“You may kiss your bride.” were the last words my mother, Kylie Lang, heard before she fell into the darkness.
Eleven years ago, my parents had separated; Mom moved us back home to Denver, while my father, Kenneth Lang, remained in Virginia to focus on his naval career. Jake Cage, the man I had always called Papa, and his brother Bill, who went by Shooter most times. Grew up with Mom just like I had with Jake’s son, Jason; the brothers had just retired from their own service with the teams. Opening a security firm for various businesses, along with the occasional bounty hunting gig. Mom was offered the chance to move into their home and work as their office manager until a year ago, when she was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer.
Two days ago, she pleaded with Papa to fulfill her dying wish to see me, her only child, wed to a strong, wonderful man. Jason was almost eighteen, had just graduated from High School, and was on his way to Illinois for Naval basic training. I had barely turned sixteen; now a young bride, being married to the only man I would ever love.
What was not to love about Jase? His hair was a dark shade of brown, with eyes that always made me think of melted chocolate. Compared to him, I was just a frumpy teen. With my sandy blonde hair that hung past my shoulders and plain blue eyes. I always felt there was never anything special about me, except for when Jase was around; he just seemed to make everything better.
When the two of us were called into Mom’s hospital room, we were nervous that someone had found out about our secret excursion. Just the night before, I had produced two fake ID’s on Papa’s office computer; then we had gone downtown to get matching tattoos: lucky shamrocks. Neither of us wanted to forget the other while we were apart, having been best friends for the last eleven years.
So, our absence must have been noticed by someone. Holding hands, we slowly walked into the sterile hospice room; the grim faces of Papa and Shooter countered the soft smile that glowed from the bed before us. Mom had always been vibrant and active. Going to every one of mine or Jase’s games, all while being a parent and working at the office. Now there wasn’t much left of the woman who had raised me. I knew we were on borrowed time; soon, I would be alone in this world. Papa’s growling voice broke through my thoughts.
“Jase,” Papa began, “we’re glad the two of you finally got here. We need to talk about some things.”
Knowing we were probably in big trouble for sneaking out, even more for getting the tattoos. Jason stood tall. “Sorry, we just wanted to do something together before I shipped out.”
Mom sighed. Shooter spoke out first, “What did the two of you go and do?”
My eyes lowered to the floor while Jason held firm to his father and Uncle. “We went down to a place on Colfax.”
A weak giggle echoed; all our eyes turned to the frail body lying in the large bed before us. “Tell them.” She strained to get the words out.
“Tell us what?” I struggled to look into my mother’s eyes.
Shooter stomped away briefly. “This is insane; they are too young for this.”
Taking in a pain-filled breath, “I want one last thing. This one moment, before...” She broke away, the pain becoming too much.
“It’s already done. " As soon as the Chaplain gets here, you two are getting married.” Papa barked.
“Married?” Together we asked.
“Yes, Kylie’s last wish is to see the two of you happily married. I will not deny her this. The paperwork has all been taken care of; you both will make this moment be her best and final memory.”
“Kenny,” Mom whispered, gaining everyone’s attention. I carefully climbed next to her, allowing her to wrap me in a weak embrace. “Don’t cry. Please, do this for me before I go.” Tears flowed; I nodded that I would follow through with her final wish. “Jase?” He, too, burst with emotion, agreeing to what was being asked. “You two were always meant to take care of each other.”
Shooter stepped to the bed, placing his hand on my shoulder to gain my attention. Holding up a shopping bag, “Sweetie, you might want to change. Everything is in there; the Chaplain is outside waiting.” When I stood, he pulled me into a tight hug. “It’s going to be alright; you’ve always been family. Now, it’s gonna be forever.”
The sounds from the monitors and machines were a constant reminder to those in the room how fragile life truly is. The Chaplain had said, “You may kiss your bride.” We had barely pulled away from our very first kiss when the only sound was the continuous moan of a lone monitor. Announcing that my mother had slipped away, causing the mood in the room to shift from happiness to sorrow.
Jason combed his fingers through my long sandy blonde hair before pulling me close to his chest. Gently, he held me, whispering that it was going to be alright. I began crying, my body shaking from the weight of everything. “Kenny, look at me.” He said softly, waiting for a response, “Baby Girl. I said look at me.” Slowly, I pulled back, looking deep into his chocolate brown eyes. “I mean it, it’s gonna be alright. Now, dry those baby blues; we are going to get through this together.”
Several days had passed since Mom’s funeral. I locked myself away from everyone, including Jason. I knew he was worried about me as his report date was finally here; he was lying on his bed staring at the ceiling when I slowly opened his door. The light from the hallway cast a glow over his bare skin that showed above the sheet that was covering his body.
“Kenny?” He spoke to my shadow in the doorway.
“Sorry, I just didn’t want to be alone anymore. Can I come in?”
Scooting over, making room, he motioned for me to join him. Curling my body to his, I let out a soft sigh. He brought his arm around my shoulder to pull me closer; my cheek resting on his bare chest, he gently kissed the top of my head. “I hate that I’m leaving tomorrow.” He said, breaking our silence.
“Me too. I wanna come with you.” I reached up, running my fingers through his dark brown hair.
“Wish you could, Baby Girl. Someday, we’ll be together again. You know I have to do this; this was always my plan after graduation.”
“I know, but I’m sick of being left behind. First my Dad, then Mom; now you.” I tightened the grip I had on his head. Slowly, I leaned my face to his, placing a soft kiss on his lips. I knew exactly what I wanted at that moment.
I became relentless in the direction I was attempting to make him go. He tried to resist my sudden aggression, but caved when our kiss gave way to something more passionate. Placing my hands against Jason's chest as he rolled me onto my back. His hands had a mind of their own; they glided down my side. With a firm hold on my left thigh, he brought my leg up over his waist as he settled himself between my legs. I lifted my hips, grinding against him; it was when I let out a soft whimper that he came to his senses. Breaking away, his forehead pressed to mine; both breathing heavily.
“Ken, no. We can’t do this.” His voice hoarse.
“Please, Jase. I’m ready for this. It’s always been you.” I pleaded, gliding my hand along his jaw.
“You’re still young. I promise if you still want me in a few years, I will. Right now, we need to wait.” Our eyes locked; I tried holding back, but he could see inside me. “Don’t cry; give yourself some more time to grow up, live your life.”
“I thought my life was supposed to be with you?” Tears slowly flowed.
“It will be. It’s only for a little while, and then I will have made myself into someone worthy of someone like you.”
“You already are, Jase. You’ve never been unworthy.”
Lying back, he pulled me to lay my head on his chest again. “All we have is tonight, and I want to hold my wife until I get on that plane tomorrow. Can you give me that, Ken? Just for tonight, and I promise I will come back for you.”
Quietly, I nodded my head, listening to the strong beating of his heart. He held me tight until sleep overpowered him. When he woke the next morning, I would be gone. Only the note I’d written would be lying on the pillow next to him.
Jase,
Forgive me; I couldn’t be left behind again. Please be safe and come back to us alive and well.
I wanted you to know before you leave that there will never be anyone I could ever love more than I love you. I will make myself into the woman you will want someday.
Your loving wife (always), Kenny