Behind The Mask

Chapter 55

Michael's POV

"That's as ready as I'm gonna be..."

Anouk is not a fussy bride to be. She's very hands-on and practical. A pale yellow sundress and an emerald scarf is her wedding attire and she looks just perfect like this.

"You're gorgeous", I hurry to give my approval.

On my first wedding, both Lisa and I wore black. Black from head to toe. I welcome this colorful change. At the last moment I also discard my black shirt for a red one. Any connection with my previous nuptials is unwelcomed and I try to avoid it at all costs. I was a naïve man and I paid the price. Now I am wise enough to know what real love is.

"Alright, let's do this. Do you have all the papers?"

Anouk goes business on me, inspecting our papers carefully.

"Yep, looks good. Let's go."

The justice of peace has just arrived and my bodyguards are ready to sign as witnesses. Manny is in full festive clothing wearing a brand new The Doors t-shirt, ripped jeans and squeaky clean Adidas shoes. The justice looks in a certain manner at him, but I refrain from saying anything. Manny looks like any 12-year old wearing his most treasured clothes for a special event. It's not his fault that his body grew to be 26 while his mind stayed at the moment of his traumatic accident.

"Are we ready to start?"

"Yes, sir", we answer in the same voice.

"I noticed that all the documents are in order. Mr. Jackson, your divorce is final and binding, Miss Zuiders, your residence application is in good standing order. All the legal requirements being met, let us proceed."

The justice of peace started reading all the legal rights and obligations we will have as husband and wife. It seems Anouk qualifies for some kind of bonus, a $1,500 gift check, because she's getting married before she turned 26 years old. I nearly burst out laughing – our special wedding cake cost more than this. However, I keep my face well in check and listen carefully to the guy.

"Before we proceed to the final and binding questions, would you like to exchange personal vows?"

Anouk looks at me in a mild panic. We did not discuss this issue.

"Ummm...nope, I don't think so. Nooki?"

"We're fine here. Just...ask us the main question."

Oh boy, we look like idiots! But we're a couple of happy idiots.

"Very well. Mr. Michael Joe Jackson, of your own free will, do you take Miss Anouk Margritte Zuiders to be your lawful wedded wife?"

"I do."

"Miss Anouk Margritte Zuiders, of your own free will, do you take Mr. Michael Joe Jackson to be your lawful wedded husband?"

"I do. Ek doen."

"Since there are no impediments to your union and you have freely expressed your sincere wishes, I, by the powers vested in me by the state of Florida, hereby pronounce you husband and wife."

A small pause. I'm sure there's a bit more to follow. The stony faced justice unwinds a little, even smiles and nods.
"You may now kiss the bride, Mr. Jackson."

I knew that there was more to come – the best part of the ceremony! I grin wide as I hold my bride and kiss her.

"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson. Now, if you please, sign in the marriage ledger. And your witnesses will watch you doing so and then add their signatures."