Ford
After the wedding, I had a message on my phone from my mother that insisted I call her back. She was the last person I wanted to deal with, but I knew I needed to. She had been there for me throughout my biopsy and had kept it to herself surprisingly. I had called her to inform her of the results, and she remained strong saying no matter what it was that she would help me beat it. I wish I had her optimistic attitude.
I debated on not calling her back until after our “honeymoon,” but I knew she would only continue to call. It made me nervous honestly because she knew something that Elise didn’t, and I wasn’t sure how long she would keep it under wraps before perhaps accidentally slipping and saying something before I had the chance to tell Elise.
“Ford, can we meet tomorrow at Beverly’s?”
“Well … we were going to start our honeymoon.”
“It won’t take long, and I need to see you. I can’t believe my only child is married.”
“Yes, I am married to the love of my life. Can’t it wait until after we get finish our honeymoon?”
“I won’t take no for an answer. Beverly’s at ten thirty.”
“We will come, but you need to make it short. I don’t want to think about anything except being with my bride. And no comments about …”
“Of course, son. See you then.”
*****
I had told Elise that my mother was upset about not being included in the wedding and she wanted to see us before we started our honeymoon. She understood and agreed to meet with her this morning. All I could think about was locking my wife in a hotel room for a couple of nights. I wanted every single part of her, I wanted to show her how much she meant to me, and I wanted to make her feel it.
The secret I knew I should tell my wife still hadn’t left my lips, and I had hoped one day sooner rather than later I would be able to tell her. Or maybe I won’t have to.
We walked into the restaurant that my mother had insisted on and found her sitting at a table overlooking the water. The weather was calm today, neither hot nor cold. A light breeze blew, reminding us that it was spring.
Elise took my hand and led me with a smile to her.
“Mom …”
“Ford, Elise, so good to see you newlyweds. Congratulations! Let me look at you two!” Mom said as she glared at us. “Yep, yep … that is exactly what I thought. You look more in love than ever.”
She hugged us both, complimenting Elise on how glowing she looked. I agreed.
“We are,” Elise said while smiling. I hoped that I could always make her smile like she was now. That would forever be my goal.
Sitting down at the round table, we immediately were asked about why we decided to just get married at the courthouse and about our service.
“I’m not going to lie; I would have loved to see my only child getting married. I would have thrown you one hell of a wedding.”
“No ma’am, we didn’t expect or want that. All we wanted is to make it official.” Elise spoke up.
“You mean it wasn’t official before that?” I looked at her and smiled, getting the pretty grin that I was counting on.
“You two are adorable … I remember when my husband used to look at me that way. I am just ecstatic that you two are as happy as you are. Weddings don’t make a marriage, that is for sure. I hope you two really know how truly happy I am that you found someone to love and get loved in return.” She smiled and paused for a split second as if she was thinking of the past. “Anyway, your dad couldn’t be here, but we both wanted to give you a little something.”
“Mom, we don’t need anything. Things are good. I booked a couple day stay at a hotel, and we are going to have a honeymoon if you know …”
“Stop there, Ford. There are some thing’s a mother doesn’t need to hear about.”
I grinned, agreeing.
“No, we want you to do this instead. We would be hurt if you didn’t, in fact.”
She slid over an envelope with a travel agent’s name on the corner I didn’t recognize.
I opened it, and Elise watched, waiting to see what it was, anxious like opening a Christmas present.
“We can’t take this … It’s too much.” It was a honeymoon trip to Colorado paid in full.
“No, it isn’t. We want you to have it, and especially since we weren’t able to be a part of …”
“Stop, Mom.” I knew where she would take this, and I didn’t want to go through this when I’d just married my wife. Thinking about my future or lack thereof today was not what would happen.
“Okay, son.” She reached for my hand and patted it sweetly.
The waitress came up to the table, interrupting us, and I was thankful. This was a happy time for us.
Before I could order, Mom spoke up and started.
“If we can get just a few different things and share it. French toast, scrambled eggs and bacon, extra crispy, and wheat toast. Pancakes with fresh butter and maple syrup. I will pay extra for that. Three plates please.”
I smiled, and Elise looked at my mother like she had lost her mind along with her offspring.
“Growing up, Mom and I would go out to eat a couple of weekends a month. I could never decide what I wanted, so Mom would order a little of everything until I figured it out. I figured out I loved those things, and so we share this every time we go to brunch.”
“Yes, we do.” Mom smiled, and Elise observed the little bit of mother and son relationship that she hadn’t seen yet. Sure, she had seen the love between us, especially involving the football field, but in general, my mother wasn’t one who burst at the seams for being a mother. I knew she meant well, but it wasn’t worn on her sleeve.
“How soon can we leave on our trip, Mrs. Kelly?”
I spoke up for her. “Tomorrow.”
“Really?” I asked shocked.
“I agree.” I took a drink of my coffee.
“Elise, a perfect couple complements each other and makes the other a better person. You, sweetie, definitely complement my Ford, just as he does you. He loves you, and the love is mutual. I hope you know how rare that is.”
“I do.” She smiled and teared up.
I was looking over the vacation rental that my mom had booked and began looking at the amenities. “Private hot tub on the back porch, can ski right out to the lifts, and breakfast served in bed every morning? Do you think you could handle making love in front of a fire?” I whispered.
“We will never leave,” Elise said with a smile and a light laugh.
“You could never handle that much cold weather.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I’m a Texas girl through and through.”
“You got that right.”