In Sickness and In Health

‘I do believe this is the first ever wedding in a cemetary,’ the judge had said, astonished.

‘Well, I promised my mum and brother they could come,’ she said smiling.

‘In sickness and in health, til death do us part.’

‘I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.’

Viggo grinned. ‘With pleasure.’ He cupped Lynn’s face in his hands, ‘I love you angel.’ Then he kissed her. Orlando and Hannah signed the certificate as witnesses, and then joined Dom, Billy, Elijah, the Seans, and Henry congratulating the newlyweds.

Dom and Billy looked at each other and grinned. They hadn’t told anyone else their secret and both were bursting for wanting to tell.

‘Now?’ asked Dom, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

‘Aye,’ replied Billy, equally animated.

‘C’mon everyone! We took care of the celebration!’ Viggo and Lynn looked at Dom and Billy.

‘What do you mean? I thought we were going back to our house. . .’

‘Nope! We rented a conference room at a hotel downtown. Just a small one, mind, but enough room for all of us. Open bar, but only alcohol-free drinks, since yunno one of our number can’t drink.’ Billy winked at Lynn.

‘And,’ Dom continued, ‘karaoke, though I don’t know who will want to sing without being drunk. . .’ he said, shaking his head, puzzled. Everyone laughed at that, and Billy shook his head.

‘Canna take ye anywhere lad,’ he said sadly, drawing a fresh round of laughter.

Lynn separated from the group, with her bouquet. She walked the short distance to her mum’s grave and separated a red rose brom the bunch, laying it gently on the grave marker.

‘I love you Mum, I’m glad you could make it today. Miss you.’

She stood and continued a bit further. ‘Hey baby brother, thanks for coming today. It means a lot,’ she said, smiling through tears. ‘Jen was sorry she couldn’t make it. She tried, but had to work.’ She lay another rose on top of his marker.

She looked up when she felt a hand on her shoulder. ‘You all right angel?’ ‘Perfect baby. Just thanking Mum and Ray for being here today.’ She stood, and lay her cheek on his chest.

He hugged her to him awkwardly. At 5 months pregnant with triplets, she was already as large as some women about to deliver, and Shao still said she was underweight. Lynn laughed at the irony of being too thin now, after 20 years of fighting with her weight.

‘Oof!’ cried Lynn, looking startled. Viggo had a look of wonder on his face. Lynn smiled stroking his cheek. ‘She’s saying “hi daddy!”’

He looked at her with awe in eyes. ‘Thank you,’ he whispered, kissing her lightly, tightening his embrace.

Looking back from where I stand tonight
I wouldn't change a thing about my life
Wrong turns I had to take back in those crazy years
Could not have been mistakes if they brought me here

'Cause all my roads have led me to
This night, this love I share with you
And though the road was never smooth
Life has made me someone who
Could be the right someone for you

I don't regret a single broken heart
That taught me what love is and what it's not
Someone must have planned our two paths would cross
I couldn't see it then but I was never lost

'Cause all my roads have led me to
This night, this love I share with you
And though the road was never smooth
Life has made me someone who
Could be the right someone for you

Detours, dead ends, endless explorations
You were my only destination

'Cause all my roads have led me to
This night, this love I share with you
And though the road was never smooth
Life has made me someone who
Could be the right someone for you
(All My Roads, Performed by: Collin Raye - Written by: K. Taylor-Good and A. Cotter, from the 1998 album My Walls Came Down)

When she finished, smiling through tears of joy, Viggo embraced her. When she looked up she saw his eyes were wet too.

‘That was beautiful, angel. And you’re right, it fits.’

‘Lynn, that was awesome,’ said Billy. ‘Perfect song, and I don’t know why you say you can’t sing, lass, ya did fine!’

Lynn blushed, smiling. ‘Thanks Bill. OOF!!’ she cried, doubling over.

‘You okay babe?’ Viggo asked.

‘Yeah, but your daughter decided she doesn’t like country music I think,’ she laughed.

‘So you know what you’re having then,’ said Orlando.

‘Not officially. I feel as though I am having a daughter and two boys though.’

Orlando nodded. ‘My mum predicted both Sam and I correctly. She says know one knows better than the Mum.’

Lynn smiled. ‘I agree, Elfboy,’ she said, sticking out her tongue.

‘Hey That isn’t fair!’ he mock-whined. ‘I can’t retaliate for like 5 months!’

‘Poor prissy elf,’ Viggo teased.

‘Watch it filthy human. You aren’t off limits!’

The group laughed as Orlando and Viggo play wrestled. Lynn laughed and rolled her eyes. Who’d have though her 47 year old husband would be a bigger kid than his own teenaged son. Her stepson, she thought, suddenly.

The party continued until late that night, when Lynn determined that it was indeed possible to let out one continuous yawn.

‘That a hint babe?’ Viggo teased.

‘Not at all. Just checking my lung capacity.’

‘Hmm. Well, let’s get you home and to bed, yeah?’

‘If you’re coming with me I say that sounds like a fine idea,’ she grinned mischievously.

Viggo pulled away, his breathing harsh and ragged. ‘Bedroom,’ he whispered.

Lynn kissed him again. ‘Too far,’ she whispered, sinking to her knees pulling him with her.

She grabbed his shirt and tugged freeing it from his suit pants. He reciprocated, pulling off her dress, kissing the newly exposed skin. She moaned and arched into his kisses. He reached around to remove her bra then laid her on her back, sliding her panties down.

She smiled up at him when he traced her baby belly. He loved that she was proud of that and not like most women who think they’re fat. He kissed her belly, and worked his way down, until he reached her moist folds.

He spread her lips with his thumbs and, finding her hard clit with his tongue, began to tease her. She threaded her fingers into his hair, and arched her back, crying out.

‘Cum for me baby,’ he whispered, his breath hot and moist on her skin. Finding her clit again, he sucked on it, very gently holding it with his teeth and stroking it with his tongue.

‘God, Viggo, oh GOD, VIIIIGGGGGOOOOOO!’ Lynn screamed her release.

Viggo kissed his way up he trembling body, aligning himself with her. Looking into her eyes he kissed her. ‘I want you angel,’ he said hoarsely.

Lynn grabbed his hips and pulled, in lieu of answering. Feeling his hard cock slide into her sent a new wave of tremors through her. She threw her head back and groaned; he took the opportunity to trace the curve of her neck with his tongue, while pulling out. He paused barely a heartneat before thrusting back in. This was sex- hot, raw, animalistic sex, and they were both in heaven from the sensations. It was only moments before Viggo cried out his release, setting off Lynn’s second orgasm.

‘God, baby,’ he gasped, lying on the floor next to her.

She pulled him close for a kiss, smiling. ‘Love you,’ she whispered huskily.

He smiled at her, thrilled he could make her feel so good, and thinking how good she made him feel. ‘Bed?’ She nodded, stifling a yawn.

As he was helping her get settled, the floor started vibrating, the vibrations peaking after a few seconds then subsiding. As long as he’d been in the Los Angeles area, he had never become totally accustomed to earthquakes. One look at his new wife told him she felt as unsettled as he.

‘Just a little one angel,’ he whispered, turning off the light. ‘Just a little one,’ this time more for himself.

Viggo was busy painting the walls of the nursery, a bright mural abstract inspired by his and Lynn’s favourite children’s stories, from the Three Little Pigs to Red Riding Hood to the Three Blind Mice.

Dom, Billy and Orlando ‘kidnapped’ Lynn one afternoon to shop for baby furniture and toys. Orlando suggested baby clothes, but thanks to the three showers the babies were all outfitted for the first six months, easily. Lynn had to laugh at his pout.

Suddenly the earth started shaking again, stronger than the one on her wedding night. The guys grabbed Lynn and headed for a large support beam away from merchandise. Orlando knew of Lynn’s fear, and held her close, silently praying that she’d be all right.

As suddenly as it started, the shaking stopped. ‘Guys let’s get her home,’ said Orlando, noticing Lynn’s white face. ‘Will you drive Dom,’ said Orlando, tossing him the keys. Nodding, Dom took the keys and the men hustled to the car.

Billy and Orlando sat with Lynn, comforting her. Orlando called Viggo from his cell phone, to let him know what happened, and that Lynn was okay save for being terrified.

More than an hour after the earthquake they pulled up to the Mortensens.’ Viggo, who had been pacing restlessly since Orlando’s call, flew off the porch to embrace Lynn, who clung to him shaking. Over her shoulder, he mouthed his thanks to his friends.

‘You guys want to come in?’ Viggo invited. ‘You may as well let some of the chaos die down before heading back to LA.’ The men agreed.

‘Can I use your phone mate? My cell gets piss poor reception here and Shaoey is gonna be worried.’ Viggo smiled at the thought of one of his best friends dating his wife’s obstetrician.

‘Go ahead. Let her know that Lynn’s okay but shaken up will ya?’ Orlando nodded and headed for the phone.

Viggo settled his wife on the sofa. Kneeling on the floor between her legs, he cupped her face. ‘You okay angel?’

She nodded. ‘I don’t know how people get used to that,’ she whispered.

‘I know angel,’ he replied, hugging her close. ‘Why don’t you rest for a bit, you look tired, understandably.’ She nodded mutely, stretching out. Viggo covered her with an afghan and, after pressing a kiss to her forehead, headed for the kitchen to find his mates.

‘How’s she doing, mate?’ asked Dom.

Viggo shook his head. ‘She’s asleep right now. Those fuckin’ things terrify her and they aren’t on MY list of favourite things either. I’d love to be able to leave here, but it isn’t feasible for at least six or eight months, IF then.’ He looked at Orlando. ‘Get ahold of Shaoey?’

Orlando nodded. ‘She’s fine, but going crazy. Her friend Monica is visiting from New York, and she can’t get ahold of her. She can’t leave the hospital because she has three active labours–how the hell can she deliver THREE BABIES at ONCE!–and another one showing signs of impending labour.’ He sighed.

Viggo looked at Dom and Billy. ‘Anyone you need to call? This one will probably make the news, so you may want to call home and let your families know your okay.’

The men declined, it was the middle of the night in the UK. They would call in a few hours, when the sun was up back home at least.

The group was involved in a game of Trivial Pursuit when Viggo heard a rumble from outside. ‘FUCK ’ he yelled, as the house started shaking for the second time that day. Viggo grabbed Lynn and they huddled in the front doorway while the other men sought refuge in an interior archway. The shaking seemed to go on forever, and Lynn clutched Viggo, face white.

Finally a full minute and a half after it started, the shaking ceased. ‘Everyone all right?’ asked Viggo, quietly. The men responded affirmatively. ‘Lynn, honey, I have to go check the gas main,’ he murmured. She shook her head mutely. ‘You’ll be okay baby. The guys will be here with you, and it’s just round the corner off the porch.’

Orlando came over. ‘I’ve got her mate,’ he said softly, putting his arm around Lynn and hugging her. She let go of Viggo and clutched Orlando’s arm. Viggo kissed Lynn softly before going outside.

Orlando guided Lynn to the sofa, rubbing her back and trying to calm her. ‘Billy, get her some tea, will ya mate?’ he asked his friend.

Viggo was back inside momentarily, shaking his head. ‘Something wrong then?’ Dom asked Viggo.

‘The gas main’s fine, but no one is going anywhere for awhile. This one badly damaged the road just beyond the driveway. I’ll call the highway department and hopefully because there is a high risk pregnant woman here, they’ll get it sooner. If not, well, having a few “celebrities” here might do it.’

‘OW!’ cried Lynn, clutching her abdomen. The men whirled to see her bent double, breathing hard.

‘What’s wrong baby?’ asked Viggo.

‘I don’t know, I feel. . . ohhhhhh,’ she moaned. Just then she felt a rush of fluid between her legs. ‘Shit, my water broke. . . oh God,’ she cried.

The men looked at each other, alarmed. Viggo took her in his arms, ‘Can you get into the bedroom babe? If I help you?’ She nodded uncertainly. ‘Orlando, can you get on her other side? Lynn, put your arms around us, let us support you.’

Slowly, the men got Lynn into the bedroom. Viggo looked at his friends as he was helping his wife get settled. ‘So. Does anyone know how to deliver a baby?’