Klev was facing his slightly shorter, almost-wife in her gold and red wedding dress with a dancing flame weaved into the threads, creating a flashy bride.
He mustered manliness and hardened his nerves, but the expectations of the seated wore at him like waves to limestone.
Klev’s father was in the front, heading with the extended Bekkan family. The situation was likewise for the Snihdes.
The church was packed, and the sun beamed through the atrium. The Chime performing the union was stout and had an unenthusiastic voice and consistently half-closed lids. Her pearlescent palms aimed skyward.
“Through me, as his child, the Burning Bell’s fire of life and love ignites these extensions of god,” the Chime said while nabbing a bell in each hand.
A string of flames slithering like a worm entered from the atrium, flew above the pews, and then jumped into the Chime’s chest. She tightened her grip on the bells, and they glowed searing orange. The two souls before her delicately took a bell.
Vora lifted her veil and knelt. “Blessed by the embers of Klev Bekkan’s ring, I swear to love him until the end of days. His doofy mannerisms, modesty, strength, and soft, kind heart complete my beauty and intelligence. He’s the one who tolerated me the longest.” Everyone laughed as Vora giggled and grinned. “I will love you until the end of days.”
Klev was a nervous statue until Vora gave him a playful wink. He rang the bell over the violet-haired woman’s noggin, and embers fluttered to her being then vanished. Vora rose, and Klev collapsed to his knee.
Klev forcefully cleaned his throat with a grunt. “Blessed by the ring of Vora Snihde’s bell, I… uh… I…” Klev went silent, unable to remember his practiced vows. “What she said…”
Vora smothered up the confused whispers by wildly ringing her bell, letting a flurry of embers fall. Afterward, Klev bolted to his feet with an awkward square smile.
The best man gave Klev his counterpart's wedding ring, and the maid of honor gave Vora hers. That is if Maive participated. Sadly, she wasn’t present, and it defaulted to the bride’s mother, Madeline.
Vora slid her ring onto Klev’s shaky finger, and Klev mirrored Vora’s action at an unwavering digit.
“By my divinity and the Burning Bell’s might, I finalize this union. You may now ki-“
Vora threw herself onto Klev, nearly suffocating him with red lips. While Klev was stupefied and stamped with crimson, Vora snatched the bouquet, hurled it into the air, and declared, “It’s party time!”
Those in attendance immediately indulged while Vora took Klev, yanked him into an empty room, and shut the door with her butt. Klev was plopped down in an oak chair, wondering if he was dreaming.
Vora removed her veil and let her purple hair flow. She wiped her lipstick off and removed her heels, swapping them for a more comfortable option.
“I’m never wearing lipstick again,” Vora stated. “Well, unless you ask nicely.” She relaxed the tighter parts of her dress. “You did grand, darling. I was worried you’d collapse traveling the aisle.”
“Are we married then?” Klev asked earnestly.
Vora laughed and deeply kissed Klev again. “Calm your nerves, then go out to your adoring audience. With my commanding presence, I can buy you six or seven hours,” Vora giggled, then left the room.
I crumpled like paper. I don’t think I’ve toughened up at all. What advice did my mom have that would help me?
“If you’re in pain, just smile.”
That's good, but not for this situation. What else?
“Never leave home without clean shoes.” “Take your time when counting coins.”
Klev had an epiphany. “You had a lot of stinkers, mom. I’m sorry.”
He broke out of his cave and joined those celebrating. Vora’s side of the family swarmed, poked, and prodded the man until he could bear no more and excused himself.
Luis swooped in and grabbed his shoulder. “I got something that will loosen you up.” He presented hull brandy. “Couple shots, huh?”
A very pregnant Coral hugged Klev from an angle. “Congrats. You have to down a few for me.” She pointed at her stomach.
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“You guys are terrible for pure pressure.” After some expectant looks, he caved. “One shot.” Klev tossed a glass down and made a bitter face. “That is awful. Your brand choices always sucked.”
“Bargain booze.” He snapped his finger and pointed at his blonde brother.
“Worst gentleman. Never any class.” Coral rolled her eyes.
Feeling warm and worry-free, Klev nabbed Vora and suggested they cut the wedding cake. They divided the yellow cake with a swift cut and fed each other the sweet sponge. Afterward, Vora tossed a candy into Klev’s gob. It was a sugar pumpkin, which he hadn’t had since he was ten years old.
Rudolf grabbed Klev’s shoulder. “May I have a word with my son-in-law?”
Vora hummed, then answered, “I suppose. Don’t give him another talk.”
“I’d never,” Rudolf said, mock offended.
The two went through several doors to go out the back and between the brush outside. Rudolf lit his pipe and snapped his lighter shut.
“What do you need, Mr. Snihde?” Klev asked, bolder from the liquor.
“You can just call me Rudolf. You earned it after managing to subdue my little monster. Did you ever tell her anything we discussed that day?”
“I did, sir. I couldn’t keep my promise. Be mad at me if you will, but Vora has never hidden anything from me, so I won’t from her. That’s who I am.”
After a cold stare, Rudolf sighed smoke. “You’re garbage at promises, but at least you have morals. Makes it less of a mess later, though. Now, have you figured out your mother’s rifle? Nobody could crack its code.”
“No,” Klev said with disappointment. “Can’t even cock the thing. Nearly broke my fingers trying.”
“Find a way. You promised to protect my daughter. And that one you will keep.” He pointed the end of his pipe at Klev. “She doesn’t have that curse anymore…” He popped the pipe back between his lips. “But she always needed protection. Mostly from herself. Especially from herself. Sadly, I’m not going to be around forever.”
“She’ll always be a handful, but she’s gotten better,” Klev laughed. “I’ll be there for her, even after I die.”
Rudolf grinned. Then he became serious. “Your mother was a grand person. A good fighter, respectful, and very caring. You’re the spitting image of her.”
“Thank you, sir.” Klev bowed.
“That’s unnecessary. You’re my son-in-law. You don’t need to be so formal.”
Klev shook his head. “I won’t do that. Because that’s the person I am.”
“Damn straight, you are.” Rudolf snuffed his pipe, threw an arm around Klev, and returned to the church. “Back to it, now. Beware, my better half. Maddy is already asking for grandchildren.”
“Let’s worry about that later. Maybe five years.”
“Ooo. She won’t like that.”
***
Klev found his father upstairs on the balcony, who looked out at the town of White Hill. When Mr. Bekkan detected his son's presence, he approached and hugged him, slapping his back.
“Congratulations, son. You and that girl have been around each other so long. You hooked a beauty, just like me," he grinned proudly.
"Thanks, Dad. I'm very lucky. How are you feeling?”
“Me? Bah. I’m fine. A little heart condition wouldn’t slow me down.”
“I sense that you want to talk about something with me, as well.”
“As well? Ah. I’m sure Rudolf had a few words. I do, but we can save it for later.”
“You can tell me.” Klev scanned around. “I’m avoiding karaoke. When Vora’s on stage, she won’t notice my escape.”
Mr. Bekkan became cold. “I’m closing the store, son.”
“What? Why?”
“This isn’t a sudden choice. I planned on it once you left the home. It was a family store that I created. A little something of our own. It's no longer a family store with family.”
“I think that’s the right decision,” Klev responded.
Mr. Bekkan was surprised. “I thought you would fight me more.”
“It’s stressful now that you’re by yourself. If it would take pressure off you, I think it’s the right choice. And you do still have a family store. With me and Vora. The name’s the only thing that’s changed. It’s the same family,” Klev smirked.
“Your mother would be proud. I never stopped loving her. Didn’t matter that she was a Dowser or anything like that. She always had the best intentions; I’ll always back that up. Gah.” He covered his eyes with his thumb and index. “Must be pollen or something. Got me tearing up.”
“Yeah, same,” Klev responded, wiping his eyes. “It’s weird.”
***
Vora had her temple against Klev’s suit pocket as string and wind instruments played slowly. A circle of golden fire enveloped them. She had a sharp smirk as she had achieved marriage on her list to a normal life. Next was to be the overly-beautiful, young housewife.
“What are you plotting?” Klev whispered.
“Why are you accusing me of plotting something?” Vora peered up and batted her eyes.
“You too, then? I can’t picture myself as a father. I think I’ll die.”
“That’s not what I was thinking,” Vora laughed. She calmed and solemnly mumbled, “She didn’t show.”
“I know that if she could of, she would,” Klev assured.
“Naturally….”
“The lovebirds better get ready,” the Chime announced nasally.
Traditionally, after the fire dance, the bride and groom would race each other out the church doors to their transport. Whoever won told the Burning Bell what they wanted their first child to be. It was more of a game to finish the celebration as the wish rarely came true.
The flames vanished, and the oak church doors swung open. The husband and wife separated.
“Sorry, darling. I’ve already won.” Vora tore off, unsportsmanly knocking a chair into Klev’s path.
“Damn.” Klev chased after. “She’ll just want a Vora Jr.”
Their families cheered and screamed. Klev caught up and ended up tying with his wife.
In a tie, they both said their wishes and only one was chosen by god.
***
A year had passed since the couple had a foot on church grounds. Vora was twenty now, and life was delightfully plain.
Their business became stronger as White Hill grew. Klev’s father had given the young Bekkans all his valuable assets and advice. Then, he departed from his store and took it easy for a time.
During a sticky, rainy morning store opening, the candlestick phone blared, and Vora answered with a twirl.
“Bekkans, this is Vora speaking.”
“Vora? This is Albeit of the Orna estate. She ordered me not to contact you, but I’m disobeying regardless of my job. You must know, Ms. Maive is…”