Chapter 3: A Lovely Wedding

“Welcome to your new home, my love,” Blake murmured to his fiance as she stepped inside. “I-I know it isn’t much right now, but it will be.”

“Blake, stop that,” she said, “there is nothing wrong with it. It’s cozy. I like it.” To prove it, she went to him and slid her arms around him and pulled him close for a kiss.

As they pulled apart, Blake reached a hand up to gently brush the backs of his fingers over her cheek. “I’m a very lucky man,” he murmured. “To have found someone like you.”

Brenna giggled at him. “Yeah, you’re definitely lucky. I’m quite a catch, after all.” Her grin widened. “But then, you seem to know just the right bait.”

He gave her a wolfish grin and pulled her close.

Then he dipped her right over for a searing kiss that left her lips tingling- as well as other body parts.

By the time that Blake righted her, she was feeling a little light-headed. “Wow,” she breathed softly.

–wryly—Alright you two… You need to take a little trip. Blake, Brenna and I have a surprise for you. You’ll see it when you return, ok?

“A surprise?” He looked at Brenna, one eyebrow arched. “What kind of surprise?”

She just laughed. “Oh no you don’t, Mr. Hanover. You will not be getting it out of me. You’ll just have to wait until we get back, alright?”

Blake pouted. “Oh c’mon!” The pout disappeared and that roguish grin of his was back. “That’s ok, I’ll just continue to wheedle it out of you while we’re gone!”

–snorts as they walked off—Good luck with that, Romeo. You’re a goner. Now… let’s get to work!

So after some hard work and distractions, I completed my and Brenna’s plan. Gone was Blake’s little cottage. In it’s place was a gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 bath modern home. It had been her idea to use the money from the sale of her house and her possessions to build a new one. She knew that Blake was self-conscious about how small his house had been. I told her it had been a great idea. And so, Chateau Hanover* was born.

*For a full tour of the house, check out this link: Chateau Hanover

“Whoa!” Blake exclaimed when they returned, his eyes virtually popping outta his head. He looked at his fiance, his jaw hanging open.

She laughed and led him inside. “Surprise, baby. Hope you like it.”

In answer, he simply pulled her close and kissed her senseless. This seemed to be his answer to a lot of different things. Hehehe

I see you approve? –asked dryly—

After he came up for air, he grinned. “It’s great. How’d ya know?”

I am your Watcher, after all. I know you far better than you’re willing to admit. You better thank that lovely lady of yours. It was her idea and she offered the money from the sale of her own house. Didn’t even have to ask.

Blake looked at Brenna, sighing softly as he lead her to the couch so they could sit down. “I love you so much,” he murmured to her as he kissed her softly.

“And I love you too,” she whispered back. She leaned close and whispered something into his ear, something unintelligble, though by the giggles and the look in Blake’s eyes, I knew what it must have been.

Think that’s my cue –mumbled—I’m outta here. You guys have fun. I’ll be back in a little while to help plan the wedding.

“Ready for today, baby?” Blake asked.

Brenna smiled at him. “More than. I can’t wait till this afternoon.”

“Me either.”

She stood up after she’d eaten her breakfast and then smiled at him. “I’m going to do a bit of fishing, alright? Keep myself occupied so I don’t wither away from anticipation!”

Blake laughed. “Go on, sweetheart. I’ll putter around here and make some calls, make sure everything is set, alright?” She kissed him on the cheek as she strode out of the house to her favorite fishing spot across the street.

She greeted the other man there fishing with a wave and a kind smile.

Blake watched her through the front window for a moment, his expression a bit dark. Hey, what’s wrong with you? What’s with that look?

“Nothing.” He turned away and went to the kitchen and grabbed a mixing bowl out as well as a bunch of ingredients, slamming them a bit as he mixed flour, baking soda, eggs, some sugar, and vanilla.

Ooo-k… you makin’ a cake there?

“Yeah, figured why not? Save us on a caterer, right?”

‘Spose so… hey, Blake. You ok?

“I’ll be fine, Watcher. Just leave it, ok?”

Ooo-k, you got it, pal… yeesh.

Ok, let’s see, the mixologist is taken care of, the bar and all that important stuff is already here… let’s see. Bride and groom, check… Guests, check… Cake, check… Looks good from here, guys. Let’s get this show on the road!

Blake… what’s the face for?

“I-I don’t- What’s a guy like me done to deserve a woman like her, huh, Watcher?” he asked me, his face looking quite- sad, for a man who should have been happier than a cat with cream on his wedding day.

Blake… please tell me this isn’t that jealousy trait coming out, now, of all days…

“Oh forget it, Watcher… I know I’m an idiot. Alright?”

Blake, c’mon. It’s your wedding day. Look at her. She’s beautiful. And guess what? She’s yours. So buck up!

“You’re right, of course. She is beautiful. And even if I don’t quite understand it, she is mine, isn’t she?” His expression softened as he watched his bride-to-be smoozing effortlessly with their guests.

That’s exactly right. –murmurs to self—Hm… this could get interesting… going to have to keep an eye on that, I think.

Places everyone! C’mon, you two! It’s time!

Blake led his soon-to-be wife to the arch on the edge of the platform.

“You – take my breath away, Brenna,” he whispered to her.

“From the first moment I saw you coming toward me, I-I felt a connection. It was a jolt straight through my heart,” she whispered back, bringing her hand up to his cheek.

As the ceremony started, Blake nervously slid the ring onto her finger. “With this ring,” he murmured, “I thee wed.” He looked up into her eyes. “I promise to love, honor, and cherish you for as long as there is breath in my body. I swear to be your rock, your support for whatever life throws our way.”

Brenna had to swallow, tears of joy swimming in her eyes as she spoke her own vows. “With this ring, I thee wed. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you for the rest of our days. I promise that I will be there to give you my support, my undying love no matter what happens. I will always be there for you.”

Blake pulled his new wife to him and they kissed as husband and wife.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Blake Hanover!

There were a few good-natured catcalls from their guests as they kissed. Then they threw confetti at the couple as they made their way to cut the cake, the same cake that Blake had made with his own two hands.

Blake cut the first piece and held it for a moment, looking at his new wife. She narrowed her eyes at him, though they sparkled. “Don’t even think about it, Mr.,” she warned him, trying not to laugh. Blake just grinned roguishly. He debated, but only for a moment before they both tucked their forks in and then gently held them out to the other.