- Aloha, Mr. Steele 8/8
Date: Friday, May 23, 2008
- From: " SusanRS" <myrtlelauragroggins@yahoo.com>
-
- Aloha Mr. Steele
- Chapter eight
-
-
- Remington unlocked the door to the
Groom's Suite and led Laura inside. He slipped the *Do Not Disturb*
sign on the door before closing and locking it; a move that wasn't
lost on Laura.
-
- "What do you have in mind,
Mr. Steele?"
-
- Remington pulled her close and gave
her a deep, passionate kiss. "Do you know what you do to
me in that dress?" he asked. Before she could answer, he
kissed her again.
-
- "Do you know what you do to
*me* in those eyes?" she countered smiling.
-
- Remington smiled back and wiggled
his eyebrows. "What do you *think* I have in mind, Mrs.
Steele?"
-
- "Mrs. Steele?"
-
- "That IS your name now, isn't
it?"
-
- She hadn't really thought about
it. Laura Holt. Laura Steele. Laura Holt-Steele.
-
- "Yes, I guess it is,"
she replied. "You still haven't answered my question."
-
- "What question?"
-
- "What do you have in mind?"
-
- "I just wanted a few private,
uninterrupted moments with my wife," Remington said, completely
enjoying the fact that he could now call her his wife.
-
- "Mildred is on the island now,"
Laura stated. "So the chances of us being interrupted have
drastically increased.
-
- "Yes, she is," Remington
replied. "But she is waiting with the rest of our guests
at the hotel restaurant. I'm sure if she needs to talk to us,
it can wait until the reception."
-
- "Reception?" she queried.
-
- "Laura, you don't think I would
fly our guests all the way to Maui to witness our marriage and
not have some kind of a celebration, do you?"
-
- "Another surprise," she
said, trying to sound annoyed. He knew she was anything but.
-
- "Laura, I know this week has
been full of surprises . . . For both of us. You bringing us
here was a wonderful surprise. But, the very best surprise that
I've *ever* had was walking into Remington
Steele's office and staring straight into my destiny. I found
the most beautiful, intelligent, intriguing, sexy woman. And
now, three-and-a-half years later, the most incredible part,
that woman is now my wife."
-
- Remington leaned in and kissed her
passionately. While they were kissing, he started backing her
towards the bed. Laura pulled away.
-
- "You'll wrinkle my dress,"
she said.
-
- "It can't get wrinkled if you're
not wearing it," Remington replied with a smirk.
-
- "If I take this dress off,"
Laura replied. "I won't want to put it back on."
-
- "I promise you it won't get
wrinkled," he said.
-
- "What about our guests?"
she asked.
-
- "They'll understand,"
he answered with a grin. "We're newlyweds."
-
- Remington ran a finger under the
thin strap of Laura's dress. She was melting at his touch.
-
- " . . . I hate to say *no*
after a week of unlimited yes," she replied. "But I
don't want to show up to our reception wrinkled and disheveled;
*especially* in front of my mother. But, I promise you I'll make
it up to you later." She kissed him. "Not only will
you have me for the rest of the day . . . But you can have me
for the rest of your life."
-
- Remington kissed her. "Laura,
you drive a hard bargain. But, that *really* is an offer I can't
refuse."
-
- Laura smiled and replied, "Marlon
Brando, *The Godfather*, Paramount, 1970."
-
- *****
-
- "Please welcome Mr. and Mrs.
Remington Steele!" Kai announced as Remington and Laura
arrived at the garden terrace of the hotel restaurant.
-
- The entire courtyard had been reserved
just for their private wedding party. Laura was in awe at the
elaborate reception Remington had secretly arranged. The plaza
was exquisitely decorated for a beautiful celebration.
-
- A long table was prepared with a
buffet of all the traditional Hawaiian luau foods: Kalua pork,
lomi lomi salmon, shoyu chicken, haupia, lupulu, poi, sticky
rice and fresh pineapple, mango and papaya.
-
- A small round table held a beautiful
two-tiered Chocolate-Macadamia nut wedding cake that was adorned
with fresh tropical flowers. A Hawaiian band played in the background.
-
- Their guests rose from their chairs
and applauded as the blissful couple approached the large round
table that held a beautiful bird of paradise centerpiece. Laura
couldn't have looked more beautiful. She was radiant and glowing.
And Remington had an ear-to-ear grin. He looked
like a child on Christmas morning.
-
- "Sorry to keep you all waiting,"
Remington said, flashing his trademark grin to the group.
-
- "That's alright, Mr. Steele,"
Abigail replied with *her* trademark condescension. "It's
*your* wedding day. I'm sure whatever you needed to do was more
important than being here with your
guests."
-
- "Please, Abigail, call me Remington,"
he told her, reaching out to kiss her hand.
-
- Abigail smiled and practically blushed.
"Remington," she practiced and then added, "Besides,
it gave Mr. Chalmers and me a chance to get reacquainted."
-
- Abigail smiled at Daniel as he pulled
out her chair.
-
- Everything was perfect. The guests
talked, ate, drank and laughed. Daniel gave a lovely toast to
the happy couple. Abigail was in top form as she interrogated
Remington and Laura about their relationship, asking questions
like: How long have you been dating? And, where will you live?
Laura was relieved that at least she didn't ask when they were
going to have children.
-
- The Hawaiian band was so delightful.
They played a nice mix of Hawaiian and American songs. At one
point, the bandleader stopped to speak to the wedding party.
-
- "This next song is a special
request from the Groom to the Bride," he said.
-
- Remington stood up and took Laura
by the hand, leading her to the dance floor. When they reached
the center of the dance floor, they turned towards each other
and he held her close as he had so many times before.
-
- As the music started, Remington
leaned in and began quietly humming in Laura's ear. When the
musician started singing the lyrics, Remington quietly sang the
words to Laura. At first it was just a whisper, but then his
voice grew stronger.
-
- I can only give you love that
lasts forever,
And a promise to be near each time you call.
And the only heart I own
For you and you alone
That's all,
That's all...
-
- Laura was surprised to hear him
singing. She was so touched by this romantic gesture. She could
recall hearing him sing once before, when he sang to a baby,
but that time he didn't know she was listening. His voice was
trembling, but he was so sincere in the words that came from
his lips. Laura listened intently to the lyrics.
-
- I can only give you country walks
in springtime
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall;
And a love whose burning light
Will warm the winter's night
That's all,
That's all.
-
- If you're wondering what I'm
asking in return, dear,
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small.
Say it's me that you'll adore,
For now and evermore
That's all,
That's all.
-
- As the music ended, he looked into
her glistening eyes.
-
- "I love you, Laura," he
said reverently and then added,"Forever."
-
- "I love you, too, Remington,"
she replied, "Forever."
-
- Remington leaned in and softly kissed
her. Before their kiss ended, the band started playing another
song. Their lips parted.
-
- "Would you like to dance?"
he asked
-
- "Love to" she replied.
-
- Their bodies gently swayed to the
beautiful music. They were lost in the moment. It was as if they
were the only two people who existed on earth. They were completely
oblivious to the eyes that were watching them.
-
- Donald stood up, took Frances by
the hand, and led her to the dance floor. Daniel followed with
Abigail, leaving Mildred alone at the table. Kai quickly took
notice and escorted Mildred to the dance floor as well.
-
- When the song ended, they all returned
to the table to open the gifts.
-
- "That one is for Laura,"
Abigail said, pointing to the beautifully wrapped gift.
-
- Laura removed the card from the
envelope.
-
- Laura,
-
-
- I am so proud of you and all
that you have accomplished. You have
become such a beautiful, strong woman. You are strong willed
like your
father. Don't let that get in the way of your happiness. Remington
is not your father. He is a good man. Don't punish him for your
father's mistake. I hope you will cherish this gift as a reminder
of
the love your father and I once had and the happiness we felt
when you
were born.
-
- Love,
- Mother
-
- A tear came to Laura's eye. She
carefully opened the exquisitely wrapped gift, taking extra care
not to rip the paper. She removed the lid from the box and could
not believe what was inside. It was the framed wedding photo
of her parents that used to sit on the mantle at her home when
she was growing up. After her father left, the picture had disappeared.
Abigail had told Laura that she had gotten rid of it.
-
- "Mother?" Laura asked.
"I thought this was thrown out years ago."
-
- "I know you did, Laura,"
Abigail answered. "I had to put it away. I couldn't stand
looking at it. But, I knew how much you loved it. I have been
saving it to give to you for your wedding. The
sterling silver frame was a gift from my parents on my wedding
day."
-
- "I never knew that," Laura
replied.
-
- "Me neither," Frances
added.
-
- Laura was genuinely pleased with
her mother's thoughtfulness.
-
- "Thank you, Mother," Laura
said sincerely. She reached over and squeezed Abigail's hand.
-
- "So, when are you two going
to give me another grandchild?" Abigail blurted out.
-
- Mildred almost spit her drink across
the table. Frances rolled her eyes, shook her head and buried
her face in her hands. Donald and Daniel tried to contain an
obvious chuckle.
-
- And if things couldn't get any worse,
Abigail added, "You're not getting any younger, Laura."
-
- "Mother!" Laura exclaimed.
-
- Of course, it couldn't last. The
wonderful feelings she had for her mother just a few moments
before, quickly dissipated. Laura took several deep, cleansing
breaths before she could even speak.
-
- "Remington and I . . ."
she paused.
-
- What could she say? She certainly
didn't want to admit to her mother that they hadn't even discussed
the possibility of having children together before they got married.
Laura looked over to Remington for help. He just gazed at her
with his intoxicating blue eyes and an exquisite lopsided grin.
-
- She began again, "Remington
and I . . . will let you know."
-
- "Why don't you open the rest
of your gifts, Laura?" Frances said, quickly changing the
subject.
-
- There were three envelopes on the
table. Laura picked up the first one and removed the contents.
It was from the Piper's. Inside was a gift certificate to a gourmet
kitchen supply store in Los Angeles.
-
- "I didn't know what you might
need for your kitchen," Frances said.
-
- "This is very thoughtful, Frances,"
Laura replied. "I'm sure Remington can find *something*
that is lacking in his kitchen."
-
- Remington opened the next envelope.
It was from Mildred. It was a note informing them that a bottle
of Dom Pérignon `76 and a pair of Waterford crystal toasting
flutes were going to be delivered to their home on Rossmore.
-
- "Thank you, Mildred,"
Remington said. "This is truly amazing. You've really outdone
yourself."
-
- "My *kids* only get married
once," Mildred replied, hoping she wasn't stepping on Abigail's
toes by saying it.
-
- Remington smiled at Mildred. She
was the closest thing he'd ever had to a mother and he absolutely
loved her.
-
- Remington picked up the last envelope.
On the outside was simply scrawled, "Harry."
It had to be from Daniel. Remington opened it and could not believe
what was inside.
-
- "Oh . . . Daniel . . ."
Remington said, speechless, "This is *too* much."
-
- Remington handed the note to Laura.
Her mouth fell open as she read it.
-
- Well, Harry, my boy, you've really
done it now. I never thought you
would get married. That is, until I saw you with Laura. All I
can say
is, "It's about time!" I've known from that firstmeeting
that you were
- destined to be with her. I wish
you both the very best. You deserve it!
-
- Harry, we have had many great
adventures together and I have always
tried to provide a home for you. And now, as you embark on this
new
and exciting chapter in your life, the time will come when you
will
outgrow the home where you live. My wish is to purchase a home
for you
and Laura when that time comes. You have been like a son to me
and I
truly cherish the many years we spent together.
-
- Daniel
-
- "What is it, Laura?" Frances
finally asked. The suspense was killing her.
-
- "Daniel wants to buy us a house,"
Laura answered.
-
- "What?" Abigail replied,
"Where?"
-
- "Wherever we want," Laura
said. "Do you mind if I read the card, Daniel?"
-
- Daniel nodded.
-
- Laura read the note. There was not
a dry eye in the bunch.
-
- "That's incredible, Daniel,"
Abigail said.
-
- "Why do you call him Harry?"
Frances asked Daniel.
-
- Laura answered before Daniel had
a chance.
-
- "That is the name he went by
before he moved to Los Angeles and changed his name to Remington
Steele," she said. "Remington has had quite an interesting
life and I'm sure now that he is a part of the family, you will
get to hear *all* about it."
-
- Remington smiled. He was part of
a family. Her family. His family. Their family.
-
- They all continued to eat, drink,
dance, talk and laugh. The afternoon soon turned to evening.
The sun was setting. It had been a glorious day, but it had to
come to an end.
-
- Remington and Laura said goodbye
to their guests. Daniel and Abigail left first, together. As
they walked away, Daniel could be heard inviting Abigail to his
villa in the south of France.
-
- Laura hugged Mildred. "Thank
you *so* much for everything you've done to make this day so
wonderful," she said. "I'm sure Mr. Steele couldn't
have done it without you."
-
- "It was my pleasure,"
Mildred said. "It has been great seeing the two of you so
happy."
-
- "We'll see you back at the
office on Monday," Laura said.
-
- "Sure thing, Mrs. Steele,"
Mildred replied and then winked at Mr. Steele.
-
- Laura smiled as she realized she
was in for a lifetime of conspiracy between those two.
-
- Remington walked over to shake the
hand of his new brother-in-law. While Donald and Remington talked,
Laura said goodbye to Frances.
-
- "Laura, this wedding was so
beautiful," Frances said.
-
- "Thank you, Frances,"
Laura replied. "It really *was* the wedding of my dreams."
-
- "I never thought you dreamt
about getting married," Frances stated.
-
- "True, Frances, I didn't spend
a lot of time dwelling on getting married," Laura replied.
"I would have been perfectly happy to spend the rest of
my life single. But once I met Mr. Steele, I knew I
could never be truly happy if I wasn't with him. I knew I wanted
to spend the rest of my life with him. He really *is* the man
of my dreams."
-
- "I'm surprised it took the
two of you so long to get married," Frances said.
-
- "Well . . ." Laura hesitated.
"It took some time to make a commitment."
-
- "I had to convince Donald,
too," Frances whispered.
-
- Laura smiled. "*I* was the
one who needed the convincing," she confessed. "I had
a lot of issues to deal with, you know, with Daddy leaving and
then Wilson. It's been hard for me to trust a man again. And
then, I wasn't sure how Remington felt about me."
-
- "Laura, the man has been in
love with you since at least the first time I saw you two together,"
Frances reassured. "I'm sure it was a lot longer than that."
-
- "It was obvious?" Laura
said surprised.
-