Vache d'Or - part IV

This is the fourth part of the serialized short story Vache d'Or. Start several blog posts earlier. And please comment at the end of the post.

A warm breeze made ripples on the blue water and played tag with CeeCee’s borrowed blue scarf. The officiant was a real minister, between churches. She wore a billowing black robe with a large gold cross embroidered on each breast. In her short but sweet sermon, she talked about communication and God’s love, used her self and her partner as examples. “Of course, the state of Ohio won’t allow us to marry.” Frank rolled his eyes.

The ceremony took about ten minutes, and after the couple exchanged vows and exchanged rings, Frank and CeeCee exchanged kisses. “CeeCee, I love you,” Frank whispered.

“I’m so glad we kept ourselves chaste until the wedding,” CeeCee whispered back. “I can’t wait.” She pinched his ass and they both laughed.

“Come on,” she called to the thirty or so guests. “Take off your shoes and stockings, if you’re wearing any, roll up your pant legs, and join us on the beach.”
Below the pavilion, warm waves lapped on the beach, and gulls left their tracks in the sand. Remnants of summer bonfires, driftwood, colored glass worn smooth by the motion of the water, and broken shells dotted the sand. To the west Cleveland’s office buildings disappeared into the clouds, and closer, northeast, a nuclear power plant sent plumes of white steam into the air from fat white towers. Bonnie stood between coolers filled with beer and wine and a table filled with tiny turkey sandwiches, a wedding cake, and bowls with mints and mixed nuts. Ben poured champagne and drank liberal amounts himself. Frank hoped Ben had washed his hands.

Frank clinked the foot of a champagne glass against the bowl of another to get the guests’ attention. “A toast!” he said. “To my lovely new wife, CeeCee, more beautiful than the day we met.” He kissed her neck beneath her ear and whispered, “Mon vache d’or.”

CeeCee raised an eyebrow but smiled and hugged Frank more tightly.

“And to a long and happy marriage!” Jason held his glass up.

Toni, standing at the back of the revelers, also raised her glass, then paled and headed for the washrooms down the path. Ben followed her. “You need a hit?” he asked.

“Maybe later. This wine –“ Toni put her hand over her mouth and started to run.