September Tango (16 page)

Chapter Twenty-One
– Tuesday

Pops had him following Tim. They parked in front of the only small jewelry store left in Major. “You gotta get your girl a ring, don't you? The band from Grams you can consider a wedding ring. I'd get her a proper engagement ring. If we're gonna do this, we are gonna do it right.”

Calvin laughed. “You know, Pops, I hadn't even thought about a ring.”

Pops nodded. “I know, that's what I'm here for. Keep you in line. Let's find something and then go get your suit. We don't have a lot of time left, boy!”

Tim was waiting at the door. “Let's get a ring!”

Calvin smirked. “This is good practice for when you get a girl.”

“
Me?” He said in mock horror. “That will be the day.” Pops smacked him on the back of the head. “Oww, Pops!”

“
Hey, you ain't got a woman to do that, so until you do, I'll handle keeping you in line.” They walked in the old jewelry store with a smile. The inside was dusky and cool; rows of glass cases with jewelry nestled on blue velvet caught their eyes. The owner of the store came out of the back.

“
Well, I've been expecting you,” he said with a simpering smile. He patted his stomach, which was covered by a slightly threadbare vest. “Parker Tracy, at your service. I hear we are looking at rings today?”

They all nodded and the little man moved behind the glass cases. “What kind of price range are we looking at?”

Calvin shrugged. “I don't know. When I see something I like, we'll go with that.”

He nodded, licking his thin lips. A small line of drool stayed at the corner of his mouth. “Good, good. Do you know what size ring she wears?”

Calvin looked at Pops with wide eyes. “What size was that ring of Grams'?”

He tapped his chin, thinking. “I believe it was an eight.”

The little man smiled again. “Alright, let's see what we have.” He pulled a few rings out. Calvin picked one up and held it out.

“
I can't tell if I like it.” He paused and turned to Tim. “Give me your finger.”

“
Are you asking me to marry you? Calvin, man I mean I always knew we were close, but this is such a surprise.” He waved his hand in front of his eyes fake crying like a beauty queen. It earned him another slap upside the head from Pops. “Oww! Damn, Pops!” He held his fingers out and Calvin stuck the ring on his pinky.

“
Man, look at that!” Calvin smiled. “I think this one will work.”  They admired the glistening diamond in the low light of the store. It was a princess cut diamond on a simple gold band.

Tim fluttered his lashes. “Darlin', if you gave me this ring, I'd marry you on the spot!”

Pops shook his head. “My pimp slap hand is worn out for one day.”

Calvin laughed as he pulled the ring off Tim's hand. “This is the one.”

The little man wrapped it excitedly and after he paid for the ring, they left the store. “Jeez that man gave me the creeps,” Tim shuddered.

“
Tell me about it,” Pops huffed. “Well boys, how about I take Calvin to get his suit, and you go make sure everything is ready?”

Tim nodded. “I'll handle that thing we talked about, Pops, and then I gotta get some sweet tracks for the party.”

Calvin eyed him. “What thing? If there is Nicki Minaj played, our friendship will be over.”

Tim laughed raucously. “No Nicki? Damn, there just went the first dance song.” He got in his cop car and headed out.

Calvin looked at Pops. “What thing, Pops? Can you believe I'm getting married?”

“
Don't worry about it, and no, son, I can't. But, I'm damn proud of you.” He clapped a hand on his back.

Chapter Twenty-Two
– The Wedding

Zoe sat in a room in the church, waiting for the ceremony to start. She sat, simply looking in a mirror. She couldn't believe the woman looking back at her was really Zoe Parker. She had a beautiful flush to her cheeks and her dark eyes were dancing. Her lips seemed to be perpetually turned up. A knock at the door broke her out of her self-love reverie. “Come in,” she called.

As the door opened, her heart froze. Derek walked in. He wore a dapper tux, one that looked identical to the one he'd worn at their prom. “Zoe,” he started. “You look exquisite. I've never seen you look more beautiful.”

She stood quickly from the antique red velvet couch. “What are you doing here?” 

He smiled sweetly. “I came to make you see reason, Zoe.”

She put her hands on her hips. “Make me see reason?”

“
You aren't really going to marry this black guy, are you? You do understand what that means for you, right? You'll be ostracized in society, and your children will be freaks. Why would you want to do that to yourself, Sweetheart, especially when you could have me.” He held out a hand and his blue eyes pleaded.

“
Are you high?” A laugh bubbled out of her throat. “This is not 1950. This is the 21
st
century, Derek. I am marrying him because I love him. You need to go.”

“
You're marrying him to get back at me, Zoe, and I understand that. I am here to stop you before you take this too far. I'll take you back.” He stepped forward and pulled her to him. She pushed at his chest.

“
Get your hands off of me, Derek!” She struggled as he bent forward to kiss her. She stomped his foot with her shoe and then kneed him in the balls. “Don't fucking touch me!” He reached for her again and she drew back her fist and punched him square in his nose, the sound of her fist hitting his nose strangely satisfying. “That's for screwing both of my best friends, you asshole.” She stepped over his body. He held his nose and balls and rocked on the floor. She walked out of the room and found Pops shuffling down the hall. He looked at her bloody hand and the man sprawled out on the floor.

“
What's goin' on?” He drawled. “Looks to me, baby, like you need to find someone and get some ice on that pretty little hand. Do we have a situation here?” He pulled her close. “Go to the kitchen. I'll handle this.” She looked at him curiously and he winked. “Go on, baby, I got back up coming.” She heard Calvin's voice coming down the hall and she ducked the other way, in search of the kitchen.

Calvin came up behind Pops. “What the hell happened here? Derek? What are you doing here?” Derek groaned in response.

Pops snickered. “It appears to me, boy, that your girl knocked this asshole six ways from Sunday. I sent her to the kitchen to ice her hand to keep it from swelling.” Calvin moved as if to check on her. “Uh uh, boy. You ain't seeing her till it's time. She's fine. Let's get this joker out of here. We don't need his kind stinking up the joint.”

Calvin grabbed Derek by the shirt and pulled him to standing. “I swear to God, if you hurt her...” His voice trailed off and his eyes were blazing in pure fury.

Derek shook his head. “I – I didn't hurt her,” he stuttered.

“
You better hope and pray you didn't. Don't harass her ever again. Get your sorry ass out of here. There are enough cops at this church to haul your ass out if you can't find your way out.” He let him go and Derek slumped against the door jamb.

“
I'm goin', man.” He slunk down the hall and out the door. Calvin took a deep breath and Pops clapped him on the shoulder.

“
Good riddance. Now, let's get you ready to see your bride.” He led him back to the sanctuary.

Zoe was in the kitchen, having her makeup and hair touched up by Layla and Grams. Layla was scolding her for messing everything up. Finally Grams muttered, “Shut the hell up, Layla.” She pressed her lips into a firm line and pouted.

Grams had declared her hand fine, but she had a bag of frozen peas on it anyway. Her heart thumped with every second that passed. They were getting closer and closer to time. “How many people are here?” She choked out.

“
Enough,” Grams said mysteriously. She wore a lemon yellow dress with an embroidered jacket in the same shade. Her hair was curled around her kind face. Layla was a vision in the orange gown, her corkscrew curls pulled back with a few pins. She looked down at her delicate gold watch. “Alright, it's time.”

Zoe felt the color leave her face. Layla smiled and hugged her. “Breathe and smile. You're going to be so happy when you see this.” They led her to the opening of the sanctuary. Grams stood her in one spot.

“Stay right here.” She heard the faint strains of a piano playing. The song sounded strangely familiar but she couldn't place it. Grams walked down the aisle and only Layla stood with her.

“
Here comes Tim.” Tim walked down the hall, wearing a pair of black pants and a lavender sport coat with a light yellow shirt and a teal tie. Zoe giggled.

“
You look like spring threw up.”

“
Thank you! You look ravishing yourself, Zoe. Congratulations.” He took Layla's hand. “Shall we, my dear?” They promenaded forth, the wooden doors of the church shutting behind them. She didn't even get a sneak peek inside yet but she smelled flowers.  She stood nervously and a sinking feeling hit the pit of her stomach.

No one is walking me down the aisle.
Her eyes filled with tears and she turned to walk down the aisle alone when a hand touched her arm. She looked to the side and saw Pops standing there in all his decked out glory.

“
Baby, they said do wildflower colors. All I had was this old leisure suit from the seventies. I hope it’s alright. It still fit.” He wore a peach colored leisure suit with a peach shirt and tie. Her eyes welled up with tears and she hugged his neck.

“
It's perfect, Pops.”

“
Ah, don't get your makeup all over me, girl. Let's get you down this aisle.” He held his arm out and she tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow. He gently pulled her veil down over her face and they stepped forward. Pops tapped the door and people opened them. The scent of wildflowers tickled her nose and the late afternoon sunshine filtered through the beautiful old stained glass windows, further accentuating the array of colors that sat in the seats. Everyone had their finest on, and they were a sea of the most beautiful wildflower shades imaginable. Someone shoved a bouquet of flowers in her hands and she brought them to her nose. Her throat was tight with emotion.
I can't believe so many people did this for us.
The song being gently played suddenly changed to one she immediately recognized. In the choir loft, the choir suddenly stood and began singing the chorus of “Wonderwall” by Oasis. It was their song.

Tears fell down her face and her smile was exquisite. Calvin's heart pounded wildly watching her slowly come down the aisle toward him. The choir finished the chorus and the acoustic strains of piano and guitar continued as she floated toward him. The beautiful jewel tones of the stained glass dappled her skin, and he gazed at her beautiful face, partially hidden by the lace of her veil. Their eyes locked and her face radiated pure joy and love, directed only at him. He wore a deep blue suit with a cerulean colored shirt and matching striped tie. He smiled and stepped forward to take her from Pops. “Thank you,” he whispered.

“Love her, boy.” He kissed Zoe's cheek. “Love him.” They nodded happily.

Calvin led her up the stairs to the altar. She handed her bouquet to Layla, who accepted them with a teary smile. He leaned over to her and whispered, “I told Tim no pimp suits, but I guess I forgot to tell Pops.”

She giggled before she could stop herself, and the melodic sound made him smile. They turned toward each other in front of the preacher and held hands. The man stood before them in a black suit and a white shirt with a pink tie. He smiled at them both. “You two ready?”

They nodded. He smiled and began, “We are gathered here on this happy occasion to bring this man and woman together in marriage. The couple have decided to forgo traditional vows.” Zoe's eyes went wide and Calvin winked at her.

He squeezed her hand. “Zoe, I've never been this happy, and even though we haven't been together long, it already feels like it's been a lifetime. I don't know how I was lucky enough to end up with you loving me, but I'll do everything in my power to keep you happy. I love you, Zoe, much more than you'll ever know, more than I'll ever be able to explain. I promise to protect you, to take care of you and to never stop loving you. Thank you for being mine.” He kissed her knuckles.

She blushed and murmured, “Calvin, I never imagined that we'd be standing here just like this. I'm more blessed than any girl has any right to be. I promise to love you and stand by your side, no matter what comes.” Her throat closed and tears leaked between her lashes. “I promise to wait for you, and to be your shelter in any storm. I promise to make you happy. I love you.” Her eyes sparkled with tears and he smiled softly.

“May we have the rings?” Zoe froze again and Calvin winked, assuring her all was fine.

On a small pillow that Tim held up, there were two rings. Calvin looked over at Pops, who wiggled his empty left hand. He'd given him his wedding band. She took the simple gold band and slid it over his knuckle. Her hands shook as he slipped the beautiful diamond on her finger.

“By the power vested in me, by the state of Alabama, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Calvin pulled the veil over her head, and gazed deep into her eyes, before pulling her close and touching his mouth to hers. The kiss was slow and exquisite, full of hope and promise. As they came up for air, they both had tears in their eyes. “I love you,” he whispered softly.

“I love you more,” she smiled.

The guests were on their feet, clapping and cheering. The choir began singing the chorus to “Wonderwall” by Oasis again as they stood at the altar.

“I'd like to present you with Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Hall,” the preacher called, not that a soul could hear him over the raucous noise in the sanctuary. Zoe blushed and hid her face in his shoulder. He kissed her forehead.

“
Are you ready, Mrs. Hall?”

She nodded happily. He took her hand and led her down the aisle. He kissed her again as they came to the doors of the church. “I need to change my clothes. Grams is going to take you to freshen up, and we'll meet back here to head to the reception, okay?” She nodded and they parted ways.

Grams hugged her tight once they made it back to the little room she'd gotten ready in only a couple hours before. “You're the prettiest bride I've seen in a long time, Zoe. You just look happy, baby girl.”

She nodded and smiled. “I am, I'm really happy, Grams.” Layla came in the room and hugged her neck.

“I'm so glad I have a sister! We need to fix a couple of spots on your hair, and we can take this veil off. We don't need it anymore.” She gently unpinned the lace from her hair and handed it back to Grams, who folded it gently and put it inside a box in her purse.

Zoe stared at the woman in the mirror. She was happy. Layla and Grams chattered as they pinned her hair in place. Finally, they deemed her presentable and led her back to the front of the church, where Calvin stood in his blue shirt without a tie and khakis. “Hi, Beautiful. Are you ready?”  She nodded and he took her hand, leading her out into the late summer sunshine. They were pelted with wildflower petals and rice by a cheering crowd. Tim stood out at the curb, with his police cruiser idling. “May I give the new husband and wife a ride to the party?”

Zoe laughed and nodded. “Hell, everything else has been unconventional. Why not?” She squealed as Calvin lifted her off her feet and placed her in the car. She scooted over and he slid in beside her and closed the door. Tim headed toward the beach.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in close. “Are you happy?”

She looked up at him, her dark eyes glowing. “I'm so happy, Calvin.” He leaned down and kissed her gently. Tim flicked the sirens on, making them jump.

“
No nookie in the back of my car!”

They all laughed. He rolled the windows down as they hit the beach. They could smell BBQ cooking already and as they rounded the bend, they saw tons of tables and chairs set up on the beach, complete with paper lanterns in tens of colors with lights inside them flickering in the breeze. “Look!” She pointed. “It's beautiful.”

People were already milling around on the beach and as the police car pulled up, they swarmed it, pulling them both out and giving endless rounds of hugs. They finally found themselves back together in front of the water. The sun was just starting to set. Layla knelt on the sand with her camera. “Give me some good pictures, y'all!” Calvin looked at Zoe and pulled her in for a kiss. The pictures that were taken that day they would come to cherish the rest of their lives. Tim had picked an eclectic mix of songs that filtered through the speakers of an old CD player. A stretch of the sand had been dedicated for dancing, and cheers went up as Calvin and Zoe stood to take their first dance. Tim switched the song quickly to “Be My Only” by FM Radio. Tears filled her eyes as Calvin pulled her into his arms and whispered the lyrics of the song against her neck. The song was exquisite and she closed her eyes, the sound of him singing in her ear and the feel of them spinning on the sand forever imprinted in her mind. As the strains of the song came to a close, Calvin kissed her slowly.