Jolene

Chapter 17 Surprises

"Odie, thank you so much," Jolene whispered as she dismounted the dragon. Theodora and Adrianna had accompanied them on their dragons.

"It was a pleasure Jo, good luck and you know how to use the pendant to signal the coven."

"Yes, Odie, do you think he'll marry my right away? I don't want a long engagement."

"Jo, you are a beautiful young woman. Just relax and let your Ed think it's his idea to get married swiftly. I'm sure just seeing you will give the needed persuasion."

"OK, thank you too Pip. Odie, Teddie, Addie wish me luck once more." The three witches nodded and Pip rose into the air the other dragons following.

Jolene carried a small carpet bag with a few of her things and walked to Edward's home. It took about an hour and several stops asking for directions before she found the address. Edward's father lived in a flat above the store. It was a large store and a bell rang as she entered and removed her hooded cape placing it on a hook near the door. The shelves were lined with pistols and long guns. She could hear machines working and voices coming from the area behind the display room. Craig heard the bell ring.

"Ed, could you see who's in the store?"

"OK Dad." He washed his hands and removed his filthy apron and arm sleeves and walked into the show room. "May I help you?" he said and then froze. Jolene stood smiling, he had never seen her looking so alluring. She was wearing a red flowered sari and black halter choli. Her tummy and navel visible under the thin transparent material of the drape. She was barefoot as usual but wore several gold anklets, some with tiny bells. She also had several gold bracelets and necklaces. He had never seen her in earrings but she was wearing a pair of three hooped earrings with a tiny central dragon. Her hair was in a long pony tail and tied with a red ribbon. It lay across her bare shoulder in front of her on the opposite side as the drape.

"I would like to purchase a gun, a really big gun," she announced loudly.

"Jody!" Edward whispered. He heard the tiny bells as Jolene ran to him dropping her carpet bag and jumping into his arms. He hugged her tight and kissed her looking into her eyes as he pressed his forehead against hers and swung her around in a circle. "Oh god Jo, it's really you."

"Surprised?"

"Yes... You look so very beautiful, you leave me breathless."

"Thank you. I really missed you. I just had to come."

"I'm glad you did."

"Me too. Aren't you going to kiss me again?" she asked pouting and running her hands through his hair. He kissed her, much longer this time.

"Your hair is gorgeous! It feels so soft. It's much lighter in color and much redder."

"Thank you, I've been getting a lot more sun living much further south. And all this time I thought you preferred the angry bush look," she said quietly looking into his eyes hers twinkling with mischief. Edward laughed.

"It's you I like. When did you start wearing make-up?"

"You like?" Edward nodded.

"MOM, DAD, would you please come out here." They rushed and arrived in the show room just as Edward kissed Jolene a third time and they separated. "Jo, I want to declare now," he whispered. Smiling brightly Jolene nodded. "Mom, Dad I would like to introduce you to my wife Jolene." Mari hugged Jolene followed by Craig.

"That was a very short engagement," Craig whispered to his son.

"I couldn't wait Dad."

"I don't remember Jolene ever looking so beautiful or happy." Craig said. "Well let's close the shop and get cleaned up. We're off to the inn to celebrate."