By
Louisa Martin Lopez Stanley sat in her living room, organizing a stack of photo albums. A smile flitted across her face as she looked through a box of pictures. One particular image caught her eye and she pulled it from the bottom of the pile in her lap. In the photo, her mother and father, Maria and Armando, were laughing. Tears welled up in the young woman's eyes and slid down her cheeks.
“Oh Papi ,” she whispered. “I wish you were here. I miss you so much. It seems like a lifetime since we lost you.”
The front door banged open and Louisa's brother, Marco, came strolling in. “Hey, little sister,” he said. “What you got there?”
“Just some old photographs. Do you remember this one?” she asked, handing it over.
The Latino fireman grinned. “I sure do. This was taken the summer before Papa died. Where did you find this?”
“In a box that Mami gave me,” answered his sister. “She wanted me to sort through them and put them in albums.” A chuckled rose in her throat as she spied another photograph. “I thought I burned all these,” she giggled, holding up the snapshot.
Marco leaned over her shoulder. “Apparently, you didn't. I remember this. You were about sixteen and going through a rebellious phase.” He smiled widely. “I thought Mama was going to have a fit when she saw you dressed like that!”
“What about you ?!” snorted Louisa. “Your jaw dropped so far, you practically had to scrape it off the floor. I doubt you ever thought you'd see me clad in leather pants and sporting a spiked hair-do! I think I burned a hole in the ozone layer with all the hairspray I used!” The siblings shared a laugh.
“My sister, the budding rock singer,” snickered Marco, wiping tears from his eyes. “I have to admit, you had quite a voice. Kind of like a cross between a canary and a cement mixer!”
“Good thing my prospective career never went in that direction,” replied the young woman. “Somehow touring the world doesn't quite measure up to being a wife and mother.”
“Touring the world?” question Louisa's husband, Captain Hank Stanley as he came into the room. “What are you talking about, honey?”
Marco snatched the picture from her hand and showed it to the Captain. Hank's mouth dropped open and he burst out laughing. “Is that you , Louisa?” he gasped. “You look so, uh, different !”
“That was the idea, sweetheart,” answered his wife. “I was singing with a rock and roll band at the time and we wanted to make a statement. Unfortunately for us, people thought we were drug addicts instead of serious musicians.”
The Captain grinned. “You didn't happen to save those leather pants by any chance, did you?” he asked, still laughing. “I'd love to see you in them.”
“I don't think I did, but who knows what Mami has stashed away in the basement? But I'll pass on the dog collar. It looks better on Buddy,” she giggled.
Marco winked at his sister. “I think I might have a few tapes from back then,” he said. “Lou, do you remember that club you guys played down on the Strip?”
The young woman grinned. “How could I forget?!? That place was the biggest dump I'd ever seen! Last I heard, they tore it down years ago and left about a million rats and cockroaches homeless.”
What was your band called, honey?” asked Hank.
Louisa bit her lip, thinking hard. “Mute Nostril Agony,” she answered. “We got it from an old Doors song. You know, Marco, I think Toby still lives around here. Maybe I should look him up and have a reunion with him.”
“You sure you want to revisit your shady past, little sister?” he teased. “I seem to recall that the five of you were more notorious than famous.”
“Just because Rick set his hair on fire with a Roman candle doesn't mean we were dangerous,” giggled Louisa. “He thought he looked better afterwards!”
Hank sat down on the couch beside her. “I'd love to see you guys together again, honey. I can have Gage bring his camera and take some pictures. Maybe you can play at Stoker's wedding reception.”
“Mike would have a heart attack if I showed up dressed like that ,” replied the young woman, pointing at the photograph Hank was holding. She grinned at a sudden thought. “I wonder how Chet would look in leopard pants and a Mohawk?” she joked.
Marco raised an eyebrow, imagining his friend dressed that way. “You'd need a lot of hairspray for that, Lou.”
“That's true.” She got up and went into the kitchen, searching for the phone book. “Let's see her. Wilder, Wilder. Here it is: Toby Wilder. He lives down in Newport Beach .” She picked up the phone and dialed. “Yes, hello. Could I speak to Toby Wilder, please? Tell him it's Louisa Lopez calling. Yes, I'll wait. Toby? Hey! How's it going, buddy? Really? That's great! Congratulations. Well, I was going through some old photographs and found some of our old band and decided to get in touch with you. Uh huh, that band. Sure, I'll meet you there. Are any of the other guys still around? Yeah, call them, too. Okay, Tobe, see you then.” She hung up and turned around. “We're gonna meet for a drink and catch up.”
Hank and Marco looked at each and smiled. “This I gotta see,” snickered the Captain. “I'll get my coat.”
“Hold on there a second, hose jockey. You are staying right here with the kids. Emma and Matthew will be home from school in an hour. Someone needs to be here and you were elected. Sorry, sweetheart.”
“All right, but I want to meet these characters. Invite them over for a cook-out.”
“We'll see,” promised Louisa. “I'll try to be back before dinner. If I'm not, go ahead and order a pizza. See you later.” She picked up her purse and left the house.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Two Hours Later
Louisa sat around a table, reminiscing with her old band mates. To her surprise, Toby Wilder was now an attorney. Gene Simpson, their former drummer, was married with two children. Rick Dunkirk and Paul Roland, the guitar players, were still in the music business, playing together in a local group called Rough Riders. The men laughed loudly when Louisa told them about her family.
“Looks like we've all settled down a bit,” chuckled Gene, raising his mug of beer. “So, you're married to a fireman, huh, Lou?”
“Not just a fireman; a Captain ,” replied the young woman. “What's even funnier, both of my brothers work for him!”
“That's trippy,” commented Rick. “You had no idea this other guy was your brother?”
“Not a clue,” answered Louisa. She reached into her purse and pulled out a stack of pictures. She passed them around the table. “Remember these?” she asked, her eyes twinkling.
Laughter erupted as they looked at the images captured on film. “And you always wondered why guys would try to pick you up after our shows, Louisa!” shouted Paul. “Thank God for duct tape! Otherwise you would have exposed more than you intended to!”
The young woman blushed. “I didn't see you looking away, darling,” she teased. “ Your pants were so tight, I'm surprised you didn't split a seam on-stage!”
“Oh, but he did . At the Rosebud, remember?” said Toby. “And he didn't even notice until after the show!”
“What's even more embarrassing is the fact that he never wore underwear in those days,” commented Louisa with a grin. “Didn't you feel your anatomy swishing in the breeze, pal?”
Crystal, the waitress, walked over. “Can I get you another round?” she asked, opening flirting with Rick. “By the way, I saw your show at the Willowbrook last night. You guys rocked!” She blinked. “Didn't you all have a band about 15 years ago? Something about painful noses or something?”
Gene choked on his beer and coughed. Toby pounded him on the back and smiled. “Yeah, that's us. We were called Mute Nostril Agony,” he said.
The waitress beamed. “Are you getting back together? That would be totally awesome!”
Louisa covered her mouth to hide her grin. “I don't know, sweetheart. Most of are respectable now,” snickered Paul. “Lou here is an old married lady with four kids and a fireman husband. I doubt the Fire Department would be amused if she got on stage with a bunch of delinquents like us.”
“Bummer,” said Crystal . “I know a lot of people that would be psyched to see you play again.”
Rick rolled his glass in his hands and looked around the table. “You know, that's not such a bad idea. Reuniting for a show, I mean. It might be fun, reliving old times.”
Louisa put down her gin and tonic and laughed. “Maybe so, but I doubt I could even fit into those leather pants again, after four kids,” she giggled.
Four pairs of eyes settle on the young woman incredulously. Finally, Paul broke the silence. “You've got four kids?” questioned the guitarist. “No offense, Lou, but you still look the same to me.”
The young woman grinned. “Uh huh, so you say,” she teased. “Believe me, dropping my baby weight after my last pregnancy took a lot of hard work. Living on a ranch helped, not to mention running after the rug rats.”
Gene smiled broadly, shaking his blond curls. “That's what Pasty said. She told me running after our boys is a better work-out than any gym could invent.”
“How old are you boys, Gene?” asked Toby.
“Mark is four and Casey just turned eighteen months. What about you, Mrs. Fireman?”
“Emma and Matthew are seven, Hannah is four, and Robert, my youngest, is two. And believe me, the terrible two's aren't just a myth. He's even worse than I was.”
Rick burst out laughing. “Is that possible?” he snorted. “We always said that when God was handing out stubborn streaks, you got in line twice!”
“Three times,” joked Paul, to much laughter. “You could make Satan pull his hair out, little firebrand,” he teased, throwing an arm across Louisa's shoulders.
Another hour passed as the old friends caught up. Finally, the topic of reuniting came up again. “Seriously, it could be a blast,” commented Gene. “I, for one, would enjoy it.”
“Me, too,” put in Louisa. “But, I would never hear the end of it. I'm supposed to be a mild, old married lady.”
Paul grinned. “Married, sure, but no way will you ever be mild or old, sweetie. Count me and Ricky in. We can even get Tyler to promote the show.”
Toby stared at his friends. “You're still hanging around with that creep?” he asked. “Man, I thought you guys were smarter than that. That dude is bad news with a capital B.”
“Not to mention what he tried to do to me,” grumbled Louisa with a frown. She sighed, noticing Gene's hurt look. “Okay, okay, don't start that again, pal. Count me in. I may regret it, but like you said, it would be a blast. Tell you what; why don't all of you come out to my place on Saturday for a cook-out. Hank is dying to meet you guys. We live up in Topanga Canyon . If you behave, I might even let you ride our horses.”
The five former band mates grinned and exchanged phone numbers so they could iron out the details. As they walked out to their cars, Toby pulled Louisa to one side. “Don't worry about Tyler , honey. Knowing your big brother, Marco won't let that jerk get within ten feet of you.”
The young woman chuckled. “Don't forget my husband and his crew,” she answered. “They think it's their mission in life to protect me. One reason I call them the ‘Pit-bull Crew'.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Saturday Morning
Johnny Gage smiled as he walked in the front door of the Stanley home. The children ran to greet him, dragging the paramedic into the kitchen. “Easy, kids. Don't pull my arms out of their sockets.”
“Hi, Johnny. Glad you could make it. Okay, you hellions, outside. Go help your father for a while.” She winked at her friend as the children tore out of the house, screaming at the tops of their lungs. Buddy, the Stanley 's dog, added to the confusion, barking loudly as he chased them. “Some days, I think I'm raising wild animals instead of humans,” she laughed.
“Nah. You're not raising Chet along with them,” teased Johnny. “I got a couple cases of beer out in my Rover. Where do you want them?”
“As soon as Mike and Lara get here, have them help you put it on ice. Are Roy and Joanne coming? I never heard back from them.”
“As far as I know,” replied Gage. He grinned at the young woman. “What did Cap say when you told him your friends were coming over?”
“It was his idea,” replied Louisa. “He told me that he wanted to hear some stories about my ‘wild days', as he put it.”
“From the picture Marco showed us, it should be very interesting, that's for sure,” chuckled the paramedic. “It blows my mind thinking about you dressed in leather and chains, singing in a band!”
The young woman giggled. “Well, if Gene and Rick have their way, you might get to see it first hand. They want us to get together and play again. Maybe you guys can be my groupies,” she teased.
Outside, a car pulled up. Gene, his wife Patsy, and their two children climbed out. Johnny's mouth fell open when he saw the solidly-built drummer. “My God! He looks like he could punch out a tree!”
Louisa didn't answer as she ran out of the house. “Hey, you guys! Welcome to my humble home. Patsy, you haven't changed a bit. How the heck are you?” she called, drawing the woman into a warm hug.
Patsy Simpson grinned. “I'm great,” she replied. “These are our kids, Mark and Casey. Say hello, boys.”
Mark looked up and flashed a gap-toothed smile. “Hello,” he said, his green eyes twinkling.
“Louisa turned and waved Johnny forward. “This is my friend John Gage. He's a paramedic at Hank's station.”
Gene thrust out a meaty hand. “Pleased to meet you, man,” he boomed. “Which pit-bull are you?”
Johnny winced at the man's firm grip. “Pit bull?” he asked, shooting a glance to his hostess. “So, what was she really like at sixteen?” he questioned, nodding in Louisa's direction.
“You can trade stories later, you two. Come on back. I want you to meet my husband.”
Before the little group could move, another car pulled up, followed by a beat-up Volkswagen van. “I can't believe Rick and Paul still have that thing,” giggled Patsy.
“You should see Chet Kelly's van,” snickered Johnny. “It makes that one look brand new!”
A short time later, Mike, Lara, Chet, Marco, Roy, and Joanne arrived. Louisa made the introductions, smiling at her husband's surprised expression. “Everyone get comfortable and help yourselves to a drink. Hank, would you help me inside for a minute?”
The Captain nodded and followed her into the house. “Are you sure they're paper-trained, honey?” he joked, only half-kidding.
“Don't be snide, sweetheart. We're all civilized people, well, except maybe for Chet,” smiled Louisa. “Everything will be fine. The guys may look wild, but looks can be deceiving.”
“If you say so, Lou. I'm still having trouble picturing all of you on-stage, though.”
The young woman laughed. “I'm just glad I didn't invite the Chief. Roy 's reaction was bad enough. I thought he going to choke on his gum when he spotted Rick and Paul. I wish I would have had a camera to capture that look on his face!!”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Five Hours Later
“Are you serious ?!?” Chet was saying. “Lou punched the guy square in the nose and then ran like Hell?!? Oh, man! I would have loved to have seen that!” He broke off, laughing hysterically.
Paul grinned. “But he never laid a hand on her again!” he crowed. “Lou always was a scrapper.”
Hank chuckled. “Was? She still is !” he snorted. “I guess some things never change.”
The group laughed. “You know me,” giggled Louisa. “I never back down from a fight. A good, solid right-cross does wonders in taming certain people.”
“Not to mention a buggy whip,” put in Mike, winking at his sister. He related Louisa's encounter with Angelo Bellavia, punctuating his story with broad gestures. Toby fell out of his chair, collapsing on the grass holding his sides as tears poured down is cheeks.
The young woman pretended to be angry. “Come on, Mikey. I only did that once ,” she shot back. “It's not like I make it a habit.”
Marco stood up, a cassette player in his hands. “I went through a box of stuff in Mama's basement and found some old recordings of your shows,” he said. He turned the machine on and turned up the volume. After a few seconds of silence, the raucous sounds of rock music filled the air. Louisa's voice, raised in a ear-splitting screech, followed, making Hank jump out of his chair.
“Turn it down, pal!” he shouted over the noise. “My God! I knew you could yell pretty loud, honey, but I've never heard you make a sound like that !”
“What do you expect, hose jockey?” questioned Louisa. “I was paying tribute to the late, great Janis Joplin. I had to scream. Wow, this sure brings back memories.”
Rick chuckled. “Yeah, of throat lozenges and hot herbal tea, most likely,” he joked. “Every time we did that song, Lou couldn't speak above a whisper for days,” he commented. “But it always brought the house down.”
Johnny laughed out loud. “I would have loved to be in the front row for that,” he said, a crooked grin on his handsome face. “Maybe you can get her to sing at your reception, Stoker.”
The engineer grinned back. “She already is, but Janis Joplin isn't on the set list,” he replied.
“When is your wedding, Mike?” asked Toby, popping open a can of beer.
“Two weeks from Saturday,” answered Lara, squeezing her fiancé's hand. “Then we go to Montana for our honeymoon. The Johnsons invited to spend it there instead of going to New York City . I just hope I haven't forgotten how to ride.”
Louisa smiled at her. “It's just like riding a bike,” she said. “Unless you ride like my brother,” she teased, gently punching Mike's arm.
Chet spit out his mouthful of soda and fell out of his chair. “Maybe he needs training hooves,” he needled.
Gage snorted in derision. “Like you're an expert rider, Kelly. Weren't you the guy who ended up face down in a puddle of something fragrant?”
The Irishman blushed. “Hey,” he protested, “it wasn't my fault Samson moved before I was ready. Least he could have done was warn me ahead of time!”
“Sure, pal,” put I Hank, grinning widely. “Maybe we should buy you a rocking horse instead of letting you ride the real thing.”
Roy slapped his crew-mate on the back. “Maybe Jennifer will let you borrow hers, Chet,” he joked.
“No thanks, man,” replied Kelly. “I prefer to keep both feet on the ground. One tumble was more than enough.”
Louisa leaned over and whispered to Joanne. The women giggled and got up, dragging Lara into the house. “Now what are they up to?” wondered Hank.
“I don't know, Cap, but I've seen that look on my sister's face before,” said Marco. “And it almost always means she's up to no good.”
“Lara, did you get the info we wanted?” asked Louisa, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“I sure did,” answered the bride-to-be. “Mike's bachelor party is the Thursday night before the wedding. I overheard him talking to Marco about it. So what's your plan?”
“He's having a chick jump out of a cake, right? Well, maybe it won't be the one he thinks it'll be. This is going to be so much fun! Are you sure your sister is with us on this?”
As the women made their plans, their laughter carried outside. Hank raised an eyebrow and looked towards the house. “I think our wives are hatching some scheme, fellas. Maybe we should go eavesdrop?”
After a brief discussion, Johnny was elected to carry out the deed. Before he could do so, the women came back outside, identical innocent smiles on their faces. They stopped in their tracks when they saw the men staring at them.
“What?” asked Louisa. “Can we have a private conversation without you boys getting paranoid?”
“That depends on what you were talking about,” said Roy . “I'm not really sure I want to know.”
“Don't be so suspicious,” admonished Lara. “I was nothing you need to know about. Come on, Mike. Let's go. See you guys later.”
Gene and Patsy got up. “We need to get going, too. It was great meeting all of you,” said the former drummer. “I'll call you in a few days, Lou.”
The rest of the guests said their goodbyes and made their way out to their cars. When they were alone, Hank turned to Louisa. “All right, Mrs. Stanley. Spill your guts. What have you, Jo, and Lara got up your pretty little sleeves?”
“You find out when the time comes, hose jockey.” She winked at her husband. “The kids are all asleep, Captain. Wanna play tag?” she teased.
“Just what are you suggesting, young lady? As if I didn't know,” he teased back, scooping her up and tossing her across his shoulder. The young woman squealed in surprise, then burst out laughing.
“Take me to your cave, master,” she gasped.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Mike's Bachelor Party
“Man, Stoker,” said Johnny drunkenly. “You are one lucky son-of-a-gun.” He slapped his friend on the shoulder, almost knocking him over.
“Thanks, Gagey,” slurred the engineer. “I got me the perfect woman. I am damn lucky, huh?”
A commotion near the door riveted the men's attention. Three masked waiters were wheeling a massive, white-frosted cake through the door. A riot of whooping erupted from the crew. Hank staggered to the front of the room, his hand clamped around a can of beer. “And now for the entertainment!” he shouted. “Gather ‘round, boys!”
The waiters retreated to the back of the hall, whispering to each other. At a signal from the Captain, suggestive music flowed out of the large speakers positioned on each side of the cake. Roy glanced behind him when the waiters giggled in a decidedly feminine manner. His eyebrows drew together in confusion as he recognized the titters.
Johnny grabbed his partner's arm and pulled him to a chair. “Come on, Pally! You're gonna miss all the action!”
At the front of the hall, the top of the cake began to move as if something or someone inside was trying to get out. Seconds later, a masked woman wearing a skimpy bikini jumped out, to the delight of the men. At the same instant, the mysterious waiters tore off their uniforms to reveal similar outfits. They began to bump-and-grind, shaking their hips suggestively.
“Wahoo!” bellowed Chet. “Take it off, baby!”
Hank leaned over, almost falling into Desoto's lap. “Ya know, Roy , those waiters look awful familiar, don'cha think?”
“Whatta ya mean, Ch, uh Cap?” gurgled the paramedic. He looked closely at the bikini-clad woman gyrating in front of him. A mole on the woman's thigh caught his eye. “No way! It couldn't be!”
Marco, who was struggling to keep Chet from falling out of his seat, gasped. “ Dios mío! ” he groaned. “They wouldn't, would they?”
One of the women winked at the others, and, all at once, they removed their masks, revealing their identities. The men gaped in surprise as Lara, Joanne, Louisa, and Lara's sister, Natalie danced around them, laughing hysterically.
“You were expecting someone else?” chortled Louisa as she plopped down on her husband's lap. The Captain grunted and his beer can tumbled from his hand.
“Does this mean they're not gonna strip?” muttered Chet. “Some bachelor party this turned out to be,” he complained. Marco slapped his arm. “Ow, Marco. What'd you do that for?”
“Were you surprised, Roy ?” questioned Joanne, running her fingers through the paramedic's hair. Desoto turned red and tried unsuccessfully to cover his wife's exposed flesh.
“We just wanted to spice things up a little,” giggled Natalie, tossing her long blond hair. “I'd say we accomplished that, huh, ladies?”
“I'll say!” snorted Louisa as she balanced on her husband's lap. She raised an eyebrow as Chet and Johnny stared her with their mouths open. “Uh, guys, my face is up here!”
The Irishman tore his eyes away, his face crimson with embarrassment. “Sorry, Lou. It's just that outfit is so, um, how do I say it?”
“Revealing?” snickered Joanne. She stood up, winking at the other women. “I think we proved our point, wouldn't you say? I don't know about any of you , but I'm freezing.” She ran towards the door, Louisa and Natalie right behind her. Lara was busy whispering to Mike, who was having a difficult time controlling his laughter.
“Did you see the looks on their faces?!?” tittered Joanne as she changed her clothes. “I thought Hank and Roy were going to fall out of their chairs!”
Louisa nodded, buttoning her blouse. “Natalie, would you go pry your sister away? This night isn't over yet. I have another surprise for her.”
The blonde grinned. “Do I dare ask?” she joked. She went back into the banquet hall and returned a few minutes later, her sister in tow. Lara was laughing so hard tears were streaming down her cheeks.
“I have a sneaking suspicion being a member of this family is going to be a riot!”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Mike and Lara's Wedding Day
“You ready for this big brother?” asked Louisa as she adjusted Mike's tie. “Marriage is a serious commitment.”
The engineer smiled, his eyes shining. “Yeah, Lou. I've finally found the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. I know it's unconventional, but thanks for being my best man, or is it best woman?” he teased.
“You're welcome,” answered his sister. “I've always wondered what I'd look like in a tuxedo. Now, I have the chance to find out.” She stepped back, looking at her brother in admiration. “And might I say, you look incredibly handsome in yours, Michael.”
Mike's face turned solemn. “I know I asked you this before, but, please , for me, could you be at least civil to Constance ? I know you haven't forgiven her for giving you up, but it's important to me to have her here today.”
Louisa chuckled. “Anything for you, good-looking. I'll be a perfect angel. I've kind of softened towards her since Robert was born.”
Chet knocked on the door, then poked his head inside. “We're ready to start, you two. Hey, Stoker, nice monkey suit,” he joked.
The siblings shared a laugh. “Thanks, Kong,” giggled Louisa. “Where did you stash your bananas?”
“Never mind that, Mrs. Cap. At least you're covered today. That was a real dirty trick, showing up at the bachelor party the way you ladies did.”
“I didn't see you looking the other way, Chester . Come on, Mike. Time to strap on the old ball-and-chain.”
They walked to the front of the church, drawing approving murmurs from the guests. Hank smiled at his wife from his place in the pew. Mike and Louisa's birth mother, Constance Sutton, sat beside him, a bright smile on her face, as she held Robert on her lap. The toddler was more interested in the flowers pinned to her jacket than he was in what was going on around him.
Father Daniel Young, the same minister who had officiated at Hank and Louisa's wedding, took his place at the altar. A peal of organ music announced the start of the ceremony. Emma and Matthew Stanley, in their roles as flower girl and ring bearer, strolled down the aisle. Close behind them, Lara's sister, Natalie, followed, dressed in a pale-blue gown, which setoff her blond hair and green eyes. As soon as she reached her place, the organist played the first lilting chords of the wedding march. Lara appeared as if by magic, radiant in her long, white gown and veil. Her father, George, escorted her down the aisle, his face lit up with a proud grin.
A gasp rose from the guests as the bride reached her groom. George placed his daughter's hand in Mike's and bent down to kiss her cheek. “Take good care of her, son,” he said.
“You can bet on that, sir,” answered Stoker.
Father Young cleared his throat. “We are gathered here today, in sight of God and these witnesses, to join this man, Michael Charles Stoker, and this woman, Lara Marie Crenshaw, in holy matrimony. If there is anyone who can show just case as to why these two should not be joined, please speak now or forever hold your peace. Okay, who gives this woman to this man?”
George stood up, his chest puffed out in obvious pride. “Her mother and I do,” he said. “Another Department marriage, huh, Dan?”
A ripple of laughter echoed through the church as the priest replied. “About time another one of these Station 51 hose jockeys got hitched! At least these two won't ride off on the back of the engine!”
“Or burn their superior's hat!” shouted Chief McConikee. Hank slid down in his seat and turned red.
“Lara, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, for richer or for poorer, in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, to love, honor, and cherish, until death do you part?” intoned Young.
“I do,” said Lara softly, smiling at her groom.
“Michael, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, for richer or for poorer, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love, honor, cherish, and obey , until death do you part?”
“I do,” grinned Mike.
“The rings, please. The ring is a complete circle, with no beginning and no end,” said the priest. “Lord, bless these rings and those who wear them. Well, go on. Put them on each other, kids,” he chuckled.
Lara giggled. “Michael, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and fidelity, and as a token of our vows.”
“Lara, I give you this ring as a symbol of our bond and as a symbol of my love and fidelity. I'm very proud to have you as my life-mate. Please accept it as a token of our vows and my commitment to you.”
“As Lara and Michael have stated their intentions before God and these witnesses, by the speaking of sacred vows and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce that they are husband and wife. Those who God has brought together, let no one put asunder. Michael, you may now kiss your bride.”
“With pleasure!” grinned Mike, lifting his wife's veil and planting a passionate kiss on her lips. “Forever, my love,” he whispered.
“Ladies, gentlemen and hose jockeys, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stoker!” shouted Father Young. “Go with God, my children.”
The newlyweds ran down the aisle as their family and friends cheered. The attendants followed, Louisa smiling widely. She winked at Hank as she passed.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Three Hours Later
“Congratulations, you two,” said Louisa as she hugged her brother and new sister-in-law. “It was a beautiful wedding.”
Mike chuckled. “Was it? I didn't notice. I was too busy admiring my gorgeous bride.”
Constance reached out and squeezed her son's arm. “Thank you for inviting me, Michael. I wasn't sure I would be welcomed by everyone,” she said, shooting a glance at Louisa, who dropped her eyes in embarrassment.
“I promised Mike that I would behave,” answered the young woman. “I wouldn't dream of letting my personal feelings get in the way of his wedding day.”
“I just wish Amanda could have been here,” replied the engineer. “But I guess giving birth takes priority over everything else.”
Constance laughed softly. “It's hard to comprehend that all three of my children are all married now. Kind of makes me feel like an old lady.”
Lara smiled. “You could never be old, Mother Sutton,” she commented. She looked up as the DJ tapped on his microphone. “Sounds like he wants get our attention.”
Louisa grinned. “I think he needs me for something, like my ‘best woman' speech.” She headed for the bandstand and took the mic from the DJ. “Okay, if everyone will take their seats, I have a few words I'm supposed to say to the bride and groom. Don't worry, Hank, I'll keep it clean,” she joked.
The guests scrambled to take their seats as she whispered to the dee-jay. A waiter handed the young woman a glass of champagne while the rest of the serving-crew passed out the bubbly wine.
“First of all, I'd like to congratulate Mike and Lara. He waited so long, I'd never thought I would see this day,” she chuckled. But now, I'm glad he took his time, because he's found his perfect mate, just like I did when I married Hank. Some people call marriage an institution. I guess they could be right, since it feels like you're in an asylum at times. I prefer to call it a partnership of a man and woman working together to make a life for themselves. Mike, Lara, there will be times when you will drive each other crazy. Believe me, I've been there many times with Hank. When you feel that way, just recall how much you love each other and it will be easy to carry on. I know there will be days you will think that you can't go on, but I know in my heart that you two will persevere. To Mike and Lara. I wish you many, many years of happiness and, I hope, lots of children. I pass the torch of populating Los Angeles County to you , Michael!” She raised her glass and drank as the guests laughed.
Mike stood up with a broad grin on his face. “Thanks, Lou, for that, uh, moving speech. As for ‘populating the County', as you so delicately put it, we're working on it!” He turned to Lara, his eyes softening. “To my beautiful bride. You've made me the happiest man on Earth today. I love you, honey.”
The new Mrs. Stoker smiled back at her husband. “If you're the happiest man on Earth, Michael, then I'm the happiest woman on the planet!”
The room erupted in cheers as the newlyweds shared a kiss. “All right, you two. There's enough time for making out later. Mike, you asked me to choose a song to be played for your first dance with Lara, so here it is.” She turned and smiled a the dee-jay. “Go ahead, man. You know which tune to play.” She stepped off the bandstand and joined her husband as the first notes drifted from the speakers.
“All along in my heart I've known,
There's one thing in my life,
That still rings true:
I can count on you.
Count on you to be there,
No questions in the air,
No asking why or where,
No looking back.
Count on you every time,
To ease my worried mind.
You'll forever be, important to me,
My miracle find.
If I had to choose one place
To spend the rest of my days
Anywhere would do,
Long as it's close to you.”*
As the newlyweds danced across the floor, several of the guests wiped tears from their eyes as the heartfelt words of the song Louisa had chosen hit home. Joanne reached out to squeeze Roy 's hand, her look conveying the deep love she felt for him. Hank slid his arm around his wife's shoulders and whispered in her ear. “That's beautiful, honey. It echoes exactly what I feel for you.”
“That's one reason I chose it, sweetheart,” Louisa whispered back. “I always thought it would be the perfect song to play for the bride and groom's first dance together.”
As the song ended, a hush settled over the room. Not wanting to break the mood, the dee-jay played “Endless Love” as other couples joined Mike and Lara on the dance floor. McConikee walked over to the main table and held out his hand. “Hank, would you allow me to dance with your beautiful wife?” he asked, his eyes curiously moist.
“Sure, Chief. Go right ahead,” replied the Captain. “What do you say, Natalie?” he asked Lara's sister. “You want to take a spin with a broken-down, old hose jockey?”
The girl laughed. “I'd love to, Hank. But where are we going to find the man you just described?”
McConikee smiled down at his partner. “I never thought I would say this to a woman, Louisa, but you look really good in a tux.”
The young woman giggled softly. “Thanks, Pat. I don't know why Mike wanted you guys to wear these instead of your dress uniforms, but I'm glad he did. I'd look pretty funny wearing a Captain's hat!”
The Chief winked. “Those two are enjoying this to much,” he said, pointing his chin at Mike and Lara. “How about we cut in? I want at least one chance to dance with the bride.”
“You're on.” As they neared the couple, she tapped Lara on the shoulder. “May we cut in?” she asked. “I promise to bring him back in one piece.”
“Be my guest,” answered Lara.
“So, how does it feel, Mikey? Has it hit you yet?”
The engineer grinned. “I'll let you know after we get back from our honeymoon. Seriously, little sister, thank you so much for helping us plan the wedding. I would have been lost if not for you and Cap.”
“I was more than glad to do it, Mike,” answered his sister. “You and Lara are perfect for each other. I know you'll be happy.”
“I already am, Lou,” replied Stoker. “This ranks as one of the best days of my life, right ahead of getting a new engine for the station.”
The siblings shared a private laugh. “Don't tell your wife that, buddy, or you might end up sleeping in that engine! But I understand what you mean.” Louisa glanced over her partner's shoulder as two waiters appeared, wheeling out a huge, white-frosted cake. “Wow!” They did a great job on the cake! It's absolutely gorgeous! Maybe we should get the K-12 for that thing!”
After the prerequisite cake-cutting ceremony, the dee-jay put on some fast dance music. Johnny Gage took a break from his job as designated photographer to ask Lara to dance. The new bride laughed breathlessly as the paramedic whirled her around the floor. Mike took the opportunity to dance with Constance . Chet approached the bandstand and asked the dee-jay to play an Irish melody. “Come on, Mrs. Cap!” he called to Louisa. “Let's get down and boogie!”
“You're on, Chester !” As the two of them jigged, a circle formed around them, calling out encouragement and clapping their hands in time with the rolling music. The Irishman ignored the catcalls that rang out when he tripped over his own feet. “Hey, Chet!” shouted Johnny. “I thought this was your native dance! Pick up the pace, man!”
“Shut up, Gage!” panted Kelly. “I'd like to see you try it!”
“All right! Get back out the way before you hurt yourself!” The paramedic stepped in front of Louisa, his shoes pounding heavily on the floor as he matched her moves.
“Not as easy as it looks, huh, Johnny?” panted the young woman. She threw up her arms and stopped. “Whew! What a work-out! Better than the gym any day!” she gasped, wiping sweat from her forehead.
A couple of hours later, Constance sat down to talk to her daughter. “Louisa, thank you for not making a fuss about me being here,” she began. “It means a lot to me.”
The young woman smiled stiffly. “It was important to Mike that you be here,” she said. “That doesn't mean I'm any closer to forgiving you for what you did.” She paused, staring down at her hands. “So, um, how have you been?” she asked awkwardly.
“Fine, thanks for asking. Sam and I have been talking on the phone a little about what happened after we split up. You may not believe this, but I do regret giving you up as a child. If I could go back and do things differently, I would have kept you with me.”
Louisa sat back in her chair, surprised by the older woman's confession. “Maybe so, but the past is the past. Let's leave it there, okay? Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”
Constance sat back and sighed. She looked up when Hank sat down beside her. “Don't take it so hard,” said the Captain. “She just needs time. I'm sure someday she'll be ready to forgive you.”
I hope you're right, Hank. I thought her allowing me to be here meant that she had forgiven me, but I guess I was wrong.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“Okay, Mike,” said Louisa as her brother and his new wife were waiting for their flight to Montana . “Give this note to Dorothy when you arrive. And don't you go reading it! It's for her eyes only.”
The engineer looked at hi sister suspiciously. “What are you up, little sister?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Me? Not a thing, Michael,” answered the young woman. “Have fun, you two. Say hello to everyone for me.”
Lara stepped forward. “Thank you for everything, Louisa,” she whispered as she hugged her. “I'll call you when we get to the Johnsons'.”
After the plane took off, Louisa left the airport and drove home. Hank was outside with the children when she pulled up. “Hi, honey,” he called. “Maria called. I told her you'd call her back when you got home.”
“All right. Lunch will be ready in half an hour. Come inside and get the rug rats cleaned up. And don't forget to let Buddy out.”
Montana
“Mike!” shouted Phillip Johnson. “Good to see you again, pal. This must be Lara. Hello there. I'm Phil. Welcome to Montana !”
“Thank you, sir,” replied Lara. “Wow! It's beautiful up here! Thanks for letting us spend our honeymoon here.”
Johnson led them into the house and showed them where to put their suitcases. “Make yourselves at home,” he said. “If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to speak up.”
“We won't,” answered Mike. “Oh, I almost forgot!” he said, pulling Louisa's note out of his pocket. “My sister asked me to give this to Dorothy.”
“Knowing her, it's instructions on how to treat you,” joked the rancher. “I'll give it to her while you're freshening up.” He left the room, whistling loudly.
“So, Mrs. Stoker, what would you like to do first?” asked the engineer, drawing his new bride into his arms.
“I'd like to eat, then go horseback riding. How does that sound?”
Mike's forehead wrinkled in dismay. “Uh, honey, I never told you this, but I've never ridden a horse before. Lou offered to teach me, but we never found that good at riding. Lou tried to show me a couple times, I'm not all that comfortable with it.”
Lara smiled. “I'm sure that man she told us about, Gray Eagle, would be happy to teach you, sweetheart. Why don't we go find him and ask?”
“All right. Just don't laugh if I make a complete fool of myself.”
The couple left the house and went searching for Gray Eagle. They found him out near the corral, chatting with Buck Red Deer, the ranch foreman. The Native American man grinned when he saw them. “Hello, Michael,” he said quietly. “You must be Lara. Congratulations on your marriage.”
Mike grinned back, happy to see him. “Thanks. My beautiful wife here wants to go riding, but ‘m not that good. Think you could show me what to do?”
“Of course! You mean to tell me your sister never let you ride her horses?” he chuckled.
“She wanted to teach me how to ride, but other things always came up. How hard can it be to sit on a horse's back anyhow?”
Buck smothered a laugh. “Not as easy as you think, Mike,” he replied. “Come on, let's pick you out a mount and get started. I certainly hope you'll do better than Hank the first time he rode!”
A short time later, Mike was sitting astride a dapple-gray mare. The animal's ears flicked back and forth as she waited for instruction. Lara giggled when she saw her husband's uncertain expression. “Relax, Mike. You fight fires every shift. Don't tell me you're scared?” she teased.
Stoker frowned darkly. “I'm not scared,” he grumbled. “I'm just not used to my seat moving under me, that's all.”
“Okay, Mike,” said Buck. “Gently tap her with your heels and walk her around the corral. Good, you're doing fine. Now, pull back on the reins, but not too hard. See? You're a natural, just like your sister.”
“This is great!” called the engineer. He stopped the mare and slid down from the saddle, grinning from ear-to-ear. “Go on, honey. Try it.”
Before Lara could climb into the saddle, Dorothy came out onto the porch and rang the dinner bell. She waved to the little group, then went back inside.
“Go ahead,” encouraged Buck. “I'll put Ashes in her stall and be there in a few minutes. Come on, girl,” he said, leading the horse away.