot of you!"
"Manny!" Lena rebuked him, pointing at the preacher, who only laughed. Forgive me sir, but they're wantin' m'bride! Mike?! Son!? Get these men away! They want my wife!" Humored with the rest, Mike called out loudly, "Come on dad, you'll have her for the rest of your life!"
Manny's mouth dropped open, "Traitor! You were willing a beating at my own hands to keep me from her, but you'll hand her over to these drifting curs!"
"Now Manny, get in the spirit of things." Lena teased, laughing behind his back where he held her. "Aaah, faithless wench already I see! I'll not have it you hear?" He called back loudly and boisterously as his men laughed. "Thomas! Thomas - I'll tell you what! You're the best man, count up how many there are here in line, and I promise you, I'll do it justice in delivering the goods for you all tonight!" Lena gasped, slapped and pinched his arm. "Maynard Webster, you quiet that kind of talk!" Manny scooped her up before his men, "No talk there missus, I mean every word, and then some."
"Gi'it'good
Cap'n! Aye, no man rocks'n'rolls'yah like a man'o'th'sea!" Someone bellowed and the roar of laughter filled the restaurant. Lena's eyes grew huge while Manny grinned, his eyes lecherous and filled with promise, as he shouted back, "Aye me mates – she'll remember this night t'be sure t'be sure!"
"Hmph! You call them the curs, when in fact it is the cur whom I've married. Put me down!" She announced kicking. Another of his men shouted, "Uh oh! Fix it now Cap'n else you'll be scratchin' a'yon'door for'er scraps!"
Manny carried her away to the hallway leading upstairs to soothe her. "Aaah darlin', don't be like that. They don't mean any harm, they're happy for me. I'm happy for me, aren't you happy for me?" He asked, flirting with her, playing the wide eyed look, showing the charm that Lena didn't doubt for a moment he’d used on many women like Terra Biquay. "Come on, don't be this way. They'll behave and so will I – promise." He grinned, looking down into her face, "Look at you, you're not angry…you're feeling a little randy, aren't you, admit it." Lena glanced up, fighting a grin as she gasped, "You sir, are a devil, a lusting, cocksure, licentious, rake! Did I mention a devil as well?"
"Ah! Not anymore madam! I have you know, I am a married man! Devoted, loyal and true…to you…always and from now on, only to you." He pledged softly and then his mouth covered hers in a kiss so stirring she threw her arms around him, pulling him closer as she turned into the kiss, feeling her body tingle with delicious anticipation.
"Echm echm! It won't be long now." Hope interrupted.
With both hands braced over Lena's head against the wall, reluctantly, Manny moved away as Lena slowly turned him loose. They came apart with their eyes promising wonderful things for the coming night. Lena was the first to turn away, a catty smile playing about her as she led the way back into the main hall where music was being played and the wine, mead and ale was passed while their dinner was laid out at the tables.
Manny and Lena were encouraged to dance as others joined in and eventually they exchanged partners. It wasn't long before the tables were rearranged and dinner served. Often Lena cupped her cheeks that were burning from embarrassment because of his men and their ribald toasts which held sexual connotations that were funny while scandalous in their subtleties. A few that stood to toast were stopped because Manny knew the direction they were about to go in, "My grandchildren are present…keep those until later men." He cautioned them. Knowing him as they did, none were offended but promised to gather in a corner to fill him in later.
Seemingly endless, the wine, ale, and
custom made brews flowed; those that knew they would be setting sail controlled themselves as they could feel Manny's eyes on them. Soon after dinner, the call came from Carmine that it was time to cut the cake, which came from Sandra's bakery.
Lena cut out a large piece and held it up so that Manny could lean down and take a bite. Full of mischief, Manny snuck his hand around the back of Lena’s head and pushed her face forward as he went down so he could eat through the cake to her lips. All laughed to bursting as Lena ended up with a face full of the sweet cream that Manny didn't mind nibbling off, leading to a kiss that left her once again weak in the knees. His men cheered louder than ever.
"Manny…you are positively shameless!" She laughed, following a moan, her hands held up and away not to get the icing on him. "We're most certainly taking cake with us. The most delicious idea has just popped into my head.” He alerted chuckling boldly, whispering the latter part near her ear. “Imagine me, licking this off of you tonight." Lena gasped and then gave it some thought. "We couldn't possibly?" She asked, feeling heat wash over her, he rose with a wink and a gleam in his eyes.
"Aye Cap'n – you might be wantin' to keep some'o'that cake by the looks o'it!" One declared boldly. "Never should such a treat be wasted on friends when one has a bride so lovely to share it with!" Another voice called out.
"Trust me men, my bride is far more the sweeter treat! Eat as much cake as you please!" He turned to look down at her, and whispered for her ears only, "The taste of you alone is all this tongue needs to appreciate the true source of honey and sweetness." Lena's eyes grew huge while below she squeezed her thighs, "Manny…" His quiet laughter was deep and promising, his wolf like eyes filled with lust clear to see, Lena grew short of breath as anticipation stirred.
The celebrating went on
into the late afternoon, until Manny called his crewmen to attention. Many of those present would be manning the Princess; some others would be going to the Mazon Voyager and the Royal Sun. Both ships would be following the Princess to Makia Island. On the Royal, Leon, Francis, Mike, Maria, their children, except for Esteban.
On the Mazon, Esteban, Rory, Hope, Joe, Finbar and Sandra would follow the next day. Lena wanted Sandra to be with them when she returned to her Island, afraid to leave her alone for what might happen in her absence.
Sandra, Hope and Joe would be returning sooner than the others, because of Sandra’s trial, but this would be her vacation and a chance for Lena to show her, her home.
Although she was invited, Josephine could not come along. She had her responsibility to her job but said in their goodbyes they would see each other when they returned. Manny gave word that the time had come to get underway. Food was collected and goodbyes were said there at the restaurant, with well wishes shouted from every direction.