The Matchmaker Files - An Unusual Proposal
Rated PG-13
G -
Story - TOC* emphasis*
<thoughts>
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Previously
As the sun was going down they all gathered for dinner. Lois helped the wounded Clark to eat.
Martha pointed out that because of his wound, Clark should probably sleep on the couch instead of in the bed with Lois. "If you or he gets restless in the night, it could aggravate his injury. He'd probably be better off on the couch."
Lois nodded her understanding and as they were going to bed, Clark looked at Lois and asked, "See you in the morning?"
Shyly, Lois nodded her head in response before going upstairs to the bedroom.
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There were a couple of reasons that Clark slept on the couch that night. First, he needed to be off the floor so he opted for the comfort of the couch as Martha pointed out, and second, it was bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.
Martha had changed his dressing a couple of times. The blood had stopped flowing and the wound had shown signs of accelerated healing. The hope was that some more exposure to the sun would help complete his healing.
Clark spent a long time in thought. He was worried about the outcome the next day. Would Ramsbottom have people there to put him in cuffs and take him to prison? He immediately discounted that, there had to be due process. There would need to be a trial if nothing else and he could appeal any decision that was made.
Mostly, he didn't want to have to say goodbye to Lois. He wanted her in his life.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lois spent an almost sleepless night. Now that she knew Clark's secret she was elated to think that she would be marrying Superman, but was it right? She had, after all, blackmailed him into it. He claimed to love her, but she didn't know exactly how she felt about him. The old fear of a failed marriage still haunted her. There were so many women that threw themselves at Superman, how could she compete? Would he cheat on her? How could she stand it if he did? She was forcing him to perform an illegal act which went against everything that he stood for as Superman, admittedly, he was doing it as Clark Kent, but that just begged the question since she now knew that Superman and Clark Kent were one and the same, how could she make Clark commit an illegal act forcing his dual identity to do the same thing?
Because of the argument she was having with herself and her conscience, when she finally drifted off to sleep it was in the wee hours of the morning and she still hadn't come to a conclusion.
She finally awoke to the light that was streaming in the window. The same window that she and Clark had looked out from at all of his friends as they performed the Charivari. His friends … he had such very nice friends, and his family. She was growing to love Martha, her gentle manner and her wisdom. Her acceptance. To be the mother of Superman she had to be super herself. And Jonathan, his quiet, gentle ways, so unlike her father and again, so accepting of her. She felt almost, no, not almost, she felt ashamed having put them in this position.
Finally, she knew what she had to do and steeled her resolve to do it. In order to save Clark, it would have to be done publically.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Typical of Kansas at that time of the year, with the speed and unexpectedness of a tornado, clouds had rolled in and rain was threatening, so it appeared as though the decision to hold the ceremony in the barn had been warranted.
In the morning, while Martha helped Lois, Jonathan was busy in the barn. In a short while Lois heard a noise and looked from the window and as she watched, a couple of pickup trucks pulled up and Pete Ross and Billy Eck started unloading folding chairs and tables and carrying them into the barn.
While Pete and Billy worked, Jonathan came into the house to help Clark get dressed. The white sling stood out in sharp contrast against the dark material of his suit, but that couldn't be helped.
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Lois interrupted Herb, "Wow, they are in a real pickle. It looks like as soon as they say their ‘I Do's' Mr. Ramsbottom will have Clark arrested and Lois deported. What was this decision that she made? Is she going to go through with the wedding?"
Clark added, "What about Clark? That was an open threat that Ramsbottom made. He was still convinced that it was a fake marriage just to keep her from being deported. He told them in so many words that if they married he was going to have Clark arrested. It would be awfully suspicious if Superman disappeared for five years while Clark was in jail. There are a lot of people that would put two and two together.
Herb chuckled, "We are dealing with the female mind, don't forget, but more importantly this is Lois Lane. Lois, what would you do in this situation?"
"Really, Herb, I don't know. I might have left in the middle of the night and driven to Canada. Is that what she did?"
"I guess I'll have to tell you some more of the story."
And now
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Chapter 18
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Since Clark was downstairs, Martha brought Lois a breakfast tray. When she did, all Lois could think of was the other day when Martha had done the same for them as a couple. As she was picking at the food she was remembering how it had felt serving Clark and even the comment she had made about serving
her husband and learning to cook so that he
wouldn't leave her for someone who
could cook and she started to tear up. She was thankful that Martha had not stayed in the room because while she ate, she found that she was choking back tears. She simply picked at her food in a distracted fashion while trying to reign in her emotions. After Lois had finished, she had just managed to get her emotions under control before Martha returned to help her get into the gown.
The gown was an antique white because of its age. It had been pristine white when Martha had worn it more than thirty years prior to this day. Because Lois was a little taller than Martha the train was shorter, but that suited Lois, at least she wouldn't be tripping over the hem. She didn't know how, but Martha had managed to let out the bust slightly so that she didn't feel squashed. It actually felt like it had been made for her now.
There was no veil so Martha had created a crown of flowers picked fresh from her garden. Martha had used more flowers from the same source to create a bridal bouquet for Lois to carry. It was unique; a bouquet encompassing rustic charm and delicate elegance. Martha had used her artistic flair to create a bridal bouquet composed of softened burlap, and white roses, with shimmering rhinestones and classic pearls which Martha had hot glued to the burlap. The delicate bundle was wrapped in a creamy satin ribbon allowing Lois to carry it with ease.
With Martha's help, Lois's had pulled her hair into a French twist with just a couple of curled whips of hair, thanks to Martha's curling iron, dangling on each side, framing her face, but leaving her long elegant neck bare. Standing in front of the old-fashioned, wooden framed, full length mirror, Lois took in her appearance as Martha did some final straightening then turning away slightly to face Martha, Lois asked a bit nervously, "Do you think that Clark will like it?"
Martha finally stood back and said, "Lois, you could be wearing a gunny sack and he would still think you were the most beautiful woman in the world." Stepping close, Martha placed her arm across Lois's shoulders and the other hand on her arm and standing next to her, turned her so that she was again looking into the mirror. As they both looked at their reflection in the mirror she said, "That being said, you are a very lovely bride."
Looking down in embarrassment and a pang of guilt, Lois replied in a quiet tone, "Thank you for all that you have done for me, but I really don't deserve it."
Martha shifted around until she had her arms around Lois in a hug as she said, "Don't even think such a thing. You do deserve this."
Lois had been having doubts about what she was doing and they had crystallized just that morning. Lois thought. <How could she be so kind to me? I'm marrying her son under false pretenses; but she doesn't know that. Clark obviously hasn't told them what is really happening. Clark deserves a better wife than me - someone who truly loves him.>
Lois was close to tears which Martha misunderstood. She said, "No, you really don't understand. You shouldn't be this nice to me." Then she added, "I'm sorry."
Martha brushed it off by saying, "What is there to understand or to be sorry for? It's my pleasure to do these things for you. After all, you are marrying my son. You are going to be my daughter-in-law in just a short while." Suddenly, Martha was distracted, her smile faded as she concentrated on something. She muttered, "Something blue." Suddenly getting an idea, Martha rushed out of the room only to return a minute later. She handed Lois a small packet. As she did, she said, "I've had this for years. There was a time, early in our married life when we, Jonathan and I, play acted. This was … one of my … props."
Curious now, Lois opened the package and found a blue garter made of fancy lace. She looked at Martha, a question in her eyes.
Martha flushed and said, "Don't ask. Let's just say; Jonathan and I enjoyed the garter and leave it at that."
As Lois slid the garter onto her left leg and up to her thigh, Martha said, "Let's see, something old and borrowed, the gown, something blue, the garter, something new. You need something new."
"The bouquet is new."
"Okay, we'll go with that."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
While Lois had been preparing, Clark had also been dressing and having some difficulty because of his injury and the sling. Jonathan had needed to return to the barn after Pete and Billy had finished so that he could add some finishing touches that Martha had prepared.
While all of this was going on, Maisie had pulled up with a van filled with the food for the reception. Glancing at the sky as she stepped from the van, she said, "Let's hurry up and unload. I don't know how much longer this rain will hold off."
The waitress, girls who had attended school with Clark, although most had been in classes behind him, also carried plates and cutlery. Seth, Maisie's oldest son carefully carried the three layer white wedding cake from the bakery. He placed it on a table, one that Pete Ross had delivered, at the back of the barn and then he helped unload the rest of the food.
Once Jonathan had finished in the barn and turned the management of the preparations over to Maisie he had gone into the house to help Clark get ready and it was a good thing that he had. Clark was still weak from the exposure and his wound and getting dressed had pushed him near to exhaustion. With Jonathan's help he was able to finish dressing and sit down to rest until the preacher arrived while Jonathan kept a lookout for his arrival.
As the time neared for the ceremony, Mr. Powell, the visiting preacher was the first to arrive and he pulled in just as Maisie was moving the van. When they saw him drive up to the house, Jonathan and Clark went out to meet him and conduct him to where the ceremony was to be held. Jonathan pulled one of the folding chairs up to the front so that Clark could sit and rest and chat with Mr. Powell until the guests arrived. Mr. Powell was curious about Clark's injury so Clark passed the time by telling the story of their investigation.
Mr. Powell listened attentively making exclamations at all the right places, so Clark knew he was telling the story well.
Shortly after that the guests started arriving. The front yard took on the aspects of a used car lot, populated mostly by pickup trucks, very quickly and people dressed in their finery streamed into the barn. When it started to fill up, Clark replaced his chair and stood near the pastor, waiting for his bride to be to enter.
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Finally, it was time.
Seeing the lowering sky, Martha and Lois, with Martha carrying an umbrella, exited the house and headed at a rapid pace for the barn, hoping to beat the rain. Holding the umbrella, just in case, Lois waited outside while Martha went in and sat down.
When she did, Jonathan came out. He asked, "Since your father can't be here, could I have the honor of escorting you down the aisle?" He proffered his arm.
Lois smiled as she wrapped her free arm around his and said, "Thank you."
Inside, Pete Ross pushed the play button on a tape player and the strains of Pachelbel's "Canon in D" started to play. As it did, the guests all stood and turned to face the rear so that they could watch the bride as she came up the aisle.
Hearing the music Jonathan and Lois started to move. Just as they stepped inside the doors there was a flash of lightning and the crash of thunder which drowned out Pachelbel briefly. Everyone was looking toward the doors when the lightning flared, silhouetting Lois and Jonathan in the doorway painting them with a halo. As if that were the signal the heavens opened and rain started cascading down. Since they were now inside and the rain was behind them, Jonathan leaned the umbrella against the door frame and as he did, as a result of the lightning strike, the lights in the barn flickered.
As they entered the barn, the lights came back on and Lois caught her breath. Appropriate to the season, framing the doorway and creating a corridor into the center of the barn were bundles of corn stalks. Wrapped around them were strings of white Christmas lights, twinkling like fairy lights. Once they were past the last set of cornstalks the floor of the barn was filled with folding chairs full of people. Again, Lois caught her breath. On either side of the rose petal covered aisle were five rows of chairs. The chair at the end of each row had a small bunch of flowers tied to the side, flowers that Lois recognized as coming from Martha's garden. The lovely scents floated through the air welcoming all those present. She was amazed. She didn't know when Martha had had the time to do all of this. With a pang of regret she wished Perry, Alice and yes even her family could be there. Lois recognized some of the people she saw as she moved up the aisle as friends of Clark's or as people that Martha had introduced her to in town. One individual she recognized was Mr. Ramsbottom. Seeing him only served to firm her resolve. After seeing Ramsbottom, Lois pasted a smile on her lips and looking straight ahead, her eyes locked on Clark. He was standing just off center. She actually found it hard to believe that he was smiling.
When they arrived at the front, she took her hand from Jonathan's arm. She looked at him and said, sincerely, with a tightening of her throat, "Thank you."
He smiled in reply and sat next to his wife.
Turning back to the front, Lois stepped up next to Clark and they both faced the minister.
Mr. Powell began, "Friends, we are gathered here to join this man and this woman in the bonds of holy matrimony. Before we start I must ask if there is anyone here that objects to this union."
Hesitantly, Lois put up her hand.
Quietly, he asked, "Do you have a question?"
She glanced at Clark and then at the minister and hesitantly said, "No. No, not a question."
"Then why do you have your hand up?"
"I … I do have something … something I need to say."
Confused by what was happening, the minister asked, "Can it wait until after?"
Steeling herself, she looks sideways at Clark, shook her head and said, "No, not really."
Noticing that sideward glance and becoming concerned, in a worried tone, Clark asked, "Lois, what are you doing?"
Lois looked at him once more and then turned to face the audience. Fighting to maintain her composure, she said, "Friends, I want to thank all of you for coming. I have something to say; actually it's more along the lines of a confession …"
Concerned with what was happening, with some urgency, Clark took a half step in her direction and said, "Lois, don't."
Lois ignored him and continued, "Not all of you know that I am Canadian." She paused for that to sink in, "Yes, I am actually French-Canadian and I'm here on an expired visa. Your government was planning to deport me." She paused and looked around the audience and saw concerned looks as she continued, "Clark has always had an extraordinary work ethic, probably something he learned from you." She looked significantly at Jonathan and Martha as she said this and before she continued, "I really love my job and I wanted to stay in this country, so I blackmailed Clark into marrying me." Her voice started to break and she almost choked on the word blackmail, but she managed after a second to continue.
With some urgency, Clark hissed, "Lois, stop."
She could see Ramsbottom, that he had a notebook out and was rapidly taking notes. Seeing that only reinforced her resolve. She pressed on and ignoring his plea, she said, "I knew how much he loves his job also and I told him that if I was deported he would lose his job as well." She turned to Clark and said, "Clark, you have a lovely family." She turned and swept her gaze over the assembly before she continued, "Your friends are also very nice and supportive. I wish that growing up, my family and friends had been more like yours, but they weren't." Turning back to Clark she said, "Clark, this was a business deal. You fulfilled you part of the bargain. I release you from your obligation. I just can't allow you to get into trouble because of me."
The look on the faces of Jonathan and Martha was that of shock and dismay.
Finished with her statement, in the stunned silence that followed, she stepped away from Clark and started back down the aisle. As she passed Martha and Jonathan, with a very sad and forlorn tone, she said, "I'm sorry." And as she passed Mr. Ramsbottom she said, "Meet me at your car, you're giving me a ride to the airport."
As she hurried down the aisle, people came out of their shock and pandemonium broke out. Fortunately, the brief downpour had almost stopped so in the light drizzle that continued, Lois pulled up the hem of the gown, kicked off her pumps and picked them up then running barefoot and trying to avoid puddles as best she could, hurried back to the house. People mobbed Clark and his parents making it impossible for Clark to get away. Over the heads of the people around him he saw the smug look on the face of Mr. Ramsbottom as he stood, turned and followed Lois out of the barn.
In his still weakened state by the time he was able to make it to the house he was almost worn out. Weakly he climbed the stairs only to find Lois's wedding gown laid out on the bed and her luggage gone.
There was a note lying on top of the gown addressed to "Clark." Opening it he read,
"Coquinos,
I couldn't go through with it. Knowing just who you are, I could not force you to commit an illegal act.
Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me. I will not tell anybody.
By the time you read this, I will most likely be on my way back to Metropolis with Mr. Ramsbottom.
I hope that sometime you will find it in your heart to forgive me.
Lois"
At the bottom was written, "Je pense à toi." {Thinking of you.}
As he was reading the note his parents came into the room to see him standing at the side of the bed.
Martha asked, "Clark, are you all right?"
He was distracted by what he was reading as he answered, "Yes. No. I don't know. Why did that make a difference?" He crumbled up the note and cast it aside, "What does it matter who I am?" He paused for a second, gathering his thoughts, "She called it a business deal. I didn’t think of it as a business deal. Where does she get off saying that? That woman can be so irritating at times. When we were reporting partners, I thought we were becoming close. Then things changed, suddenly, and she started putting distance between us.”
Martha interrupted and asked, “Why do you think she did that?”
“She said that she was afraid of being in a failed marriage like her parents had.”
“Isn’t that a realistic fear?”
“I suppose, but not with me. Can’t she see that I will stay with her for the rest of our lives?”
“Sometimes fear blinds you to what is right in front of you.”
“When we were promoted to editors she did everything she could to be the top banana. Now, this. She called me Coquinos. That's what the twins called me, but I don't think it means the same, coming from her."
Martha asked, "Where is she?"
"On her way to Wichita with Ramsbottom."
Jonathan asked, "Clark, do you really love her."
"Yes, Dad. Yes, I do, heaven help me, I love her."
"Do you want her to be your wife?"
"With every fiber of my being."
"So, you're not going to let her go?"
"I'll follow her to Montreal if I have to."
With a sly smile, Jonathan said, "If anyone could do that, you could, but I don't think that'll be necessary."
Curious, Clark asked, "Why is that?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The rain had started again as Lois rode with Ramsbottom to the airport. Stoically she stared out of the windshield as she asked, "Okay, what happens now?"
"Well, since you are leaving voluntarily, it all becomes very … civilized. I'll give you a couple of days to get packed up and then you return to Canada."
Turning away so that he couldn't see her face, Lois stared out the side window at the rain and the passing fields of grain. These were the same fields of grain that she had commented on when Clark had first driven them to Smallville. That thought only served to bring Clark to her mind and what she had just done to him. Thinking about how much the weather matched her mood, she kept her head turned so that Ramsbottom wouldn't see the tears that made their way down her cheeks and she gave vent to her grief, silently except for the occasional sob.
Ramsbottom was insufferably pleased with himself and completely ignored Lois as he went on and on about how he was the best there was in the INS and how he ‘Always got his man.'
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Lois gasped out, "Oh, no! She left him at the altar? How cruel was that!"
Clark asked, "Wouldn't it have been kinder for her to have left in the middle of the night the way Lois suggested?
Herb replied, "it might have been kinder, but the way she saw it, a public admission was her best way of protecting Clark."
Lois commented, "She obviously felt bad about it, but it is too late to undo what she has done. Frankly, it looks to me as though she really is in love with Clark. She wouldn’t have been crying if that weren’t the case."
Curious, Clark asked, "How did they get out of this situation? It looks like Clark has a plan. He can follow her to Montreal, or the ends of the Earth if necessary, but it looks like Jonathan has something up his sleeve. I wonder what that could be."
"Why don't I continue the story and maybe you'll understand how it was managed."
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