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Back to the Planet, part 8

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Clark kissed Lois at the door of the Callards. “Order me a double burger with the works and a root beer, hon. I need to take care of a florist order but I’ll be back before anything gets cold.”

True to his word, he dropped the orchids at the florist’s doorstep fresh from the rain forest, and his arrival timing at Callards it was about the same time as his hamburger. Clark didn’t even need to apply any heat to it.

Two days and counting. All their lists of wedding plans were being ticked off one by one.

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Upon awaking the morning before the wedding, Lois was so happy that the wait was over. She was going to be married tomorrow! She knew how incredibly lucky she was that she had this second chance to make right what she had done by agreeing to marry Lex Luthor for all the wrong reasons. This time she had no dread or no sense of doom. She was just impatient for the day she would be Lois Lane Kent.

Lois went through all her lists, called everyone involved to make sure that her wedding was on track, and then she relaxed. It would have been so much easier to let the wedding planner take care of all the details she was worried about, but then again, she didn’t want to arrive at the wedding to find Swiss Bell Ringers or thirty white doves. She wanted flowers, her beautiful dress, and the groom of her dreams at the church they had chosen, surrounded by their best friends, and the reception afterward at their favorite Italian Inn. Nothing else!

Clark arrived with his mom and dad and they helped Lois pack up her suitcases for the wedding and another one for the honeymoon. All of them had a relaxed day, with the rehearsal at three that afternoon. When they arrived at the Church for the rehearsal, the orchids, ferns, and candles were almost all in place. Lois was so pleased with the look of the church. It was even more beautiful than she had imagined. There seemed to be a solid wall of greenery with purple and white orchids every few inches. She could imagine herself and Clark captured on film forever with that backdrop.

Clark and his dad went to pick up their tuxedoes. While they were gone, Lois and Martha sat down and had a talk about what it would mean to Lois now that she was going to be Mrs. Superman as well as Mrs. Kent. Martha was pleased that Lois had softened her stance about Clark, and seemed to really appreciate the fact that she had gotten the sweet farm boy, but all those muscles with major responsibility to the world also came along with the fellow she was about to marry. Martha told Lois that she was so glad she gave her boy a chance, because he did love her, dearly. That was not news to Lois, but it made her feel so very happy about the marriage. If only she had grown up in a family that loved each other like this one she was about to join, she would not have wasted so much time with Claude and Lex--both disasters.

After supper, Lucy and Lois moved into the Hilton Hotel. Lois was determined not to spend a lot of time talking on the phone to Clark, but she was so lonesome for him that she defied one of her own rules and
called him just to hear his voice.

The sisters had a wonderful time just talking about everything and nothing. They went to bed, but Lois had a terrible time sleeping. The next morning, the hairdresser and manicurist showed up, along with Ellen Lane and Martha Kent. All of them had their hair done and nails fixed. Lois did not want anyone to do her makeup, but Lucy and the mothers had their makeup done for them. With only an hour before the two o’clock wedding, they ate a light lunch of turkey sandwiches, after which Lois put on her dress. Her mother and mother-in-law were overwhelmed by the softness and flowing lines of the dress. Lois Lane had lost a lot of her sharp edges, as evidenced by the soft silky gown that hugged her and flared slightly at the bottom. It had a hint of lace and beading on the edges of the neckline and at the floor, and was plain except for those few decorations. Lois was every inch the bride, complete with the rosy cheeks and a smile that would not quit.

It seemed to take forever for the ticking clock to move toward the time of the wedding. As prearranged, Superman arrived at quarter till two and took his place in a pew half way down the church aisle. At three minutes till two, he stood up, excused himself as he climbed over the others in the row, and made his way out of the sanctuary. He stopped and told Bill Henderson that the trouble was not local, so Bill could stay at the church, but Superman was needed elsewhere. He stopped in the vestibule and kissed the bride on the cheek. Superman seemed to be overwhelmed by the way the bride looked, but he continued to apologize that he had to leave and he flew off out the front door of the church. At the same time, Clark looked out the
side door of the choir loft at the crowd arriving. The pastor motioned for the organist to start the music, and she played a few classical numbers that Lois and Clark had chosen. At exactly two o’clock, the Rev. Andrew Potter, Clark, and Jonathan went from the side room to the front of the church to await the rest of the wedding party. Martha and Ellen were escorted to their pews, and Lucy got into the procession to go down the aisle. As soon as she made it all the way to the front of the church, the music changed. The pipe organ started with trumpets that announced that the bride was ready to arrive. All the seated guests arose to their feet as Lois and her father started down the aisle. The bride was so lovely that most of the guests found themselves smiling at the beautiful bride who was moving toward her handsome groom. The look on Clark’s face was one of awe. His eyes never left his bride the whole way down the aisle.

Sam Lane handed his daughter over to Clark and kissed her on the cheek after he helped her adjust her veil. He was reminded how he had missed so much of her life. Lois was grown up, a successful and award--winning writer, and now about to become the wife of her true love. She was no longer his little princess. While Sam was happy for his daughter, he also was very sad that so much time had passed and he had not been there to enjoy his little girl’s different stages.

Lois handed her bouquet to her sister. Lucy finished straightening Lois’ veil and whispered, “love you, sis.” Lois mouthed the same words back to Lucy. As she turned back toward her groom, she looked him in the eye for the first time. There she saw the love she had wanted for so long and had alluded her in all her previous relationships. She had learned about love from Clark and now she knew about it first hand. His love was not a temporary attitude, and she knew in her heart that in ten thousand years she would not meet someone who would love her any more.

“What does the bride‘s family want to say to the groom’s family about this wedding?” began Rev. Anthony. Lois had objected to the way most brides are given to their groom. So they had worked out a compromise acceptable to all of them.

“Her mother, her sister, and I give our blessing to this union.” Sam turned and went to sit down by Ellen as soon as he had said his peace. Lucy reached over and handed Clark’s ring to Rev. Andrew.

“Mr. Kent. What does the groom’s family want to say to the bride’s family about this wedding?”

“Clark’s mother and I welcome Lois into this family with all the love and affection we can possibly give. We are so proud and glad to include her in our family.” Then Jonathan gave Rev. Andrew Lois’ ring.

“Dearly Beloved, we are gathered in this Holy place to unite the two people standing before us and to say to all here present and those who meet them in the future that the love they have for each other is not a temporary or fleeting phase. We wish to present them to God and their friends as joined forever more.”

Clark had not taken his eyes off his bride. Lois had looked down at their hands that were joined and listened to the preacher as he started the ceremony. They had just met him a few weeks before when they went to the pre-marital classes, but they learned to trust his instincts. He asked the two of them to pay attention to what they were about to vow to each other..

“Lois and Clark. Those who have read the Daily Planet know your names, but we who are here to witness your vows today know your hearts. Weeks ago, when we were discussing love and the meaning of marriage I got to know a little about your individual histories. I know that Clark has a better grasp on what the word love means, as a child of adoption. He told me about the loving parents who took him in and made his world a happy place. Lois told me of difficulties in seeing how love was permanent because of her home situation. But both of you agree that you want to make your love a living, growing entity in your lives. So it is to that end result that I asked each of you to add a promise to your vows that was private in meaning between the two of you. Today as you repeat your vows, I ask you to add those words meant only for each other.”

Lois and Clark turned toward each other again. They took the hands of the other in their hands. Rev. Andrew said, “Lois, repeat after me: I, Lois, take thee, Clark, as my lawful wedded husband.” Lois looked in Clark’s eyes and said the words. She then repeated the next phrase adding her words to her vows. “I promise to love, honor, and trust you always in sickness and health, poverty and wealth, until death parts our union.”

Clark started to get a tear in the corner of his eye. Lois had always had so much trouble with the word trust. For her to include that in the vows meant she had truly forgiven him for his keeping Superman from her. He was forgiven for his lack of good judgment in telling a secret the wrong way even though she needed to know. And most of all, he was sure that by using those words he heard her heart tell him she really did want to love him forever.

Clark heard the pastor clear his throat. Rev. Andrew looked back at Clark and began, “Repeat after me: I, Clark, take thee Lois as my lawful wedded wife.” Clark repeated his part and waited for the pastor to give him the next line. He had debated so long what word or words to tell Lois, and when she added trust as her word, he knew what he wanted to say. “I promise to love, honor, and make you my number one priority in sickness and health, poverty and wealth, until death parts our union.”

“My charge to this couple is to remember that the vows you just took are not a multiple-choice menu, but a solemn promise to stand by each other during the bad as well as the good. If you will join me in agreeing to these promises, please exchange rings as a token of this vow.”

Lois slipped Clark’s ring on and Clark put Lois’ ring on her finger. As they slipped the rings on their fingers, they repeated after Rev. Andrew as he said, “I promise with this ring that I will be all that my spouse needs me to be.“ They continued to look at the rings until they heard the pastor announce, “By the powers invested in me as a minister and a representative of the state of New Troy, I pronounce you husband and wife. It is my distinct privilege and honor to introduce to this congregation and the world, Mr. and Mrs. Kent. You may kiss your bride, Clark.”

Clark took his wife in his arms. They kissed until they heard Rev. Andrew say, “Save a little for later.” With red faces they broke the kiss. As they turned around to face the audience, the whole congregation rose to their feet and started applauding. That brought huge grins to their faces.

Lucy handed Lois back her bouquet, and the newly married couple walked back down the center aisle slowly while looking into the faces of their families and dearest friends. Every one of them were there to
celebrate love, and were genuinely happy for the new couple. The newlyweds piled into their new Jeep and went on the short trip to their reception site. Lois needed to reapply lipstick before entering the reception, and Clark had to wipe a lot of lipstick off his face, but the grins never left.

A light supper was served, the beautiful four tiered cake was cut, toasts were offered, and the new couple danced their first dance as man and wife. Clark tried to remember all the details of the happiest day in his life, but he was sure that some of it would be forgotten. He had spent so much of his life wondering if he would ever be like other males, and today’s wedding told the world that Clark/Superman was able to fall in love and to marry. He was so happy he had everything he had ever wanted.

They prepared to leave, so Lois threw her bouquet and was thrilled when her sister caught the orchids. As they drove off in the Jeep, Lois and Clark knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that they belonged together. They also knew that the honeymoon was long overdue. Shortly after the Kents checked into the honeymoon suite of the St. James Hotel, a DO NOT DISTURB sign appeared on the door. It did not leave the room for the two weeks that they were there for a honeymoon. But the staff of the hotel had to admit they never saw the couple. As a matter of a fact, it was reported by some obviously mistaken person that they were seen in Hawaii. Superman appeared in Metropolis twice during the two week period, but both of those times were short in duration. Superman must have decided his priorities had changed.

Clark presented Lois with a certificate that stated the Superman Foundation was going to endow a scholarship in her name for female college students wanting to go into journalism. He explained that the rest of the money would be used to help establish schools, orphanages, and medical clinics in third world countries. Years from now when Utopia was a reality the wedding gift of Lois’ name going to such worthy causes was remembered. Lois’ gift to Clark was she gave him a necklace with a St. Jude’s medal signifying he was the patron saint of lost causes just like St. Jude. Superman made the impossible happen, including making Lois Lane into someone who understood love. The medal was made of yellow gold with a small diamond in it to signify the beginning of their union where Superman mined both gold and diamonds for causes that could not have been fixed without his help. Tempus would have been so disappointed.

One month later, the Daily Planet was back in business. The Kents were a big part of making it a success. Their partnership was as solid than ever. They never again let the Daily Planet get into disrepair but made sure that good triumphed over evil in word and deed.


The end of the beginning

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Thanks to Happy Girl for her beta of this story. She inspired a few things with her comments that I’m sure never occurred to her. Most of them were added after she finished her part of it. I do like the end result. So, thank you so very much, Michelle.

I had an unfortunate accident where the original was deleted, and all I found was copies of the work Michelle helped me finish. One whole section was not able to be reclaimed. It is my fault, not hers. She did an excellent job and the mistakes are all mine.