I knocked on Judge Cunningham’s door.  He said to come in.  When we walked into his chamber, he stood up.  He was the size of a mountain.  He came over to greet us.  He offered his hand, and I accepted it.  It was shaking hands with a ham. Jeeeez!

“A pleasure to meet you, Your Honor,” I said.

“Yes, it is, Sir.  Rose Mary from Records said to give this to you personally," Lucia said while handing him the paper.  He looked at it and smiled.

“Well, let’s get you two married. Give me just a moment.”  He sat behind his desk and picked up the phone.

“Carol, could you and Frank come in here, please?”  By the time he hung up the phone, a man and a woman came into the office.

“Would you mind being a witness to this couple's marriage?”

“We would be happy to, “Frank said. 

“Okay, Patrick and Lucia stand on either side of me.  Carol and Frank know what to do.”

Frank looked at me, and I gave him the rings.

Fifteen minutes later, Lucia became Mrs. Patrick O’Flynn.

“You may now kiss your bride, Mr. O’Flynn.”  He and our witnesses smiled and clapped.

“Thank you, Your Honor.  I very much appreciate your assistance,” I said.

“Yes, thank you so very much.  May I ask just one more thing, Sir?”

“Sure, Mrs. O’Flyn,” Lucia giggled at hearing her married name.  “Could I ask for two copies of the document, please?”

“Sure, Carol, would you see to the copies, please?”  She left the room, and a minute later returned with our license and two copies.

“Here you are, and congratulations.”  We shook hands all around, then Lucia and I left the judge’s chambers.  

I held the door for Lucia as she got in the car.  She sat on the car seat, then she pulled her skirt up a little higher than she should have.

“Aye, you have beautiful legs, pet.”

“Think a little farther up than my kneecaps, my husband.” Her coy smile said it all.

“Ah, a saucy lass, I’ve married.  I can see I’m going to be late for work many times.”  She opened her legs a little farther, then pulled them inside the car.

Once I was settled on my side, I asked Lucia if she was hungry.  She giggled, rubbed her tummy, and said she was.  I suggested we go to Hampton for a nice restaurant and lodging for our wedding night. 

“Paddy, please pull over and look at me.”  I did as she asked.

I would love a bench by the lake and lunch from a food truck.  As for my, well, our wedding night.  You have an apartment and a bed, right?”

“Aye, lass, I do.  But it’s over a garage and not much to speak of.  The room is comfy, and the bed is as well, but you’re me wife.  That’s no way to start our life," I said softly and lovingly.

“Patrick Michael O’Flynn, I would have lain in your bed last night.  I would have given myself to you.  You, being the man you are, wanted to wait for my honor.  Now that we’re one, give me a fancy diner and bed. No.

I have my bed, and I have my apartment. It is the apartment that I ran to because my love was there.  It was the bed I wanted to share with you.  Those are the things that I want and love about you. 

Your bed is the bed I want you to take me as your wife and take me from a maiden to a woman. I have no dowry for my husband, only me.”

Lucia’s eyes were tearing and glistening.  Her face was slightly flushed, as that of a maiden.

“I’ve married the woman I adore, the woman I respect, and always will.  She brings with her a dowry worth more than the riches of the world.  She brings her love to me, a priceless gift worth more than all the gold on this Earth.  Herself.  What more could a man want?”

“The lake and a food truck?”  I asked her with a wide smile.

“The lake and a food truck, it is, luv.”  I headed for the park and the lake.

I pulled into the parking lot of the Park of Russel.  We parked under a tree, and I helped my wife out of the car. Hand in hand, we strolled to the path that surrounded the lake.

We followed the asphalt path around to the next parking lot.  There was a bus converted into what appeared to be a chuck wagon.  The sign on the side of the contraption boasted proudly; Charlie’s Chuck Wagon.  Lucia giggled.  That told me this was the place.

“OI, Charlie,” I called out.  “What’s your specialty for the lady?”

“Well, darhlin'," he said in a fake Texas accent, “How would a Swiss and mushroom pure Angus beef burger sound?  And I won’t forget the Southern fries, don’t have them Frenchie fries here.”  He was proud as could be.

“Sounds good to me.  What about you, Paddy?”  Lucia said with a giggle.

“Tell me, lad, is that pure Angus or is there some bull in there?”  Charlie started to laugh.

“Well, fella.  There’s more bull in the schpeel than in the burger.”  We were all laughing.

“Well, guv, give us the Swiss and mushroom burger and fries.  Twice, please, for takeaway."

“Comin’ right up, pardner,” and Charlie went to work.

He gave us two Styrofoam carriers, both of which were heavy and very warm.  Charlie handed Lucia two colas.  I paid him with a little more as a thank you.

We found a bench and sat down for our first meal as a married couple. I set the food trays between us so we had a firm surface for the burger.  It was absolutely marvelous. 

Lucia had a little of the juice dripping from her lips.  Her tongue quickly cleaned it up.  She looked at me and blushed.

“Paddy, you make me think of things that are sexy without saying a word.”  She took another bite of her burger.

“No, luv, it’s where your mind and mine meet.”  She was still chewing her food, but bent over to kiss me.

Our lunch was finished.  I found a container to deposit our trash in.  When I went back to the bench, I sat next to me bride.  I went to kiss her, but had to wait.  She was unbuttoning the next button on her blouse.

“Lass, if ya keep that up, well, remember, we’re not Adam and Eve.  The cops frown on trying to start a family in a public park.”  Lucia frowned, then giggled.

We sat, enjoying the light breeze from the lake.  The shadows were getting longer and the air cooler.  I stood up and offered me hand to me bride.

“Aisling, I think it’s time we head home.”

“It is getting close to dusk.  I love dawn and dusk, Paddy.”

“Tis when the Maker shows off his artwork.”  I put me arm around Lucia, and we walked to the car.

As she got in, she pulled her dress up a bit farther.  I was getting a peek at her light blue undies.

“Lass, ya make it difficult for a man to be a gentleman,” I said with a sly grin.

“Maybe I don’t want the man to be a gentleman tonight.  Or ever.”  Her glistening eyes, her blushing cheeks, and the sensuous tone of her voice were making me crazy.

We got back to the shop, and Otto was there getting ready to close for the day.  He waved to us as we pulled in, then finished writing down numbers from the pump.

“Well, what have you two been up to?”  Otto has a smile that would warm the coldest night.  Lucia showed him her ring.

“Oh, my Heavens, that is so wonderful.  This is a wonderful day.  People asked if you were sick; they were concerned you weren’t here.  I said you just wanted a day off.

I remember when Emma and I married.  Her pappy never did care for me, but we did it anyway. Not to be rude, but I’m sure your pappy won’t be overjoyed with the news.

Congratulations, I hope you two have a long, happy life.  May God bless you with many healthy children.  Oh, and Paddy, make sure you change her oil on a regular basis.”  Otto started to laugh, and we joined in with him.

“Are you going somewhere on a honeymoon?”  He was almost jumping up and down.

“No, Otto.  Paddy has a shop to keep, and I didn’t say anything at my job. My husband and I will find time for ourselves.  I am looking forward to him coming home, having a shower, a pint or two, then a warm dinner for a working man.”

“Missy, if you keep that up, you’ll have your man loving you and protecting you forever.

Well, Paddy.  Here are the readings from the pumps.  I think you’ll be happy with the readings.  Now this old fart is going home and let you two, er, um, well – get better acquainted.”  Otto started his contagious laugh again as he walked to his car and waved to us.

We walked upstairs to our apartment.  Lucia was blushing and grinning like a shy bride.  We were close last night to becoming one, but I’m glad we waited, and I think deep down inside, so did she.

I opened the door.  She looked at me, “Oh, Paddy,” her face turning redder.

I picked up me little bride and took her into our home.  I used me foot to close the door, but I didn’t set her down right away.  I held her in me arms, she looked at me with the most loving expression, and her eyes glistening with happiness.  We kissed.  A long, soft lover’s kiss.  She lay her head on me shoulder, and kissed me cheek. 

“Paddy?”

“Yes, luv?”

“Your hand is up my dress, and you're holding my panties.”  Lucia giggled shyly.

“If ya give me a bit, tis more than your knickers I’ll be holding.” 

“Patrick Michael, you bad, bad boy.  What would your Momma say?”

“I wouldn’t tell her.” We both started to laugh.

I set Lucia gently on the floor.  We embraced and just held each other.  We didn’t say a word; our bodies were saying everything.  This was the first time I held Lucia so close to me. 

Her firm breasts were making their mark on me chest and in me mind.  Her body was so warm and soft.  This was a feeling I would never forget. As we separated a little, she looked up at me.  Her face was radiant, and her eyes filled with hope and love.  We kissed again.

“Paddy, can you give your bride a few minutes to surprise you?”

“Lucia, things went so fast, I didn’t have—"

“Sush.  You have given me everything I have ever dreamed of.  Now, let me get a beer for us.  Make yourself comfortable while I make a few adjustments.  Off with ya, now.”  She pointed to the little couch we had.

Since she had to go to the next apartment, I decided me first change was to cut a doorway attaching the two apartments.  Luckily, you need a key to get in, and a key to get into the apartment.

I took a quick shower and gave meself a close shave.  I put on me best boxers and found me robe that was hidden in the back of the closet.  I sipped me beer, then went into the little living room.

I pulled the little drapes together and lit a candle that had been there since Columbus arrived.  I found a nice little station that was playing sentimental music.  Everything was as best as I had, so I sat on me couch.

I heard the door open, close, then lock.  I stood up and turned to the sound.  Lucia was standing there, and I swear on Heaven she looked like an Angel. 

Her thick black hair fell to her shoulders and framed her face.  Her cheeks were a soft rose, as were her lips.  Her white gown touched the floor, and I could see her little white shoes as she approached me.

“Are you going to invite a young girl for a drink?”

“Shite!”  Me Dad would take me to the woodshed.  Not a proper home, nor bed.  Not a decent attire, and no champagne for me bride.  I don’t know where me head was.”

“I had filled your head, Mr. O’Flynn, and your mind was on my blue panties that you held.”

Lucia sat down, picked up the beer on the table, and handed one to me.  We clinked them together, entwined our arms, and took our first sip as husband and wife. 

I kept looking at Lucia’s eyes.  They’re deep, dark eyes that look into your eyes and go straight to your mind.  They are enticing, seductive, yet calm and gentle.  Her soft rose colored lips would make a man do anything to kiss.

I reached out and brushed me hand against her soft cheek.  Lucia pressed her hand on top of mine as she reached out to touch me face.  The look in those deep eyes was now sensual and inviting.  I put me hand on the back of her head, carefully pulled her to me, and kissed her.

Lucia stood up.  She took a couple of steps away from me.  She untied her white, satin robe and let it fall to the floor.  Her sheer white gown showed a glimpse of her firm breasts, her hips, and the dark triangle that she was willing to risk to a man she loved.

To be continued