Chapter Ten

The days flew quickly by; and, before they knew it, Nora and Bo were standing before the rabbi in her parent’s parlor...he in his dress uniform; she in a tea-length dress overlaid with white lace, a white velvet hat adorned with feathers and tulle.

They promised their lives to one another in a sweet ceremony with only a handful of guests, just close friends and family. Sal and Rita were their witnesses. The ceremony was ended with the custom of a kiss and then the Jewish custom of breaking a glass.
After some photos and wedding cake, Bo and Nora were on their way to their honeymoon and married life.

“So...where are we going?” Nora asked snuggling close to Bo as he took the highway north.

“I reserved the Honeymoon Suite at the Waterloo Inn...it’s ours until Saturday.”

“The Waterloo! I’ve heard it’s wonderful,” she said with excitement.

“I hope so. It’s on the shores of Lake Michigan...we have a room overlooking the lake...and there is a ballroom for dancing. I hope you aren’t tired of dancing.”

“With my new husband? Never. Besides, I quit at the Aragon right after we got engaged. I didn’t think you would want your fiancee dancing with other men…”

“Of course not...you’re my girl now,” he said squeezing her hand. To tell you the truth...I was a bit jealous when I came to the Aragon. I hated seeing you in the arms of other guys.”

“You never said anything.”

“I didn’t really have the right to say anything...but now...I’m the only one that can hold you in my arms.” He glanced at her. “And that makes me very happy.”

She leaned her head on his shoulder. “That makes me happy too.”

* * * * * * *

Two hours later, the bellhop opened the door to the Honeymoon Suite. Nora took a look around while Bo tipped the man and asked questions about the hotel and nearby sites.

She was looking out the window when Bo came up behind her and slipped his arms around her waist.

“Look at this view,” she said. “It’s beautiful!”

“Yes, it is. Very nice. So, what do you think of the room?”

“I love it! It’s so luxurious. This tower window and the wallpaper and furnishings...and that bed. It makes me feel like a queen!”

“Nothing too good for my ‘Daisy Queen’,” Bo said kissing her neck.”

“And the bathtub is huge!” she continued. “It’s big enough for two people.”

Bo grinned. “Well...it was probably meant for two people...this is the ‘Honeymoon Suite’,” he reminded her.

“Oh...that’s right…” she said turning around in his arms to face him. “You know...we are officially on our honeymoon…we have been on our honeymoon for...” She looked at the clock on the fireplace mantel… "at least eight minutes and you haven’t even kissed me yet.”

He pulled her close and murmured, “Don’t you worry...I plan on doing a lot of kissing in the next two days…”

* * * * * * *

Bo and Nora followed the beach walking back to the hotel after dinner at Pierre’s...it was a beautiful night with a moonlit sky…

Nora tucked her arm in Bo’s and they strolled leisurely along in a comfortable silence...each occupied by their own thoughts. Bo was anticipating the night ahead...he was ready to get back to the hotel and “settle in” for the evening. Nora was a little anxious about the night ahead...not knowing what to expect and a little nervous…

She broke the silence, “So, did you get the chance to call your Pa?”

“Yes, I did and I told him we were getting married. Of course he was full of questions about you. He can’t wait to meet you.”

“Will he like me?” she asked.

“How could he help but like you,” Bo said. “...but will you like him? That’s the real question here.”

“Why do you say that?” she asked puzzled.

Bo began slowly, “I love Pa. He’s a great guy and he loves his family. It’s just that...he’s an ambitious man. He sometimes forgets propriety and gets tangled up in his business dealings. He’s a grizzly bear on the outside, but deep down, he has a soft heart. He will like you although you may not feel it at first. Just give him time.”

“Is he married again?” she continued.

“Not at the moment,” Bo laughed. “But it won’t be long...he goes through women quickly.”

“Doesn’t sound like you are too much like your Pa,” she said looking at him.

“No, I’ve been told I’m more like my Ma...in looks and personality.”

They walked along silently for a few moments making their way around some rocks on the beach. Then Nora continued, “How old were you when your Mama passed?”

“I was six.”

“Do you remember her at all?”

“A little,” Bo said. “I remember her smile and how she always smelled good when she hugged me. She was a beautiful woman...I have her dark hair and blue eyes. Maggie, our housekeeper and cook, always told us about Ma. I think she wanted us to have some of her sweet character as well as Pa’s brawn.” Bo laughed. “Maggie...now there’s a lady that I can’t wait for you to meet. You will love her. She’s spunky and sassy and witty...like someone else I know,” he said grinning and pulling her close to his side.

“You think I’m ‘sassy’?” she asked. “When have I been sassy?”

Bo laughed at her. “Oh honey. I meant it as a compliment. And when? When you stood up to your Dad so you could marry me. You were definitely spunky and sassy...and I loved it,” he whispered into her ear.

“Well, I’ll try not to be too sassy with you,” she said.

“Just be yourself...that’s who I fell in love with.” Bo stopped. “Well, here we are, back at the Waterloo, home sweet home for a few days. How about we...settle in for the evening?” he asked drawing her close for a kiss. “I’ll draw you a bubble bath and you can soak in that big tub while I get us some champagne to celebrate, then…” He kissed her again more intimately.

“Then what?” she teased playing with his collar.

“Oh... 'a little of this and a little of that’. That’s my plan...only this time I won’t settle for just ‘a little of this’...” he said raising his brows at her.

She giggled as he pulled her by the hand up the steps to the Inn.