Chapter 11
One month later…
Clark stood outside Erica’s door gathering himself before knocking.
“Come in, Clark,” Erica said, opening the door to her boyfriend. With the capture and conviction of Seamus Deckard Clark had, at last, come to the realization the he needed someone in his life and that someone was Erica Atkins.
“Would you like anything to drink before we leave?” she asked, escorting him to the couch.
“No, nothing, thank you.”
“Is there something wrong, Clark? You seem awfully nervous.”
“I’m fine,” he said, sliding off the couch to one knee. Drawing a small purple box from his pocket he grasped her hand.
“Erica, over the last year I’ve come to know you as a wonderful, caring person, a person I’ve fallen in love with.” Releasing her hand he opened the box. “Erica, will you marry me?” Clark smiled, waiting for her reply.
“Yes! Oh yes! I love you too, so very much!” She leaned down, laying her hand on his cheek, kissing him deeply. Their arms encircled each other holding tightly, reveling in the closeness of their bodies. Their tongues danced back and forth, first in her mouth then in his, passion rising quickly. Clark, with great restraint, drew back, his chest heaving, his eyes gleaming, a match to hers. Taking the ring out of the box he slipped it on her finger, kissing her hand lovingly.
“I love you so much, Erica, I can hardly believe this day has come. When I lost Lois I never thought I’d ever find someone to love, but I have and I’m so grateful for your love. I promise to always love you with all my heart.”
“I too, never thought I’d find someone after I lost Gary. My heart was so broken I never thought anyone could help me heal but you did. We found each other and I’m grateful every day for that.” Clark stood, assisting her off the couch; taking her hand they left her apartment for their date at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, a very high-end restaurant.
After they were seated and had ordered drinks and their meals Clark took her hand in his.
“So, I know this is a bit early, and we haven’t even set a date, but do you have any preferences for our honeymoon?” Clark asked. “We can go anywhere in the world.”
“Hmm, I hadn’t thought about it but I’ve always wanted to visit southern Spain and Morocco. My maternal grandparents were from there. Grandma was Moroccan and Grandpa was from southern Spain. As a child they would tell me all about where they grew up, where they met and I’ve always wanted to go there but I’ve never had the opportunity. Would that be all right?”
“It’s perfect. I loved that area when I was on my world travels. My Spanish is pretty good and in Morocco they speak Arabic and French so I’m sure we’ll muddle through!” Leaning over he kissed her gently then drew back. “I’d love to show you all the places you’ve dreamed of, it would be my pleasure.”
“That’s perfect, Clark, we’ll have such a good time.” Their meals arrived then so all talk of marriage and honeymoons was put on hold.
**********
After dinner Clark wanted to tell his parents and his son about the impending nuptials so they walked down the sidewalk until they reached a darkened parking lot. Walking to the back they hid behind a building where Clark scanned the area and finding no one he spun into the suit gathering his fiancée in his arms. Rising quickly so they were above the city lights Superman flew off towards the house on Hyperion Avenue. Again checking his surroundings they landed softly in the back yard where he spun back into his suit and tie. Taking her hand he led her up the stairs and into the kitchen.
“Hi Mom, Dad,” Clark called when they entered the living room.
“Clark, Erica, how nice to see you dear. I didn’t know you were going to stop by tonight, how was your date?”
“It was wonderful, Martha,” Erica said, hugging the older woman lovingly. Stepping back she raised her left hand, wiggling her fingers.
“Oh, my God!” Martha exclaimed hugging Erica once more, “Congratulations you two!”
Jonathan rose from the couch, drawing his son into a tight hug.
“Congratulations, Son, I knew you had it in you!”
“Thanks Mom, Dad, I’m a very lucky man, I found two wonderful women to love, something I’d never thought possible.” Glancing around and not seeing his son, Clark listened, finding Jon in his room.
“Jon, can you come down here?” Clark called out.
“Yes, Daddy,” he replied bouncing down the stairs. “What’s up?”
“Son, I proposed tonight, Erica and I are getting married,” Clark said happily.
“It’s about time, Daddy, I’ve been waiting for the longest time for you to get married,” he said, his hands on his hips, annoyed at his father’s lack of initiative. Everyone laughed, knowing the veracity of that statement though no one would have said it out loud. Jon turned towards Erica, taking her hand in his.
“Miss Erica, now that you’re marrying my daddy would it be okay if I called you mum? My real mommy is in heaven, but I’d love to call you mum if you don’t mind?” he asked his dark brown eyes pleading his case.
“I would love it if you called me mum,” Erica said, tears in her eyes. “I know I’m not your mom and I can never replace her, but I hope you’ll let me take care of you in her place.” She knelt down, pulling the little boy into her arms, hugging him fiercely. The three adults watching broke into happy tears.
**********
When Clark flew Erica home she invited him in, not wanting this magical evening to end. Clark grasped Erica’s hand drawing her onto his lap, his arms wrapped around her. Cupping her cheek he drew closer, his lips touching hers in a feather-light kiss. Erica responded in kind at first, then, as their passions rose, the kisses became more heated. Reluctantly Clark drew back, his eyes dark, his chest heaving.
“Maybe we should slow things down, honey,” Clark whispered, his forehead resting against hers. Erica nodded in agreement, her own chest rising and falling in time with his. Leaning her head on his chest she sighed contentedly.
“God, I haven’t felt like that in a long time,” Erica whispered, leaning up to kiss Clark’s neck. “Thanks for slowing things down,” Erica chuckled slightly embarrassed.
“I understand honey and I feel the same way, but I want our first time to be special,” Clark said, kissing the top of her head.
“That’s so romantic, my love, I agree. How about we make a pact, we wait until the honeymoon?” Erica suggested, hugging Clark tightly.
“That’s a wonderful idea,” Clark said, “speaking of the honeymoon we need to set a date for the wedding or there won’t be a honeymoon.”
“Since this is the second marriage for each of us I don’t feel the need for a big fancy wedding, do you?” Erica asked, climbing off Clark’s lap and seating herself beside him.
“No, I don’t need that either. I was thinking a casual affair, maybe in our backyard, with just a few friends and family, maybe 50 people?”
“That sounds perfect, honey, that way we don’t have to find a venue and deal with their schedule.” Erica got up, grabbing her purse and pulled out her appointment book, scanning it for a date. “I was thinking the second Saturday of June, how does that sound?”
“That’s perfect, umm do you have any preferences for who officiates?”
“No, a Justice of the Peace works for me, I think that fits with the casual theme of the wedding.”
“Great, I’ll call City Hall tomorrow. I was thinking, I want to ask Jim to be my best man, he’s as close to me as a brother, I couldn’t think of anyone I’d rather have,” Clark said, “how about you, do you have someone?
“Nancy Gordon, an old friend from Denver. She was my maid of honor when I got married to Gary and I’d love to have her with me now.”
“Well that’s settled then, who would you like to give you away?”
“Do you think Perry would do it?” Erica asked hopefully.
“I think he’d be proud to do it,” Clark replied sincerely.
“Great, I’ll ask him tomorrow! Wow, we’ve got this all planned out in less than half an hour, what can we do for the rest of the evening?”
Clark grasped her hand, drawing her onto his lap again, his arms wrapping her securely. “I can think of something,” Clark said with a wicked grin.
**********
When Erica stepped off the elevator the next morning she immediately headed to Perry White’s office.
“You got a minute Chief?” Erica asked, tapping on the door frame.
“Sure thing, come on in.” Erica entered, closing the door behind her, taking a seat in front of her boss.
“So, what’s up” Perry asked, folding his hands in front of him.
“I have a favor to ask,” she paused, taking a calming breath, “Clark asked me to marry him last night—”
“Great Shades of Elvis! Congratulations!” Perry exclaimed.
“Thanks, but that’s not why I came in here. I wanted to ask, would you give me away?” Perry’s face lit up, his smile lighting up the room.
“I’d be honored, Erica,” he replied, walking around his desk to envelop her in a hug.
“Thanks, Perry,” she replied returning the hug enthusiastically. When the hug ended she took her seat once more.
“So, have you set a date?” he asked, now leaning against his desk.
“Yes, June 15th. We’re going to hold everything in Clark’s backyard.”
“That sounds wonderful. Have you decided on a honeymoon destination yet?”
“Actually we’d decided on that before we had a date. I’ve always wanted to see where my maternal grandparents grew up so we’re going to the south of Spain and Morocco.”
“That sounds like a great trip. When you get your arrangements made, submit your vacation requests so I can approve them, okay?”
“Certainly, and thanks again,” Erica hugged Perry quickly then headed off to start her day.
**********
Clark Kent walked over to Jim’s desk, sitting down on the corner. “Hey, Jim, do you have a minute?”
“Sure, CK, what do you need?”
“Can we go to the conference room? I’d rather not talk out here,” Clark got off the desk, walking to the conference room with Jim following close behind.
“What’s up, CK?” Jim asked, closing the door, his curiosity piqued.
“Jim, I asked Erica to marry me and I’d love for you to be my best man,” Clark said, proudly.
“Wow, CK! Congratulations!” Jim enveloped Clark in a fierce hug. “Of course! I’m honored to be your best man. When’s the wedding?”
“June 15th, it’s going to be a small ceremony with just friends and family.”
“What does Jonny think about this?” Jim asked.
“He told me it was about time!” Clark said with a laugh. “He also asked Erica if he could call her mum,” Clark said softly.
“Wow, he’s a very astute kid, I bet Erica loved that.”
“She really did, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when he said that.”
“Congratulations, again, Clark. I’m really happy for you,” Jim said sincerely, shaking his hand, both men exited the room, going back to work.
When Clark returned to his desk he picked up his phone and dialed a familiar number.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Ellen, this is Clark.”
“Clark! It’s good to hear from you, how are you, dear?”
“I’m well, Ellen, thanks for asking. Umm, are you and Sam going to be home around 6:00 tonight?”
“Yes, we have no plans for this evening. Is something wrong?” Ellen asked, cautiously.
“No, no, there’s nothing wrong. I just need to talk to you both.” Clark said casually.
“Okay, dear, we’ll see you then.”
**********
Clark got out of the taxi in front of Sam and Ellen’s condo on the Upper East Side at 6:00. Climbing the steps he rang the bell.
“Hi Clark!” Sam said, opening the door. “Come on in!”
Clark walked into the familiar living room. It was furnished in the Swedish Modern style, white walls and ceilings, light color wood floors and simple furniture with colorful throw pillows. Colorful artwork decorated the walls. Seating himself he looked at his in-laws taking a calming breath.
“Sam, Ellen, you know I’ve been dating Erica for a while now… well I proposed last night. I want you to know that I’ll never forget Lois, she was my soul mate, but I feel it’s time. Lois left me a letter telling me to be open to love and, thank God, I’ve found it.” Clark said softly, looking at his in-laws hopefully.
“Oh, Clark! That’s wonderful!” Ellen said, happily.
“Yes, Clark, we’re very happy for you,” Sam said, smiling at his son-in-law. “You’ve been a wonderful father, making sure Jon knows who his mother was, and we appreciate that. It’s time for you to think of yourself too. We want you to be happy and I know Erica is the person who can do that.”
“Yes, Clark, we’ve both seen how good she is with Jon as well; we know she loves him as much as you do. We couldn’t ask for a better person to care for our grandson.”
“Thanks, Ellen, Sam, I appreciate your support. Erica is the woman I never thought I’d find when we lost Lois but I’m so grateful that I have.”
Clark spent a half hour visiting then, with hugs all around, Clark left for home.
**********
That evening Clark, Erica, Martha and Jonathan sat down at Clark’s dining table to discuss and finalize plans for the wedding two months hence.
“I called City Hall and scheduled a Justice of the Peace, Brian Hopp, for the 15th. I’ll also take care of the invitations once we determine the guest list,” Clark said, checking off two items from their checklist.
“And I reserved a canopy, it will be delivered and set up on the 14th,” Jonathan said. “I also made reservations for tables and chairs to be delivered and set up the same day.”
“And I called around to caterers. I’m getting three quotes for the menus we discussed, and I should have them tomorrow. You just need to pick out a cake from these suggestions,” Martha added, giving Erica some brochures.
“And I’ve been compiling a list of places to see in both Spain and Morocco. Once we determine our itinerary I’ll be making reservations for places to stay,” Erica said with a smile. The wedding preparations were coming together splendidly and everyone around the table sighed with relief.
**********
That night, after Clark had dropped Erica off at her apartment she picked up her cell and called a well-known number. She was cheered to hear a familiar soprano voice answer.
“Hello, Erica, how are you?”
“I’m great, Nancy, how’s things?”
“Oh, same old, same old, you know how it goes. My boss has been working me like a dog, hopefully things will settle down soon,” Nancy replied sounding frustrated.
“Well, I hope I’ve got some news that will cheer you up.”
“Oh? I’m intrigued, what’s up?”
“Nancy, you’re my best friend and you’ve helped me through some tough times.” Erica paused, choking up a bit. “Anyway, Clark asked me to marry him and I’d like you to be my matron of honor.”
“Oh my God! Congratulations! I’d love to! When is it?”
“June 15th, you and Doug can make it then, right?” Erica asked hopefully.
“You bet. Wild horses couldn’t keep me away. I’m putting in for vacation first thing tomorrow!” Erica and Nancy talked for another forty-five minutes catching up on each other’s lives and going over details of the wedding. When the call ended Erica smiled happily to herself, heading off to bed.
**********
After dropping Erica off at her apartment Clark walked down the sidewalk to an area behind her building where it was dark enough for him to change. Spinning into his suit he flew straight up then turned south towards S.T.A.R. Labs. Using his X-ray vision he saw the person he was looking for in his office. Landing on the roof Superman opened the special door that had been coded to his DNA allowing him direct access to Bernard Klein’s lab.
“Superman!” Bernie called out when he heard the Man of Steel land.
“Hi Bernie! Is it safe to talk?” Bernie walked over to a machine that stood against the wall and flipped a switch.
“We’re good, Clark, what’s up?”
“I wanted to tell you that I’m getting married again.”
“That’s wonderful, Clark, congratulations!” Bernie said shaking Clark’s hand enthusiastically.
“Thank you, since you’re the family doctor and my friend I wanted you to know as soon as possible. You’ll be getting a formal invitation later of course.”
“Thanks for thinking of me like this, certainly I’ll be there, when’s the wedding?”
“June 15th, it’s going to be a small affair, friends and family so you need to work on your plus one!” Clark said grinning happily.
“I will,” Bernie chuckled along with Clark. “I have an idea just who to ask, there’s a lady I’ve been dying to ask out and this will be a perfect opportunity to do so.”
“Great, well I need to get going. I want to do a quick patrol before I go home.” Clark shook hands with Bernie then floated up to the special door. “Goodnight!”
**********
TBC in part 12
