Part Twenty - One
It was an uncharacteristically warm day late in September; Catherine Grant and George Amundsen’s wedding day had *finally* arrived.
In his new and larger bedroom, Clark looked at the reflection in the mirror and nodded sage approval. He had taken great pains to look his absolute best in the elegant black and silver gray tuxedo. Today was a day unlike any other. “So, what do you think Pepper, will I pass muster?”
The cat sat looking at his human from his now familiar perch on the foot of the neatly made bed. He cocked his tiny head to the side as if to say: ‘Looks good to me!”
Clark smiled and petted the feline. He was very happy that Mrs. Harper let him keep the cat. Even Lois had gotten used to him and playfully scolded the friendly cat whenever she found him curled up on her computer or research papers during their many nights of working together. Pepper had become the unofficial third member of their partnership.
He hoped today might end one chapter of their lives and begin another. Between his parents, Pete Ross and himself, it had taken a great deal of work and not a little subterfuge, to finish a project started only two weeks previously. Tonight he hoped it would provide the proper setting for the event his heart yearned for. But for now, it was time to pick up his date.
<It would be so cool to arrive at the Farragut Hotel via Superman Express, unfortunately, that would cause way too many questions. Not to mention take a lot of attention away from Cat! Definitely, not a good idea. Part of this day belongs to her and George. Tonight is special – for Lois and I.> He gave himself another quick glance in the mirror, trotted down the stairs and exited the building. His heart was singing as happy feet hit the pavement towards a waiting white limousine. “She is never going to believe this ride,” he said aloud.
***
Lois studied the woman in the mirror with a critical eye she wanted to look her absolute best. Today was a day unlike any other. That morning she had found herself at the beauty salon getting the full treatment: massage, manicure, pedicure, and a sophisticated hairstyle. Andre insisted putting her hair in an upsweep to display her neck and delicate ears. For the dress’s neckline, was a little more provocative than what Lois usually wore to such social events. Nevertheless, tonight she intended to make a statement about who she was to the man who claimed her heart.
She glanced at the clock, it read three forty-five and knew Clark better not be late this afternoon. In the past few weeks, he had disappeared several times. She considered the number of rescues versus his various excuses and thought there was more to this latest odd behavior than extra patrols.
Another thing; she could have sworn last week catching a glimpsing of Martha and Jonathan in the paint department of the Station Home store. She questioned Clark, but he merely touched his glasses, fumbled with his tie, and said she must be mistaken.
That was a *definite* tip-off something was up. Still she could be patient, a quality Lois had been forcing herself to develop. Life with Clark Kent planned to yield any number of unsuspected twists and turns, it was best to acclimate herself to them now.
A happy knocking sound on her front door put an end to further musing. “Clark, just a minute! She called from the bathroom. Gathering up the skirt of her gown, she hurried to the door, opened the numerous locks, and said. “Don’t come in just yet Clark, I’m not fully dressed,” she fibbed, than added. “No X-ray peeking!” Quick as her stocking feet could move she ran into the bedroom and put on the delicate strappy satin pumps. They cost a mint, but the sales clerk at Darcy’s swore they matched her dress perfectly.
Seconds later, she dabbed perfume behind her ears and wrists. The light jasmine bouquet swirled around the apartment, filling it with a heady scent. She picked up a necklace and struggled with it’s clasp, then decided to let Clark fasten it. After all, isn’t that a task boyfriends… and husbands do exceedingly well?
“Something smells delightful, like tropical flowers.” Clark’s voice called out from the living room.
“That’s because they are flowers,” she responded huskily as she entered the room. Clark, she noted with wry amusement was rendered speechless. She simply overwhelmed him with her beauty, wearing an off-the-shoulder confection of grace and timeless elegance, the dress's sea foam shade looked sumptuous against her radiant skin. She held up a necklace of green stones and asked softly. “Care to put it on for me?”
Clark, at last finding his voice gulped out, “Sure.” she turned her back to him, while his warm fingers skillfully worked the lobster claw clasp. Lois shivered with delight when he laid those big gentle hands on her shoulders and felt them being tenderly massaged.
When Clark spoke, his voice came out in a husky whisper, “You look beautiful. Careful, Cat might get angry – outshining the bride and all…”
“Hmm, perhaps that might not be a bad thing Mr. Kent”, she giggled when Clark wrapped his superbly strong arms around her slender waist and gave a loving hug. He proceeded to nuzzle her neck.
“We don’t have to go the wedding,” he murmured. “Maybe we should fly to Paris instead?”
“Paris,” Lois breathed dreamily. “Oooh, so much more fun, but Cat, would kill us, after all you have attendant duties to perform.”
“True,” he sighed, “can’t blame a guy for trying.”
Lois reluctantly broke from their embrace, to collect her purse and silk wrap. <Thank goodness for Darcy’s! This dress and all the accessories were worth every penny just to see the expression on Clark’s face!>
“OK, I’m ready.” Lois grinned
Clark bowed and opened the door. “Milady, your chariot awaits.”
***
The Grant-Amundsen wedding exceeded Cat’s plans for glamour and not a little excitement. George had insisted the occasion not become some celebrity filled ‘event’. Instead, it was tad splashy, with generous amounts of elegance and a touch of class. Very much a combination of Cat and George, which is the way a balanced wedding and relationship is supposed to be.
George stood at the raised platform with his Best Man and groomsman, wearing a crisp black tuxedo by Armani. He did not look in the least bit nervous, but assured and ready to take on this new aspect of his life.
Suddenly a massive drum thundered in the background, signaling the guests to be silent. The pounding ceased and seamlessly changed over to the traditional wedding march, as the double doors were thrown open. The guests stood up as the bridal party cross the threshold into the ballroom. Entering first was petite, but glamorous Jenni Reid, whose dainty footsteps moved down an aisle sprinkled with white rose petals. She wore a black gown with cap sleeves and white side peplum, in her firm hands, rested a gloriously simple bouquet of white stargazer lilies.
Immediately following behind was Diane Pallister, the normally conservatively dressed woman had made a stunning transformation, wearing a black ball gown with pleating at the waist and a trumpet skirt. Her graceful long body moved apace with the music. She carried a bouquet of white magnolias, the scent delicately caressing all who breathed it in.
“Oh my, that’s *our* Diane?” Lois heard Alice gasp in a mixture of surprise and delight.
If Diane caused a stir, the bride raised the roof. The music died down once Diane reached the raised platform than built to a gentle crescendo… than halted. All eyes pulled themselves from bridal party to the bride.
Perry White stood in the threshold of the double doorway, his carriage firm and tall, beaming with a Father’s pride, by his side stood Catherine Helva Grant. Cat in any garb was an attractive, striking woman, but the one shoulder ivory satin wedding gown proclaimed her classic Hollywood movie star looks to everyone present. Her glorious red hair was in a sweeping updo, held together with one crystal pin in the shape of a sunburst. Totally, ‘cat’ glamorous.
As the strains of Vangelis ‘Chariots of Fire’ filled the room, Cat and Perry moved easily down the aisle the gown’s fabric made delicate rustling sounds. Her intense green eyes focused on no one save George.
“Wow! That woman can make an entrance”, Jimmy breathed. “George better stick to her like superglue!”
Lois ignored the comment and looked to the back of the room at Clark, who unfortunately; was seating a pair of late comers – Aykira and Lex Luthor.
<What are *they* doing here?> She thought anxiously, than shamefully relented. <How many events will they attend before Lex is too ill to go *anywhere*? I’m glad Cat invited them. I hope that tonight will be special for them as well.>
Lois, clutching the wedding program in her hand, turned around to face the ceremony. Perry was just handing Cat over to George, who was grinning like crazy. Once again, there was an overwhelming feeling of warmth and friendship towards the bride. “I wish there was time for us to be acquainted as friends, not competitors,” Lois whispered softly.
Suddenly she felt a familiar presence by her side as Clark sat down next to her.
“Aren’t you supposed to be attending and seating late guests?” she teased.
“Relax, I can get back there before anyone knows I’m gone. This moment is too important to miss.”
“Well, that’s one advantage to having super speed”, she whispered so softly, only Clark could hear. They sat together, holding hands and joyfully taking in the ceremony. Cat spoke her vows, with a little catch in her voice. George spoke his without a single stumbled word. In a twist on tradition, the couple stepped back and allowed the best man, George’s brother, Aaron, to read lines of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet… with a few minor alterations:
Catherine's beauty would eclipse the sun as daylight does a lamp.
At night her eyes would shine so brightly in the sky that the birds
would think the night was over and start singing.
Diane followed by a few verses from Keats, also with slight changes:
My love for George is a thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
The Justice of the Peace stepped up to the platform again to pronounced Catherine and George as husband and wife. Before George could kiss her, he had to borrow a hankie from Perry to dry Cat’s tears.
The guests held their breath as one, than with a tenderness that only comes from deep caring and selflessness, George Amundsen sweetly kissed his new wife.
“Oh, how romantic,” gushed one of the female guests in front of Lois.
“I hope they are happier a year from now,” whispered another.
Lois smiled to herself, <They will be. George is the most important person in Cat’s life. If she puts half as much work into her marriage as she did this wedding, next year will be filled with greater memories.>
***
By her side, the Man of Steel stealthily wiped the single tear as it coursed down his face. Someday perhaps he and Lois could stand before a small circle of friends and declare their deep commitment to one another.
***
In Metropolis’ upper circles, the Farragut Hotel had a well-deserved reputation for its traditional cocktail hour. The staff had magically transformed the ballroom from ceremony site to reception area. The large waiting chamber outside the ballroom held the guests, laughing and talking while they nibbled on hors d’oeuvres and sipped champagne from tall flute glasses. Lofty walls painted a rich royal blue had mirror panels making the space more expansive yet comfortable. In the background, fusion jazz played, the smooth music caught everyone’s festive mood and made it even more celebratory if that was at all possible. Thankfully, the plush thick carpet underneath absorbed a great deal of the joyful noise.
Several members of Metropolis elite society were present, chief among them Lex and his beautiful new bride Aykira. This was their first public appearance since their return from Greece and Lex’s surgery. He looked better, even dashing in his tuxedo. His dark hair had grown back and was so artfully styled none would have suspected he had recently undergone neurosurgery.
“My sweet, thank you for getting me out of the house and accepting this invitation. If I have not said it already, the burgundy silk looks delicious next to your skin.”
“Flatterer. Perhaps I can display my appreciation for your kind words later?” she whispered in his ear.
“We can leave early… if you wish.” Her husband smiled than kissed her hand. Their intimate conversation interrupted by a business acquaintance of Lex’s. Without missing a step, they stood by a tall palm tree, amicably chatting with the man and his latest
girlfriend.
***
“This is a lovely event. Cat outdid herself.” Alice White exclaimed. “Perry looked so handsome and proud walking her down the aisle. It is the only time he’ll have that honor since we have boys.
“Yeah, the chief looked real smooth and… Fatherly. Elegance like this is the way all wedding receptions ought to be!”
“Jimmy, that’s such a sweet remark! There are the makings of a real gentleman in you.” Alice said her eyes twinkling merrily.
Steve walked over with his wife and they chatted for a while, than moved on to another group.
Despite herself, Lois had to agree with everyone. The entire ceremony went off without a hitch. Perhaps a *little* overdone by her own modest standards. She felt vows should be exchanged in a small intimate ceremony with close family and friends in attendance. Not some over blown mega event people forget about a month later. The most important thing: the couple remain as thrilled with each other the following year.
Clark came over to her, placing his hand on the small of her back. She turned and looked up at him, knowing she gazed with certainty at the future.
“Lois, I found these chocolate mini-croissants. Care to give them a try?” he held out the tiny serving saucer with two bite-sized croissants drizzled with milk chocolate resting upon a white lace napkin.
“Yes! I’m famished!” She took one and bit delicately into it, her eyes swirling with delight. “Perfection,” she mumbled after finishing. <He is so attentive and loving! I was going take a career in journalism over him? Martha was right, he’s the only man I want to have children with.>
Lois startled herself with this thought, so much so she coughed.
“Hey are you OK?” Clark asked his eyes filled with genuine concern.
She stared into those warm loving brown eyes and whispered so only he could hear, “I’m fine Clark, better than I have ever been.”
The two were momentarily lost in each other when Alice discreetly cleared her throat. “The Reception Coordinator has called us in... hear the drums?”
Lois and Clark nodded and made their way to the double doors Cat had passed through only an hour before. As each of the guests entered, their senses were treated to a feast. Transformation seemed to be too poor of a word to describe the ballroom. The room seemed to glow with the light of a thousand candles. Hanging from the ceiling, a crystal chandelier, mate to the one in the waiting area, shone down additional illumination. A fragile, telltale fragrant scent of stargazer lilies filled the air and teased the guests’ sense of smell.
Each of the fifteen tables were draped in heavy white damask linen atop the linen glistened elegant china, silverware and crystal drinking vessels. The chairs were covered in black linen each tied in place with matching white damask linen from the table.
The ballroom had walls on three sides; the fourth wall was a series of ceiling to floor windows opening onto Hobbs Bay at night. It’s numerous skyscrapers glistening like polished gems, the city of Metropolis was the guest-of-honor at Cat and George’s wedding.
“Oh my goodness,” Alice breathed. “When Catherine Grant plans a wedding, she does it right.”
Clark let out a low whistle as he and Lois walked towards the guest table to get their place cards. “No arguments there.”
“What table are you seated at?” Jimmy, bring up the rear asked.
“According to our place cards, Perry and I are at Table four,” Alice responded.
“So are we,” Lois said looking at the card.
“Oh no! I’m at table six… no one is seated there yet. Can I hang out with you guys until…”
Jimmy’s voice trailed off, as he noticed a pretty trio of young ladies take their seats at table six. He clapped Clark on the back, adjusted his tie and said, “Forget what I just said… I’m *definitely* sitting at table six!”
So saying, he moved smoothly over to the table and dived into an animated discussion with the young women.
“There’s hope for that young man yet!” Alice said while trying to keep from laughing.
“I thought Jimmy might be lost without Jack, but he’ll be fine.” Lois said shaking her head.
“Well, Cat had to cut the list somewhere and Jack simply has not been around long enough to be invited.” Clark said.
***
The evening passed like a dream for Lois and Clark. They slowed danced with each other under the glittering crystal chandelier as if there was no one in the world except each other. They switched partners once or twice, Clark even ‘dipped’ Alice. Lois did a mean jitterbug with an ecstatic Jimmy. But they always came back to find each other.
“Farmboy, those ballroom dancing lessons have really paid off.” His partner whispered huskily into his ear. “Gene Kelly is the only one to match your moves.”
“So, my dancing is better than my… other worldly abilities?” Clark asked his smile dazzling as he whirled her around.
“Let’s just say this is one of your better ‘earth bound’ ones. However, flying is always welcomed”, she chuckled.
***
At the Bridal table, Cat sat with George, drinking champagne and quietly laughing together. “Ready for our Honeymoon, baby? By the way, where are we going? It’s kinda hard to pack beyond toiletries when I don’t know the destination.” Cat said.
“I… I took the liberty of packing for you. How does a two-week cruise of the Mediterranean sound?”
Cat gathered her husband in a huge hug and purred. “That’s fantastic! I always wanted to see the Greek isles! Mr. Amundsen, you are the best! No one else makes me hear drums inside my head whenever he’s around.” Her green eyes flashed with anticipated delight for spending private time with her new husband and tossed her head. “What a fantastic sound!”
“Is that why you started the ceremony and reception with drums?” He asked while arching an eyebrow.
She nodded and added with a wicked smile, “That and to remind you of our third ‘date’.”
Her new husband flushed a brilliant shade of red. Cat had turned him from a solitary albeit athletic bookworm to a man willing to explore life… and take a few risks. However, he was still concerned about one thing. “Honey,” George asked shyly, “Are you ready to live in Seattle?”
The former gossip columnist looked around the Ballroom, seeing so many familiar faces laughing and enjoying themselves, sharing for a little while in their joy. These people, this moment to be forever held in the amber of her memory. Her time in Metropolis had been exhilarating, but it was time to turn the page.
Perry White the senior editor had given her a job when no one else would and she worked her fingers to the bone paying back that favor. He was more than just the Chief he was a friend, mentor and sometimes exasperated Father. Who better to give her away?
Jenni, Corrina, and Janet; three of the best friends she had ever known; each woman an acknowledged expert in her respective niche of newspaper journalism. They welcomed her to the bullpen and assisted her whenever possible. Jenni had become the sister she never had and despite the separation of continent and ocean, that sisterhood held them together.
Lois Lane. Funny, she had known Lois for years as difficult, feisty and ready to get the assignment done. *Almost* a fitting replacement for Jenni as a reporter, if not as a friend. Sadly, she always walked alone, especially after the Claude debacle. But now, Cat could no longer see the younger woman without Clark by her side any more than she could imagine being without George.
Clark Kent. In a way, she owed all her current and future happiness to this gentle man from Kansas. After he refused to spend the last few hours on Earth with her during the Nightfall disaster, Cat took time to reconsider seriously her life’s path.
Jimmy ‘little cousin’ Olsen, he at one time wanted to share a night of passion with her, but once discovering they were related put an end to that pronto! Watching his growth as a man and as a professional had been most gratifying.
Diane Pallister. The perfect Maid of Honor. <Hopefully, she’ll take my advice and start doing some feature writing. She’s too good a writer to languish in the Weekend section. Lane and Kent need some healthy competition.>
Cat studied Lois and Clark on the dance floor sinuously moving to Etta James and smiled. “Yes George, I’m ready to move to Seattle, but we have to come back here in about six months.”
“Why?”
“Because there is no way I’m going to miss *their* wedding!” she said as she pointed at Lois and Clark.
Last edited by Morgana; 10/30/23 01:42 PM.
