Hunter - Big Girls & Bad Boys (10 page)

“Yes, I’ll marry you, Hunter. Tonight,” I said and instead of the regret I was sure I would feel at the rash decision, there was nothing but joy and the notion that I was doing exactly the right thing. The three women, even Sandy, squealed as Hunter pulled me to him and kissed me. Soon, we were being mobbed by Hunter’s mom, sister and sister-in-law. It was crazy for a moment. I didn’t just agree to marry Hunter. I had gained a wonderful family too.

Penny broke out the wine and we began discussing how to go about this. Reno wasn’t but three hours away. Penny offered to get everyone rooms for the night and we found a twenty-four hour wedding chapel on the internet. Hunter called to change his flight back to base while I called my parents. My mom was confused, as much about my sudden nuptials as my choice in a husband. She and my dad weren’t activists or even political but they were keenly aware of my positions.

“I know, mom. I’m kind of surprised too. I wish you could be there but we’ll do something formal when Hunter comes home,” I told her.

“I’d like that. Look, honey, are you happy?” she asked.

“Yes,” was all I said.

“Then I’m happy. I’ll tell your father. Call us when you have a chance and send some photos,” Mom urged me.

“I will. I love you, mom,” I said.

“I love you too, honey,” she replied and we hung up. I returned from the kitchen just as Nate walked inside, his shirt a mess and his brow beaded with sweat.

“It’s done. The gutters are...what’s going on?” he asked, sensing the festive atmosphere.

“We’re going to Reno,” Penny told her husband.

“For what? When?” he asked curiously.

“As soon as you get out of the shower and Hunter and Mel get back,” she told him, being coy.

“Where are they going?” he wondered.

“To get a dress for Mel at her dorm,” Penny said. Nate frowned, more confused than when he walked in. Penny let him off the hook, however. “She can’t get married in what she’s wearing,” Penny said. Nate’s eyes narrowed but then he figured it out. He began to laugh.

“Well, hell. Welcome to the family. Interesting doesn’t begin to describe us,” he said. He tried to hug me but thought better of it considering he was covered in leaves and muck. Instead, he kissed my cheek and shook Hunter’s hand. “Congrats, you two. I can see you’ll both be very happy,” he told us and headed to the shower. I sensed suddenly that Hunter’s proposal wasn’t the spur of the moment act I thought. He had already told his family of his intentions before I arrived.

“Honey, you know what’s in Reno, don’t you?” Penny asked as he went. Nate stopped and considered that.

“No, what?” he asked his wife.

“Strip clubs,” she said. A grin crossed Nate’s face as Penny and he made eyes at one another. Indigo moaned.

“So gross, you two,” she said. Penny laughed and Nate chuckled as he went to shower. I think they enjoyed making Indigo uncomfortable.

“Maybe we can go to a strip club,” Hunter suggested to me. I turned to glare at him. “I didn’t mean tonight,” he said as I turned his little joke around on him. I laughed at my soon to be husband’s expense as he realized I was only messing with him.

“Maybe when you get home,” I told him. Hunter kissed me.

“I knew you’d make a good wife,” he said. Indigo rolled her eyes.

“Not you too. Ug,” she complained but I’m pretty sure she was joking as well.

>>O<<

Within the hour, we were caravanning up Interstate 80 towards Reno. Thankfully, Daisy was out when we went to get me a dress to wear. We all had rooms at the Grand Summit Hotel and Casino and a reservation at the Sagebrush Hearts wedding chapel. Hunter and I rode with Nate and Penny while Indigo and Sandy followed in their car. The ride was uneventful but I had a blast. Nate and Penny were interesting people.

I’d already heard the threesome story that belied their conservative look and demeanor but I heard even more as we traveled. As a couple, they were quite progressive on many social issues. Their daughter was a lesbian. Penny was admittedly bisexual. But they were committed to one another and grounded too. I wish my parents were more like them.

My mom and dad were great people but together...well, they had a tumultuous relationship. They seemed to genuinely love each other but I always had a hard time figuring out why. They had little in common and didn’t seem to like each other all that much. Maybe they were just too set in their ways to move on or maybe that’s how they related but it in any case, it didn’t look like much fun.

Nate and Penny, on the other hand, were perfect for one another. They played off of each other’s sense of humor, they seemed to have much in common and they didn’t just love each other, it seemed, they were best friends. So on the ride up to Reno, I got to hear all about their relationship, much to Hunter’s dismay. I think they were giving us advice without giving us advice.

“So, there’s this stunning woman at the dress shop in the mall. I mean spectacular,” Penny told us as we drove past Truckee. It was both strange and amusing to hear Penny speak so frankly, especially about other women. “This woman had the most amazing breasts and legs for days. The things I could do with a woman...well, never mind. Anyway, she ducks into a dressing room. It’s a small dress shop so there are just curtains. I’m standing there watching...,” she continued but Nate interrupted.

“She’s not just watching. Her tongue is hanging out and she’s panting like a dog,” he joked, or so I thought.

“That’s not far off. I can see almost up to her knees. She kicks off her heels and then peels her stockings down her legs. Stockings? Who wears stockings? She’s trying on a dress but she’s doing this slow striptease. So, next the garter belt comes off and then her panties. Nate’s standing off to the side watching this whole thing. I look over at him and he just smiles,” Penny continues.

I leaned forward, eager to hear the end of this tale but Hunter rolled his eyes and sighed. “Does this bother you?” I asked him.

“Look, it’s a great story but imagine your mom telling it,” he replied. I considered that. He had a point. Still, it was funny to see him so uncomfortable.

“Fair enough,” I said. Nate took over from there.

“So, Penny’s all but feeling herself up...,” he began.

“Oh stop exaggerating,” Penny said and blushed. She was both brazen and modest at the same time, a quality that was somehow rather cute.

“Anyway, she thinks she’s being all coy, hiding behind a rack of dresses and watching this woman undress from the kneecaps down. Another few minutes go by and the woman dresses again and comes out. Penny is already pretending she wasn’t drooling on the dresses, absent-mindedly looking through the rack. So, the woman meanders towards Penny and I’m thinking the shit is about to go down,” Nate explained.

“So what happened?” I asked eagerly.

“So, she gets closer and closer and I’m trying to act cool and probably doing a horrible job of it. Finally, she’s right next to me. I’m shaking, wondering what she’s going to do if anything. Slap me, call the cops? Maybe this is all just a coincidence. But it wasn’t. She leans in close, looks around to make sure we’re alone and says, “I hope you enjoyed that as much as I did,” Penny said.

“Oh my!” I exclaimed.

“We could only guess what she meant but honestly, not knowing is probably more exciting anyway, right?” Penny finishes.

“Right!” I said and looked over at Hunter.

“Your mom’s giving me ideas,” I told him. I swear, I think Hunter blushed and that was kind of my intent. Still, it was surprising. Penny and I laughed at Hunter’s discomfort.

“What am I getting myself into?” he asked of nobody in particular. The rest of the ride wasn’t as exciting but it was enjoyable. I really liked Hunter’s mom and dad. They were real people and I respected that. My mom and dad would never talk about stuff like Nate and Penny did. Even though I was in my twenties, our relationship had never transformed from parents and child into one of adults. They didn’t treat me like a kid but they didn’t relate to me as an adult either. I assumed that was the way of things but I saw now it didn’t have to be.

It was after nine when Hunter and I tied the knot. We had to stop by the Marriage License Bureau first. Thankfully, they were open until midnight but I guess that’s why we drove to Reno. Sagebrush Hearts was what I expected, a little too much velvet in different shades of maroon and violet. I kind of liked it. I never wanted a big, fancy traditional wedding anyway. Nate not only gave me away but stood up for Hunter. I asked Penny to be my maid of honor. Indigo and Sandy sat in the front row crying as Hunter and I were married.

Ten minutes later, tops, we both said, “I do.” We had no rings but it didn’t matter. Some hugs, photos and credit card processing and we were married. It went by so fast but I didn’t mind. We’d do something more formal once Hunter came back home. Besides, what an amazing story to tell. My sudden marriage in a Reno wedding chapel. How a Marine won the heart of an anti-war protester. Not as naughty as Penny’s tales but I had time, right?

The six of us went to dinner at the Grand Summit Hotel and Casino after we checked in. We were famished. Penny, Indigo and Sandy never even began making a meal back at home. Instead, they stood in the kitchen eavesdropping while Hunter and I reconciled so we were all starving. We all decided to try the Italian restaurant at the casino and it was damned good.

Appetizers, entrees and several bottles of Chianti later, we were still drinking and finishing dessert when Nate stood up. He filled everyone’s glass with the last of the Chianti and then proceeded to give a toast.

“This has been...a strange day. A good one but strange. I’m used to those I suppose. My wife is lovely and naughty as hell,” he said and we all laughed. “I still remember the day Indigo came out to us. I was both utterly shocked and as proud as a dad could be. She was so brave and she brought Sandy into our lives,” Nate continued. Indigo blushed and then she kissed her wife.

“Then there was the day Hunter told us he was not just joining the Marines but wanted to be an infantryman. That was scary but again, Penny and I were so proud and we’ve always supported the decision...even if it’s shaven a decade or two off of our lives,” Nate went on. We all laughed again.

“I wasn’t expecting to be here giving this toast, and without five glasses of this wine in me it would probably suck. I’ve seen both my children get married now,” Nate said and stopped to compose himself. A tear rolled down his cheek. “Our family is complete now. Mel, we’re so happy to have you. To the newlyweds, may you be as happy as Penny and I. May you have many years together. We love you,” Nate finished and held his glass high.

I was crying as we all toasted and drank. I think Hunter was the only one not crying. “That was beautiful, honey,” Penny told Nate but then added, “And maybe we could get a few grandkids?” she said to Hunter and I.

“Mom!” Hunter replied, playfully admonishing her.

“I had to say it,” Penny told him.

“It might be a few years, Penny,” I told her. She smiled at me. “I know this is going to hit me tomorrow and I’ll hardly believe what I just did but I just want to thank all of you for being so welcoming. I love Hunter. I really do. But this family is like icing on the cake,” I said.

“That’s nice, Mel, but if you call me Penny again, I’ll be very put off,” she said. I frowned, not understanding her meaning for a moment. But then it hit me.

“Sorry...mom,” I said.

“Better. Now you two should get going. It’s your honeymoon,” Penny told us. I looked at Hunter and he wiggled his eyebrows at me suggestively. I giggled.

“They’re turning into you and dad,” Indigo complained jokingly.

“My God, Indigo. You’re a lesbian. Lighten up,” Penny replied. Sandy burst out laughing as Indigo just shook her head. But she couldn’t help but join her wife and mom in laughter. Hunter and I said our goodbyes. We had to be at the airport at nine the next morning and something told me sleep wasn’t on the agenda tonight. After many, many hugs, Hunter and I went up to our room. We hadn’t been there yet, going to dinner immediately after checking in. What a shock seeing the room Penny paid for was!