DorkFish 4: The Ruthless Scheme

"You May Now Kiss"

Tuesday August 27
6:00 P.M.
Midtown

It was Tuesday ceremony, but the date was the date; nothing else would do.

'We're already married, this nervousness is ridiculous,' Jared thought, but it didn't keep him from shivering with excitement and restlessness.

"You need to sit still, Jared," Kim admonished, backing off from his face and lecturing him with her eyeliner pencil. "Your pictures will look miserable if I poke your eye out."

"I know, I know, I'm sorry," he said. "T-minus thirty minutes and I just can't believe it's happening."

"In a good way of course," Kim's sister, Jenn, clarified from behind him while she put the finishing touches on his hair.

Jared beamed. "In the best possible way."

The door flew open and Yasmine came crashing in.

"Sorry I'm late!" she breathed.

"Relax, Yas," said Jared. "You're right on time."

"Sure, if you mean baby time," Yasmine countered. "I swear I'd lose my head if it wasn't attached to my body."

"Thank you again for this," Jared told her. "I experienced such a poignant moment at your wedding and that day I would never have believed I'd be here today. I can't tell you what it means to me that you're letting me use this for my something borrowed."

"Likewise," she replied. "We couldn't wait to start trying for a baby, and when I saw you that day, I so wanted to be you. I just hope I look as good now as you did then!"

"Hey, that's my line," Jared laughed, and abruptly stopped at another wand brandishing from Kim.

"Yes, well, you're not twenty-six and growing."

"And you're not postpartum and praying you've lost those last stubborn pounds of baby weight. God, I hope your husband's tux fits a bit more comfortably than it did at the final fitting!"

"Well, it's time to find out," Kim said. "You're done!"

Jared looked in the mirrors his stylist held out for him and he smiled his approval. His clean-shaven face, soft and natural with a hint of bronzer, let the dewy lustrous glow of his flawless skin shine through while just the right bit of dark smoke for his eyes added sensual mystery. And yes, for all his fidgeting, and to Kim's credit, his multi-hued irises were bright, dramatic, and show-stopping.

Meanwhile, Jenn created unconventional magic with his magnificent auburn mane. She'd tucked it up into a snow-white cashmere beanie, which added a sense of mystery and majesty, and a touch of softness and romance.

One of Jared's something olds were the Cartier diamond he'd worn for Pileggi's ball, and it sparkled with a vengeance in his satin ascot tie against the dark frame of his lapels.

Another something old was the Bulova clasped around his left ankle.

Third was a certain red satin ribbon that Yasmine helped him tie securely around his right thigh in place of a garter.

Something new was Jensen's cornicello necklace woven into his bridal bouquet of white roses, pale pink orchids, and orange blossoms, the rosary style chain so fitting for the ceremony taking place at the iconic St. Patrick's Cathedral.

'And Janus on our wedding invitations was a nice touch,' he smiled. 'New beginnings, the end of the war, and the start of an era of peace.'

****

Alan was there to meet him when the Maybach glided to a stop in front of the massive cathedral, and his presence among the bustling weeknight crows brought Jared instant comfort. Jared stepped out of the limo to a surprised chorus of "oohs!" and "ahhs!" from the passersby, and to his astonishment they made their way for him and his distinguished escort.