Chapter 12
Saturday June 15th dawned to a bright sunny day, with temperatures in the mid 70’s, a perfect day for a wedding.
Erica Atkins arrived at the Kent household with her matron of honor, Nancy Gordon, their dresses in tow. Martha ushered them upstairs to the spare bedroom that they would use to change later. After hanging up the dresses the three women joined the rest of the clan in the huge kitchen. Clark’s face lit up when Erica entered the room, that megawatt smile lighting up the room.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” Clark said, drawing her into his arms for a quick kiss.
“Good morning, honey,” Erica replied, smiling at her husband-to-be.
“Good morning, Nancy, where’s Doug?” Clark asked after kissing her on the cheek.
“He’s at the hotel because he wanted to get his workout in, but he’ll be here in plenty of time for the ceremony.” Nancy replied, “That coffee smells wonderful!” Clark grabbed two mugs, filling them with hot, black coffee, handing one to each of the ladies. “Thanks, Clark.”
Erica and Nancy fixed their coffees then joined in the conversation. Moments later the doorbell rang so Clark set his coffee on the counter and walking through the living room, answered the door.
“Hi Chief, Alice, good morning,” Clark said, kissing Alice on the cheek and shaking Perry’s hand.
“Good morning, Son, how’re you holding up?” Perry replied, stepping into the living room. Clark closed the door behind them then escorted the couple to the kitchen.
“I’m a little nervous but otherwise okay,” Clark said, pouring coffee for Perry and Alice.
“Thanks,” Perry said, accepting the mug. “That’s to be expected, a little nervousness at a time like this is a good thing.” Taking a sip Perry smiled. “I can tell Martha made this, there’s nothing like her coffee. If you don’t mind I’m gonna mingle a bit.” Perry clapped Clark on the shoulder then headed off.
The door bell rang again moments later. “I’ll get it!” Clark called out, hurrying to the door. Opening it Clark saw his in-laws, Sam and Ellen Lane standing in the vestibule.
“Sam! Ellen! Good morning,” Clark said in welcome, leaning in, he kissed Ellen on the cheek then shook Sam’s hand.
“Everyone is in the kitchen, would you like some coffee?” Clark said, escorting them to the kitchen where he poured each of them a cup of the hot steamy brew.
“Thanks, Clark,” Ellen said, taking a sip of her drink then setting it on the counter. “Can I speak to you in private?” Clark nodded his assent, escorting her into the den, closing the door behind him.
“Clark, I know I’ve said this before, but thanks for finding the murderer of my little girl,” Ellen said, her eyes gleaming with unshed tears.
“Oh, Ellen, I did that for all of us. Lois deserved justice and I’m glad we were finally able to get that for her.” Clark took Ellen into his arms, each drawing support from the other.
“Enough of that,” Ellen said when the embrace ended. “I really wanted to tell you that I’m so glad you found Erica. She’s a lovely woman and I know she loves my grandson! I was so worried that he wouldn’t have a mother figure in his life, a boy his age needs that. “We, his grandparents, have done everything we could to support him but that’s nothing like having a mother. I know you love and miss Lois every day, and I wish to God that she was still with us, but since she can’t be I feel you couldn’t have chosen anyone better.”
“Thanks, Ellen, you don’t know how much that means to me. You’re right, I’ll never forget Lois, she was my soulmate and I miss her every day, but she didn’t want me to be alone, she wanted Jonny to have a mother figure in his life, and she wanted us all to be happy. I know I will see her someday but until then it’s up to us, all of us, to make Lois proud of how we live our lives.” Clark once again took Ellen into a supportive hug, expressing his thanks and support.
“Why don’t we join the others?” Ellen asked giving Clark a kiss on the cheek.
“Yes, lets.” Clark escorted his mother-in-law back to the kitchen where she joined her husband.
Clark stood back, watching the assemblage, looking at his wife-to-be interact with his family and friends. Her face wore a permanent smile that reflected the genuine pleasure she was deriving from the conversations. Her eyes met his and her smile grew even wider, her eyes gleaming. He returned her smile with one of his own, his heart warming from the love that passed between them. Walking slowly across the kitchen, Clark joined his fiancée, wrapping his arm around her waist, and, with a quick kiss to her cheek he joined in the conversation.
**********
Just before 11:00 everyone was seated waiting patiently for the festivities to begin. Clark, Jim and the Justice of the Peace, Brian, stood at the front, all eyes focused on the back door of the Kent home. Clark and Jim both wore black suits with different ties. Jim’s tie was emerald green and Clark’s was one of his signature colorful ties. Jon sat in the front row between both sets of his grandparents, wearing a brand-new white shirt and a blue tie. The new shirt had him tugging at the collar every few seconds because the stiff collar aggravated his skin. Catching his father’s eye Jon smiled happily, a smile which Clark returned, his love for his son evident to all.
At that moment the strains of the Wedding March floated on the air and all eyes turned to see the door opening. First through the door was Nancy Gordon, the matron of honor, wearing a coral-colored dress, matching shoes and a beautiful smile. Her blond hair caught the sunlight making it look as if she wore a golden halo. When Nancy had gone about ten feet down the aisle Erica and Perry exited the door. Perry, like Clark and Jim, wore a black suit but his tie was in cardinal red. All eyes focused on the bride who wore a tea length white dress featuring a delicate lace pattern and a flattering bateau neckline with matching white strappy pumps. Her dark brown hair was done up, gathered on top of her head in an elegant twist. Her eyes were bright and shining, focused on the man who awaited her at the end of the aisle. After what seemed like forever, the bride arrived at the side of her husband.
“Who gives this woman to be wed?” Brian asked.
“I do,” Perry replied proudly, his part of the proceedings now over he took his seat next to his wife.
Erica handed her bouquet of white roses to Nancy then took Clark’s outstretched hand.
“Dearly beloved we are gathered today in the presence of this company for the wedding of Clark and Erica. The bride and groom have written their own vows, so Clark, you may begin.”
“Erica, I love you with all my heart. I never expected to fall in love again but with you I have. Your intelligence and grace drew me to you, but it is your kindness and fierce support for those you love that made me fall in love with you, and I am honored to be your husband.”
“Clark, I too never expected to find love but loving you was so easy I could do nothing else. Your desire to make the world a better place is something I love and support and it is my honor to join you in doing just that and I am honored to be your wife.”
“Eric and Clark will now exchange rings.” Jim Olsen took two rings from his pocket and handed them to the Brian. Clark’s ring was 22 carat gold with a delicate filigree on the concave outer surface. Erica’s ring was a rose gold shared prong diamond eternity band with fifteen diamonds around the edge.
Taking her ring, Clark faced Erica, his eyes locked with hers. “With this ring I thee wed,” Clark said, sliding the ring onto her left hand.
Erica took Clark’s ring and, sliding it onto his left hand said “With this ring I thee wed.
“By the power vested in me by the city of Metropolis and the state of New Troy I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride”
Clark and Erica leaned into each other, their arms holding each other and kissed. The kiss was one of love, acceptance and commitment to each other. When they drew back both of their eyes were glistening.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Clark Kent!”
Erica took her bouquet from Nancy then took Clark’s arm and proceeded slowly back down the aisle. The next few minutes were a beehive of activity as everyone grabbed the chair they had been seated in and moved them around the tables already set up. With everyone looking for their names on the table cards it took a bit longer than it might have with some confusion unavoidable. When everyone was seated the wedding party sat down at the head table Jim Olsen stood up, tapping his champagne flute with his spoon.
“Everyone, please stand and take up your glasses. Erica, it has been my distinct pleasure to get to know you over the past year and a half. When we first met I could tell that you were a wonderful person and your help with our investigation was invaluable. Over that time I also saw my two friends slowly fall in love, despite their own personal tragedies. Your love gives everyone a shining example of how love conquers all. I wish you a long and happy marriage. To Erica and Clark!” Jim raised his glass to Clark and Erica who smiled happily at him. “To Erica and Clark!” everyone echoed, sipping their champagne.
The food was set up buffet style so while everyone lined up Jim and Nancy hurried to the front of the line, getting plates for the happy couple.
Clark turned to his bride, his eyes gleaming. “I am so happy, I never thought I’d find someone like you. I love you, Erica.” Clark leaned in cupping Erica’s cheek, kissing her lovingly. Erica returned the kiss, teasing his lips with a quick swipe of her tongue then drew back, her eyes alight with mischief.
“I love you too, Clark, so very much. I’m so glad we met and fell in love and I thank God every day for sending you to me.” Jim and Nancy placed plates of food down and everyone fell to eating. Every few moments someone would clink their glass until the happy couple kissed, while it did cut into their eating they enjoyed kissing even more.
In between the first dance and the cutting of the cake Martha drew her son aside.
“I’m so happy for you and Erica,” she said, her eyes shining.
“Thanks, Mom, you told me I’d find someone someday, but I didn’t really believe it. A love like ours doesn’t come along every day. Lois was my soulmate and I miss her every day. The difference now is I remember the good times, and cherish them. I’m also ready to make new memories with Erica.”
“That’s as it should be, honey. You’ll never forget Lois, no one wants you to, least of all Erica, but you need the love of a good woman and Erica is the perfect person for the job.”
“She certainly is. I thank God every day for her, her love for me and Jon is a gift, one I intend to cherish.”
“It looks like they’re ready to cut the cake, why don’t you get out there, your bride is waiting.”
**********
The party lasted the rest of the afternoon and into the evening. Everyone was having such a wonderful time that no one wanted to leave. Finally, at around 10:00 PM the last guest left leaving the wedding party, Martha, Jonathan, and Nancy’s husband alone at last.
“It’s getting late and we should be going too,” Nancy said, giving Erica one last hug. “It was a beautiful wedding, thanks again for inviting us.”
“No, thank you. You’ve made my wedding even more special. You have a safe flight home!”
“We will, good night everyone.” Doug and Nancy called, walking out to their car.
“CK, when does your flight leave?” Jim asked.
“We’re catching the red eye that leaves at 3:00 AM, we’ll probably just stay up then sleep on the plane.”
“Do you need a ride?”
“No Jim, we have a limo coming for us, thanks for offering.”
“No problem,” he said stepping over to Erica he kissed her on the cheek. “You were a beautiful bride, Erica. You and Clark have a great time.”
“Thanks, Jim, we will.” With a last handshake with Clark Jim left, leaving the Kent family alone.
“Wow, what a great day,” Jonathan said happily though he did sound a bit tired.
“I know, I can’t think of when I’ve had a better time in years,” Martha said, smiling at her husband.
“I’m going to clean up then we can get going, honey,” Clark said. Disappearing with a gust of wind Clark cleaned everything up, even stacking the chairs against the deck and was back in less than ten seconds.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of seeing that,” Erica said with awe. Clark sped upstairs to get their luggage setting them down at his feet.
“I’m going to take these to the hotel, why don’t you change while I’m gone?” Clark kissed his wife on the cheek, spun into the suit then he disappeared in a blur of red and blue.
Erica hurried upstairs and was waiting for Clark when he returned. She wore a white blouse, black slacks and low-heeled shoes. “Are you ready?” Clark asked. Erica kissed Martha then Jonathan goodbye then Clark also said his goodbyes. Picking up his bride, Clark walked through the living room, out of the kitchen and onto the deck. After a quick glance around Clark lifted off quickly, getting above the houses and, turning east, headed towards Spain.
**********
The journey across the Atlantic took less than an hour though due to the seven-hour time difference between Metropolis and Spain they arrived very early, around 5:00 AM local Seville time. Their hotel, the Hotel Becquer, was situated in the historic district five minutes from the Guadalquivir River. Despite the early hour the concierge was wide awake and ready to serve.
“I see you arrived safely, Señora Kent,” Fernando the concierge said, smiling broadly.
“Yes, thank you,” Erica replied, playing along with the story Clark had given the young man.
“Here is your key, Señor Kent, I hope you enjoy your stay,” Fernando said, handing Clark the key.
“Thanks, Fernando, I’m sure we will.” Clark offered Erica his arm and the couple entered the elevator. Stopping in front of room 320 Clark picked Erica up, opened the door and carried her over the threshold. Setting her down they embraced, their arms holding each other tightly, their lips enmeshed in a kiss that spoke of escalating passion.
“Are you tired, it’s getting late, Metropolis time?” Clark asked, his eyes dark with desire, his breathing rapid.
“Not too tired,” Erica replied sexily. Clark’s eyes lit up, kissing her deeply once more.
“Why don’t you change in the bathroom and I’ll change out here?” Clark asked, reluctantly breaking the kiss. Erica gave Clark one more quick, hard kiss her eyes sparkling with mischief. Grabbing her suitcase she hurried to the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
“No peeking!” Clark heard through the closed door, the sound of her clothes hitting the floor made him swoon with desire. With a whoosh Clark spun out of his clothes coming to a stop wearing only a pair of navy-blue silk boxers and a smile. He pulled the covers down then he hopped into bed waiting for his bride.
The bathroom door opened and Erica stepped out. When Clark saw her his breathing stopped. She wore a see-through white peignoir, her athletic body highlighted from behind by the light coming from the bathroom. Her hair was down and flowed over her shoulders obscuring her chest. She crossed the room slowly allowing her husband to absorb her beauty. Crawling onto the bed she lay down, her hands caressing his muscular chest. Clark’s arms wrapped around her drawing her body next to his.
“My God, you are so beautiful,” he whispered reverently, his right hand caressing her from her shoulder down to her hip. Erica’s eyes closed, her breathing becoming ragged all from the feel of his hand on her body.
“Make love to me, Clark,” Erica sighed, her eyes meeting his, desire fairly sparking off them. Clark released her, leaning over to open the drawer of the nightstand. Before he had the chance to open the drawer Erica’s hand stopped him.
“No, Clark, we don’t need that,” she said snuggling her body into his.
“We don’t?” he exclaimed, his surprise evident.
“No, my love. I don’t want to wait to have a child. I want Jon to have a brother or sister before he gets too much older. I want him to have a real relationship with his sibling. Please, sweetheart, I want our baby.” Clark drew his wife into his arms and made passionate love to her.
**********
About 1:00 PM Erica woke to the feel of her husband spooned behind her, his strong arms encircling her. She sighed happily, her mind going back to their earlier lovemaking. It had been marvelous, almost unbelievable. It seemed as if Clark knew her body better than she did herself and he was able to excite her to completion over and over again. However, as much as she was enjoying their closeness the call of nature needed to be answered. Sliding out of Clark’s arms she got as far as the end of the bed before his hand grasped her arm, guiding her back.
“Mmm, good morning,” he whispered, his eyes barely open.
“Good morning, sweetheart, I’d love to stay here but I need to use the bathroom,” Erica replied, kissing his chin.
“Oh, all right,” Clark said, reluctantly releasing her. Erica hopped off the bed, heading into the bathroom. Turning her head she called over her shoulder.
“You could join me you know,” she said, her naked bottom wiggling enticingly. Clark waited a few moments until he heard the shower turn on then he joined his wife. The water had started to go cold by the time they finished their shower so they reluctantly climbed out and started to dry off, Clark finishing first.
“What would you like for breakfast?” Clark asked brushing his teeth.
“I’m really hungry for some reason, how about what your mom makes on Saturday mornings?” Erica replied, drying her long brown hair.
“Eggs, bacon, pancakes, toast, juice and coffee it is!” Clark walked into the bedroom, a towel wrapped around his waist and called room service. “They said twenty minutes,” he called out. Grabbing his clothes from the closet he pulled them on, returning to the bathroom.
“Clark, how do you shave?” Erica asked curiously. Clark’s face broke into a wide grin his eyes meeting hers.
“Watch.” Clark stared into the mirror, a low-level blast of heat vision bouncing off, hitting his face. Erica watched in awe as the stubble disappeared leaving clean smooth skin behind.
“That’s amazing, is that how you cut your hair too?”
“Yes, but I need another mirror for that,” Clark smiled turning around, drawing his wife into his arms. Clark toyed with the towel that was tucked in just above her breasts. Erica’s eyes fluttered closed her head thrown back. Clark’s lips were drawn to her long graceful neck, laying butterfly kisses along its length. Erica’s moans of pleasure excited Clark so much that he released her, spinning out of his clothes. Using his index finger he loosened the towel where it fell to the floor joining his own clothes. Moments later they were making love right there in the bathroom.
“What brought that on?” Erica whispered once her breathing had returned to normal.
“What can I say, you bring out the animal in me!” Clark’s voice reflected the smile on his face. Just then the doorbell rang announcing that their breakfast had arrived. Clark floated them to a standing position, spun into his clothes and, after closing the door, let the bellboy in.
“My God, I’ve created a monster!” Erica said to her reflection, a self-satisfied smile on her face.
**********
TBC in part 13
