Cardinal's Odds and Ends

[Cardinal]

This is the thread where I will post any and all future one-shot fics stating with my proposal fic.

Special thanks to 4EverSmallville for her ideas!

The Proposal

It’s early September, 2007. Clark and Lana have been a couple since the spring of 2004, and are now both juniors at Central Kansas A&M. This is a continuation of the relationship/world first started in my fic “At Last!” and continued in my other fic “A Lifetime of Tomorrows.” In fact, this fic might be seen as the logical conclusion to the “Lifetime” fic, though there’s no way in heck I’m writing 3.5 years of story.


Monday evening.

“Hey, Lana, I thought I’d give you a call and see what’s up.”

“Hi, Clark, I was hoping to get some free time to come out and see you tonight, but I can’t seem to make any headway on this research paper for Dr. Brock, and it’s due at the end of the week.”

Trying to keep the disappointment out of his voice, Clark asked, “Will you be free for dinner Friday night?”

“Sure, what time do you want me to come over?”

“Oh, you’re not coming over here to eat. Not for something as important as this.”

Not aware of anything of special significance happening this Friday, since her birthday was still weeks away, Lana queried, “As important as what, Clark?”

“You don’t remember? But, this is one of our most important anniversaries! I mean, other than the anniversary of the day we got back together…umm, you do remember that day…don’t you?”

Smiling uncontrollably, like she always did when thinking of that day, she replied, “Of course, you big goof! How could I forget that…”

“Well I wouldn’t think you could except you’ve plainly forgotten this anniversary! I’m of half-a-mind to cancel all my intricately-laid plans!”

“What…well…I…” Lana spluttered, trying to regain her mental equilibrium.

Not letting up, Clark countered, “Just you be ready at 5 p.m.”

Not knowing where Clark was coming from, Lana answered, “Aye, aye, Captain!”

“Oh, and one other thing, Lana, don’t dress up. Just wear something comfortable, especially your shoes.”

After hanging up, Lana wondered to herself, What was that all about? Other than Clark learning to use heat vision and x-ray vision, I can’t think of anything that has happened around this time of year. Anyway, he said it was ‘our’ anniversary, not just his…oh, man, I hope I haven’t actually forgotten something big!

Clark, meanwhile, was thinking, Heh! If Lana’s not confused now, I’ll eat a double-helping of peas every night for a month!


Tuesday morning.

As Clark opened the passenger door to his red truck and handed Lana inside, she asked, “Clark, I spent two hours last night thinking about this, which definitely didn’t help my history paper, and…I’m stumped. I can’t think of anything that happened in early September during our relationship that would deserve the status of an anniversary.”

“Well…if you don’t remember, I’m not going to tell you. You’ll just have to wait until Friday to find out.” Looking at Lana with a gaze that said his thoughts were a million miles away, he continued, “I remember that day as if it happened yesterday. It’s burned in my mind, and short of the day you accepted me for who I am, it’s the most important day in my life.” Returning to the present, Clark said, “Let’s go or we’ll both be late for class!”


Thursday night.

“Okay, let’s go over this one more time, ‘cause everything needs to run like it’s on rails.”

Tilting his head towards Jonathon, Clark asked, “Dad, did Mr. Leibowitz give permission for the ring?”

“Yes, Clark…in fact, I’ve got it right here,” he said, tapping the capacious front pocket of his barn coat.

“Thanks. He sure is nice to allow me to have this before paying for it,” he said with the kind of smile that normally belongs to new parents and kids at Christmas.

“Well, Son, Ephraim and I go back a long way. Smallville’s never had a large Jewish community, but when we were in school together, he and his sister were pretty much it. It was fairly popular to pick on the kid that was different. Until one day someone went too far…I finally found my courage and let it be known that, from then on, anyone messing with either of the Leibowitzes would be answering to me.”

Beaming with pride at his dad, Clark said, “Looks like I picked up the need to help others subliminally then.” As his dad tried to protest this, Clark turned to Martha and asked hopefully, “You’ve got everything you need for the picnic…right, Mom?”

With the strained patience of a person who has covered this ground half-a-dozen times, and the barely-suppressed mirth born of her only son’s case of nerves, Martha replied, “For the last time, Clark, yes. The salad dressing’s already made and in the fridge. A jar of apple jelly is in the pantry. I’ve got whole-fryers, buttermilk, flour, and spices for the fried chicken. The rolls won’t get done ‘til tomorrow, along with the veggies, and the salad. Finally, the pie is ready to bake.”

As Clark started to open his mouth, Martha added, “Before you say it, yes, I know that it needs to be ready and at the truck by 5 p.m.”

Chuckling at his mother’s anticipation of his question, Clark finally turned to Pete. “Pete, you know where you need to be, right?”

Slapping Clark on the back, Pete said, “Yeah, Clark, you’ve only shown me three different times…as soon as the guy from the stables calls my cell, I go into action. Relax, Clark, it’s gonna work out. I mean, you’ve only been planning this day since you were five-years-old.”

As everyone, including Clark, laughed at this assessment, Clark said, “Dreamed about, Pete…dreamed about. I’ve only been planning it for three-and-a-half years.”


Friday afternoon. 4:50 p.m.

He wants to take me out to dinner to celebrate a big anniversary, one I can’t remember, mind you, yet, he wants me to dress ‘comfortably,’ especially my shoes! I have no clue where this night is going...Clark sure has me on pins and needles.

“There, all done, I look as good as I can in the amount of time I’ve been given,” she murmured to herself. “Clark could have given me more time. He knows we don’t get home on Friday until almost 4 p.m. For a date like this, there’s no such thing as too much prep time.” Now, let’s see when Mr. Punctuality actually gets here!

As Lana opened the door to her apartment above the Talon to go downstairs and wait for Clark, she was slightly surprised to see him seated at a table, positioned so that her door was in view. Wow, must not have been any natural disasters or meteor freaks today.

Making her way down to Clark, Lana watched as Clark rose from his seat and picked up a bouquet of lilacs which had been previously hidden from view. Clad in a blue oxford, tan Dockers, and brown loafers, Clark still possessed the unconscious ability, even after more than three years of dating, to take her breath away.

The same thought was racing through Clark’s mind as he perused Lana’s idea of comfortable. Her hair was down, just the way he liked it best. Never one for heavy makeup application, Lana hadn’t gotten adventurous in that area. Lana wore a light, v-neck sweater in a shade of olive green that Clark thought was her best color. Other than that she wore her trademark form-fitting blue jeans and a pair of, what appeared to be, half-boots. His only thought was, Wow…abso-freaking-lutely…WOW!

His verbal response was a more seemly, “You look great, Lana!” Handing the small bouquet to her he asked, “Ready to go?”

Accepting the bouquet with her left hand and taking his left hand with her right, Lana replied, “Lead me wither thou whilst.”

Leading her out of the Talon and down the sidewalk, Clark said, “I thought we’d go for a walk and enjoy this fine summer day.”

Walking with seemingly no destination in mind, they talked about everything, and nothing. With Lana refusing to ask about the only thing on her mind, the forgotten anniversary, and Clark talking about everything but, Lana was surprised when they ended up minutes later at the Smallville Stables. Even more surprising was seeing Clark’s truck in the parking lot.

“Riding, yay! I haven’t gotten to ride much since Aunt Nell and I decided to sell Donatello.”

“Looking directly at her for the first time since they left the Talon, Clark replied, “I know you’ve missed it, that’s why were here. Besides, it’s the nicest way to get where we’re going.”

“And that is…?”

“I’m not telling,” Clark replied, “that would spoil the surprise.”

Heading directly to the stable proper, they found two horses saddled and waiting, with one horse draped with saddlebag-style hampers filled with food. Smelling the emanations from the hampers caused Lana to remember just how long it had been since she had eaten, and just how hungry she was right now.

After holding her horse while she mounted, Clark mounted his horse and they rode away. Leading them this way and that, Clark and Lana finally climbed a low hill topped with a solitary oak tree. Seeing the tree, Lana’s grin grew wider the closer they came to the tree.

“You remembered our tree!” she exclaimed with glee.

“Yeah, I have some pretty good memories of our last picnic here, and I wanted to try and recapture some of that magic.”

Having loosely attached the reins for each horse to a sturdy branch on the far side of the tree, Clark set up the picnic, first taking a rolled up blanket from behind his saddle and spreading it on the ground, then laying out the full array of Mrs. Kent’s hard work including a field-greens salad with accompanying raspberry vinaigrette dressing, a large pile of lightly-spiced fried chicken, fresh rolls with a jar of apple jelly, a small tub of steamed vegetables, and finally, a Tupperware-covered apple pie!

Page down...it's finished, I promise!

[linn]

thats was good how he kind left Lana trying to figure out whats was he trying to plan out for her,and that was sweet when he brought her to the stable and to their tree.........

oh yea ur story was great,and luved it

[Cardinal]

“Is there anything to drink, Clark?”

“I…wait…,” looking into both hampers with a look of dawning horror, Clark said, “Wait a sec, I’ll be back.” Streaking homeward and back, Clark returned within seconds, bearing a large thermos of iced tea and two glasses.

With an impish grin, Lana joked, “You are so handy, I may just have to keep you around.”

Still embarrassed by the mistake, Clark breathed, “That…that would be just fine with me.”

As they enjoyed the fruits of Martha’s labor, Lana again resolutely refused to ask about the anniversary, while Clark again declined to bring it up. Finishing up their slices of pie, Lana’s resolve wavered and she finally asked, “Clark, what anniversary have I forgotten? I didn’t mean to, honestly!”

“The answer to that question will have to wait just a little bit longer,” Clark smiled.

Feeling playful, and wanting to get back at Clark for his reticence over the anniversary question, Lana asked, “So Clark, what part did you like best…the breasts, the thighs, or the legs?”

Slowly turning the most amazing shade of magenta, Clark answered, while looking anywhere but at Lana, “If you don’t know the answer to that question, then you obviously don’t know what you do to me in those jeans…hmmm, the butt would be part of the thigh, right?”

Not expecting her boy scout to actually answer the question, Lana turned her own shade of red and stammered out, “Do you have…anything else planned this evening?”

“Just one more thing...in fact, we'd better get going!”

Helping Lana onto her horse and cleaning up in world-record time, Clark led them back to the stables on a more direct route and at a faster pace.

“What’s the hurry, Clark?”

“You’ll see.”

After dropping off the horses, placing the trash-filled hampers into the truck bed, and handing Lana into the truck, Clark drove off. After a minute, Lana noticed that they were heading into a part of town she didn’t frequent much anymore. Finally, just as the sun began to set, he pulled up to the front of Ezra Small Elementary School, where they attended from kindergarten through sixth grade.

Shifting in her seat to look at Clark, she asked, “What are we doing here?”

“Well…you asked about the anniversary, and this is where it happened.”

Stepping out of the truck, he walked around and opened her door, once again handing her out. Pulling her over to stand in front of the main entrance to the school, Clark said, “This is where it happened…right here…fifteen years ago today.”

With a look of wonder in her eyes, Lana asked, “Where what happened, Clark?”

“This is where I fell in love with you, on this sidewalk, at the age of five. My feelings haven’t changed over the years, except to grow stronger.” Turning to face her fully, Clark waved at Pete who was hiding around the corner of the building waiting for his cue. When Pete pressed play on a pre-positioned boom box and ducked back around the corner, Clark said, “What I’m trying to say is this…”

As the air around them was filled by the strains of a love song by Michael Peterson, “From Here to Eternity,”

I did everything I could to get you here tonight
Without telling you why
Now girl if you only would, please hold out your hand
Just close your eyes
I've been dying to ask you one burning question
Will you be mine?
From here to eternity
I'm asking you to share your life with me
Now and forever I guarantee, I'll always stay by your side
I promise my love to you
I'm willing and able and ready to
Whatever you need
I am here for you, and I'll always be
From here to eternity
I saved a year for this ring
I can't wait to see
How it looks on your hand
I'll give you everything that one woman needs
From a one woman man
I'll be strong I'll be tender a man of my word
I will be yours.
From here to eternity
I'm asking you to share your life with me
Now and forever I guarantee, I'll always stay by your side
I promise my love to you
I'm willing and able and ready to
Whatever you need
I am here for you, and I'll always be
From here to eternity

...Clark reached into the pocket of his Dockers, pulled out a velvet-covered ring box and continued, “...I’m yours…always and forever. I love you more than…more than I know how to express.” Getting down on one knee, he looked up to her with tears brimming his eyes. As he opened the box to show her its contents, Clark asked, “Lana Elizabeth Lang, will you do me the very great honor of consenting to be my wife…will you marry me?”

Hands shaking violently as she looked down at the man she loves, Lana couldn’t talk as first a stream, and then a torrent, of tears ran down her face. All she could do was nod up and down, slowly at first, but then with increasing vigor...yes...before collapsing into his arms, both of them ecstatic that they would share a lifetime of tomorrows!

The End

:) Comments are always welcome! :)

[4EverSmallville]

Aw I loved it. I can see some of your humor in your work and that's great, adds a little Cardinal to the story :p. The idea of reenacting previous events like the elementary school and the picnic is adorable :). Awesome job :D.

[MOOman0618]

I have to admit that was a very cute and thoughtful way of proposing. Having gone through that recently myself, I know how nervous Clark must have been!

I like this idea of a realy quick story...are you going to do more of them?

[SVsleuth]

Just loved it, Cardinal! Perfect. Just Perfect. Mr. Olsen (from ajfinn's story) would be proud of Clark. ;) He's made a lot of progress in the romance department!

Cardinal, please keep writing more like this. It was awesome. I love how you put in so much description, down to the food they're eating, etc. And the chicken joke, though not original, worked so well here. :lol:

Then, of course, the song was perfect for the occasion. If you're married, I hope you treated your wife to that kind of romance when you proposed, & many times since. If you're not, get out there & find the right woman, because some girl has got to benefit from such a romantic proposal.

[ClarksGirl21]

Aww! I almost cried right there along with Lana! That was very very sweet! I loved it!

[EyeluvTom]

That was so sweeeeet!! There aren't many stories that make me cry, but your story did it!! :)

[binkys711]

AWWWW......

*tries holding back tears........fails miserably*

that was sooo beautiful! very thoughtful and romantic!!!that proposal was just...PERFECT!:D I loved the one-shot (or 2-shot since you finished by posting twice:p)I love the way you wrote it!;) hehe...the chicken joke was funny:lol:...great job! keep up the awesome work:D

[LuvClana]

I'm mad at you, cardinal! Now I have to get to my room in a boat because of all my tears!!!!

lol :p Great Job on this fic!!!

[Cardinal]

Thanks a lot to everyone who posted, I don't normally get such a big reaction.

I believe that has a lot to do with the fact that this is, IMHO, the best stuff I've yet written. Of course, that's not saying a lot. :)

MOOman0618 - I hope to do this again, yes, but I have to find inspiration. For this one, aj kinda got the "fuzzy bunnys" going in my stomach with her story. If I do write more short stuff, it will be located here. Hence the crappy thread title.

SVsleuth - I can only wish for the kind of fortune that MOOman0618 has recently had in love. I'm sadly single with no prospect of changing that status anytime soon. :( :( :(

They say there is someone for everyone, but the woman meant for me has adroitly avoided me for years, without even the slightest breeze to mark her passage.

Why do you think I write romance fic? I've got to find an outlet for the thoughts and feelings that burble up inside, but receive no release due to 37 years of me, myself, and I.

Enough of my romantic ineptitude.

As far as the song goes, I love that for proposals, I've been saving that idea ever since I heard it. Oh, and you should hear the song that Clark (and I, for that matter) has picked out for his wedding! It's also a country song, but Clark is a farm boy, so I thought that would fit.

4EverSmallville - Thanks again for the suggestion about riding horses! The fic would have gone in a different, less gratifying direction without that help.

binkys711 - It actually was a one-shot, but it overran the length limit for editing purposes, so I deleted the second part, reposted it, and re-edited it after I received my first reader post.

Man, I feel like I'm writing an acceptance speech for the Oscars!

Anyway (I write that word way too much), thanks again to everyone who posted, you made my day! It makes me want to do this again...just not all in one sitting, 'cause six, non-stop hours at the keyboard after a full workday sucks big time!

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by Cardinal
'cause six, non-stop hours at the keyboard after a full workday sucks big time!

That is why I write most of my Fic AT work! ;)

[Cardinal]

Can't do that on the sales floor at Wallyworld!

[NYC300Z]

Just read it! Really great enjoyed how he set her up!

[Cardinal]

This is the follow-up to "The Proposal." It starts where "The Proposal" left off. This will be much longer than "The Proposal."

The Wedding

Finally getting their crying under control, Lana’s hazel eyes looked into Clark’s blue ones as she asked, “Well, Clark, are you going to put the ring on my finger or not?”

Almost dropping the box in his haste, he picked the ring out of its velvet setting and placed it on Lana’s eagerly extended ring finger. Kissing him quickly, she held the ring up to catch the last few remaining beams of the setting sun. As the diamond refracted the light, casting faint rainbow shimmers on Lana’s face, she squealed, “It’s gorgeous. I…I…I’m so happy!”

With the thought that if he died right this second, he would die a happy man, Clark replied, “Me too.” Grabbing Lana’s right hand so her left one would be free, Clark said, “We’ve got a lot of people to tell. How about officially letting Pete in on the news? He’s still hiding around the corner and, if I know him, he’s pretending he doesn’t care, but is actually dying to know.”

Grinning ear-to-ear, Lana answered, “Okay, sure. But if Pete hasn’t figured it out by now…then he’s deaf and blind.”

Walking towards Pete’s location, the newly-engaged couple floated along on a cloud of emotion and only by some lucky chance was Clark able to keep from floating…literally. “Hey, Pete, guess what? She said YES!!!”

At that, Pete came back around the corner, swapped out Clark’s CD for a special track he’d burned for this occasion, pressing play while maxing the volume on the little boom box.

Jogging the short distance to the happy couple, Pete called out to Clark, “Why she’d want you, I can’t possibly imagine,” and to Lana, “Way to go girl! Show me that rock. I’ve got to see if my man Clark did right by you.”

The CD finally cut in and the loud sounds of Pete’s edit of the song, “Yes!” blared out, piercing the evening quiet of Smallville. Just the middle part of the song, but more than enough.

Yes! - Chad Brock

She's the one I want for a million reasons
Loving her is just like breathing
It's easy and it's obvious she was made for me
Ohhh then it happened one night looking in her eyes
Ohhh when I popped the question much to my surprise
She said yes! and I said wow!
She said when and I said how about right now
Love can't wait then I asked if she believed in fate
And she said yes

“Well,” Clark said, hoping that the volume wasn‘t too loud, “at least we don’t have to tell anyone in this neighborhood.”

Holding her fingertips between his thumb and the palm of his hand, Pete raised her hand closer to his eyes and let out a low whistle. “I definitely have to keep you away from Chloe, Lana. Otherwise, she’ll start getting ideas.”

Clark smirked, “Too late, Pete, who do you think went along for moral support when I was picking rings at Leibowitz Jewelry?”

Irises growing rapidly wider, Pete blurted, “Clark, you didn’t?”

“I seem to remember you coming up with a last minute ailment when the subject turned to engagement rings, so someone had to go…and it sure couldn’t have been Lana. Chloe must have tried on half the rings in the store while she was waiting for me.”

As he turned with Lana to head for his truck, Clark shot back over his shoulder to his stunned best friend, “If you’re nice, Pete, I may tell you which rings she really liked.”

Whispering for Clark’s ears only, Lana chuckled, “That was mean, Clark, just plain mean.”

After driving away from the school, Clark asked, “Who do we tell next?”

“Where’s Chloe? Since Pete knows, she should be next.”

Oh, nuts, I almost forgot! She told me to call her, since she didn’t think she could handle waiting with my folks. Can I borrow your cell?”

“Sure.”

After pulling over and taking the phone from Lana, he dialed Chloe from her number-two position on Lana’s speed dial. “Chloe, it’s Clark…how should I know who else might call you tonight…yes, I went through with it…perfectly, I couldn’t dream it any better…can you believe it, she said yes…well, I’m glad you knew she would…thanks…yeah, Lana’s here.” Handing the phone to Lana, Clark said, “Some psycho woman on the phone says she has to speak with you.”

Out of the phone came a faint, “I heard that!” before the earpiece was covered with Lana’s right ear. The remainder of the ride to the Kents’ farm was consumed by incessant chatter between two romantically-charged women and by Clark fervently wishing for super-deafness. That way, he wouldn’t hear Lana and Chloe dissecting every moment of his proposal as though they were reviewing a new book.

As Clark held her door open, Lana told Chloe, “I’ve gotta go, we’re at Clark’s. We need to tell his folks.” After hitting end, Lana asked, “Clark, do I have a stupid grin on my face? ’Cause I… ”

Before she could continue, Clark answered, “Stupid? No. Radiant? Without a doubt! Lana, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look as stunningly beautiful as you do right now. Not at either of Lex’s weddings, not at our first picnic, not even at senior prom.”

Mouth agape, Lana finally spluttered, “How am I supposed to respond to such a compliment?”

Kissing her quickly and firmly, Clark said, “You’re not. You’re supposed to enjoy it.”

As they entered the Kent kitchen, Clark and Lana looked for Martha and Jonathon, finally finding them in the family room watching a movie on television. When Clark and Lana walked into the family room, his left hand engulfing her right one, Clark asked, “What movie are you guys watching?”

Startled out of coma-like trances, Jonathon and Martha looked around in momentary confusion. Fixing their eyes on the young couple, the Kents didn’t even need to see the ring to know, the looks on their faces told it all…Will you?…Yes!

Leaping out of their comfortably stuffed chairs, Martha took an admiring look at Lana’s ring, then kissed her future daughter-in-law on the cheek and wrapped her in an embrace, officially welcoming her to the Kent family. Jonathon, meanwhile, smiled at his son, shook his hand in congratulation, and then used the handshake to pull his son into a bearhug. Soon, all four members of the Kent family, current and future, were sobbing tears of joy. After a further round of congratulations that involved Lana being lifted off the ground and spun around in Jonathon’s embrace, and Clark being kissed and held warmly by his mom, all four adults sat down.

With Clark and Lana on the couch and Jonathon and Martha returning to their chairs, Clark asked, “So…what are you guys watching?”

“Honestly, I don’t have the slightest idea, Clark,” Martha replied. “We were just looking for something to occupy our minds while we waited, but it didn’t work. All I could think of was you two.

“But now that it’s official, I’m happy to say, Lana, that I’m going to be gaining a daughter, not losing a son.”

“You have no idea how thrilled I am to hear that Mrs. Kent!”

“It’s Martha, please, call me Martha.”

“Okay Mrs. K…Martha.” With a hopeful glance at Martha, Lana asked , “Or…could I just call you Mom?”

“Oh, Dear, that would please me very much!”

Grabbing her cell out of her purse, Lana said, “There’s only one more person to tell tonight. Aunt Nell’s been waiting for my engagement since I was three. Not having a daughter of her own, she’s hung all her hopes on me.”

Walking Lana towards the kitchen, Clark muttered softly, “I bet she wasn’t thinking of you marrying a Kent.”

Turning to face Clark, Lana said, “You might be surprised, Clark. True, she wasn’t especially enamored of you when we first started noticing each other. Any thought of you brought thoughts of your dad and the disappointment she suffered. She seemed to fear a repeat occurrence. But, watching us as a couple for three-and-a-half years, she’s come to admire your commitment to me, or as she puts it, your ‘unswerving devotion.’

“Anyway, I’d like to make this call privately, if you don’t mind.”

Waving his fiancée out to the porch, Clark returned to his folks thinking, Fiancée, man do I love the sound of that…almost as much as I’m gonna love the sound of wife.

When Lana finally returned, she was wiggling her pinky in her right ear, hoping to restore some function. “Well, Aunt Nell’s definitely onboard with this wedding. I thought she was going to break my eardrum when she screamed.” Looking at her soon to be in-laws, Lana said, “As much as I’d love to stay, I need to get some sleep…well, try to anyway.”

Taking this as his cue, Clark returned to Lana and told his folks, “Don’t wait up.”

The drive to the Talon sped by in silence with Clark concentrating on driving at the end of a mentally and emotionally exhausting day, and Lana curled up close to her fiancé and thought of nothing at all.

In the dim light given off by security lighting in the after-hours Talon, Clark and Lana reached the landing at the top of the curved staircase to Lana’s apartment. With her lilacs in hand, Lana turned to Clark as he wrapped his arms around her, and said, “Clark, it’s not that I don’t love you, but I think I should just go straight to bed tonight…without you this time.”

At first feigning a hurt look, Clark then smiled slightly and replied, “Actually, I agree. As much as I’d enjoy what would happen in your bed, I think our memories of tonight should be limited to what has already happened and…” Clark super-sped away and back, returning with a solitary white rose, “…this.”

Handing her the rose to go with her lilacs, Clark was greeted with a look of puzzlement. Answering her unvoiced question, Clark said, “When we first started dating, I gave you 13 roses, 12 red and one white. I told you then that the dozen red ones stood for all the other girls in the world, nice to look at, but nothing special. You, on the other hand, were the white rose, unique, special, the one that I love.

“Today, I’m just giving you the single white rose, no red ones, ‘cause from this day forward, there are no other women…just you.”

[linn]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATHAT WAS GREAT AND I WAS WONDERIN WHY PETE SAID why's she want you,i can't possibly imagine,

[Cardinal]

Pete was definitely giving Clark a hard time. :D

Which Clark then returned with interest by telling him about Chloe and the rings.

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by Cardinal

Out of the phone came a faint, “I heard that!” before the earpiece was covered with Lana’s right ear. The remainder of the ride to the Kents’ farm was consumed by incessant chatter between two romantically-charged women and by Clark fervently wishing for super-deafness. That way, he wouldn’t hear Lana and Chloe dissecting every moment of his proposal as though they were reviewing a new book.

HA! :lol: Superdeafness would be interesting!

Very sweet update! Keep em comin!

[SVsleuth]

The remainder of the ride to the Kents’ farm was consumed by incessant chatter between two romantically-charged women and by Clark fervently wishing for super-deafness. That way, he wouldn’t hear Lana and Chloe dissecting every moment of his proposal as though they were reviewing a new book.

:lol: :lol:

That was great, Cardinal. Sorry I couldn't wait up for it. And what a sweet ending:
“Today, I’m just giving you the single white rose, no red ones, ‘cause from this day forward, there are no other women…just you.”

[NYC300Z]

Yes the ending was very sweet!!

The update was wonderful keep up the great work!

PPMS!!

[binkys711]

that was soo SWEET!!!! i loved it!!!!and what Clark said about the rose at the end!so beautiful *dries tears*, superdeafness *gigles* great touch!PPMS!!!

[C.A.chick]

AWwww, i loved it!!!!!!!!!!!MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cardinal]

The Wedding - Chapter 2

Late the next morning, a blue jean and white t-shirt wearing Clark was performing his chores when he received a visit from a troubled Pete Ross.

Clark leaned on his pitchfork and asked, “What’s up, Pete?”

Looking up from his toes to meet Clark’s questioning look, Pete replied, “Clark, were you serious last night when you told me about Chloe? I mean, she was looking at engagement rings?”

“Yeah, Pete, she was. Don’t get too worried, Lana looked at rings every time we walked by a jewelry store for most of the last year.”

“But…she was looking at them without me around to catch the hint.”

“Exactly! When she starts looking at them with you, then you know you’re being given a hint. I’d consider right now to be a preliminary, daydreaming stage.” Walking to the next stall, Clark continued, “Don’t answer if you aren’t comfortable, Pete, but…why haven’t you proposed to Chloe yet? I’m sure she’d say yes before the words were halfway out of your mouth.”

“It’s not that easy. You and Lana both go to C.K. A&M, you see each other all the time. Getting engaged is a natural extension of your relationship. With Chloe going to Met U and me at K-State, one-on-one contact for us is limited to weekends, and not every weekend at that. I want to be with her when I propose, not just flit in for a day and a half and then disappear for three weeks. I want us to have the same circle of friends to which she can show off her ring. I want long walks in the park, Saturdays in the fall bundled in a stadium blanket watching college football, long talks over lattes discussing the latest corruption scandal…I don’t feel like I’ve been there for her, and with her, like I should.

“I want a proposal to be the natural next step in our relationship. Not something that appears to have been done out of desperation or obligation.”

“Well, if I wasn’t worried about ruining Chloe’s big day, I’d sit you two down and act as a go-between and…” Cocking his head, he hears a car drive up to the barn. Taking a look out the door, and seeing Chloe’s red Volkswagen Beetle, Clark said, “Speak the devil’s name and here she comes.”

Bouncing across the hard-packed dirt driveway, wearing a white, short-sleeved blouse that had a deep v-neck and an intricate floral print to go along with her faded blue jeans, Chloe entered the barn and, upon spying the guys, said, “Oh good, my two favorite pieces of eye candy are together for my viewing enjoyment. White chocolate and, my absolute favorite, milk chocolate.” Watching Pete squirm, she added, “Pete, if you weren’t black, your face would be flushed like a sunset.” Proceeding to give Pete a kiss and murmuring a few endearments to him, Chloe then shifted her attention to Clark.

“I just came from the Talon. I’m glad to see you went with the solitaire, Clark. It looks very impressive. So was that proposal, Romeo. I think Lana’s still on cloud nine and isn’t likely to come back to Earth anytime soon. She did manage to say that she wants to talk to you after lunch, though.”

Once again leaning on his pitchfork, Clark queried, “What about?”

“Oh, I don’t know…something about setting the date and making some very preliminary wedding plans.”

Shocked, Clark blurted out, “Already?”

Taking a tone of voice normally reserved for especially dim-witted children, Chloe said, “Yes, Clark. Lana’s been dreaming about this wedding since before you two finally started dating. Our favorite artist probably has it half-planned already. Oh, and very few of these plans will actually require your input beyond nodding your head and agreeing with whatever she says. She’ll want you to feel a part of the planning process, she just won’t want you to have any actual input. Given that you still wear plaid flannel shirts with alarming frequency, I can’t say I blame her. After all, the only three things most brides require from the groom is to show up, stay standing up, and speak up when saying, ‘I do.’

“Now, if you would kindly oblige us by going into turbo mode, we can get some serious celebrating done…I‘m buying, or at least my dad is.”

--------------------

After a large meal of Caesar salads, New York Strip steaks, loaded baked potatoes, and a dessert of Bananas Foster with Pete and Chloe at the Smallville Country Club, Lana and Clark climbed into her SUV and headed back to her apartment at the Talon. As Clark sat down at the small kitchen table, Lana picked up a large, overstuffed, three-ring binder from her nightstand and said, “I’ve been thinking of some dates for our wedding.”

“Looking at the amount of stuff in that binder, Clark eyes grew wider and wider. Hoping against hope for a different explanation than what he feared, he asked hesitantly, “Umm…Lana…what’s all that stuff in the binder?”

Momentarily distracted from her intent, Lana looked back at Clark and said, “It’s my…” and then, grinning widely, “it’s our wedding planner.”

“That’s what I was afraid of,” he gulped. Then, struck by inspiration, he asked hopefully, “How about a nice, little, outdoor wedding with just family and a few friends?”

“Don’t be silly, Clark. This is going to be the most important day in our lives. We’re going to do it right.” As Lana turned back to her planner and rattled off three possible weekends in June, Clark realized that Chloe hadn’t been kidding. Lana was, like Jake and Elwood Blues, ‘on a mission from God’ and the best thing he could do was to facilitate the completion of her mission, or get out of her way, ‘cause the third option, being run over and turned into road-kill, was not appealing in the least.

They settled on June 28th as the day for the wedding, since it was a Saturday and would give Lana more than a month after finals to work out any final details. Clark was then told that he’d need to come up with a best man and three groomsmen. Finally, they arranged some time next weekend to find a location for the wedding.

Heading downstairs to sip on some iced coffee, Clark and Lana were flabbergasted to see none other than Lex Luthor striding up to the counter. Wearing a black overcoat, black suit, and blue-gray shirt with no tie, Lex looked the same as he had the last time that either one of them had seen him, which was sometime during their freshman year at Central Kansas A&M.

Knowing that going unnoticed wasn’t an option, Clark called out, “Lex, long time no see.”

Echoing Clark, Lana added, “What brings you back to Smallville? I thought you were needed in Metropolis and ‘didn’t have time for Smallville anymore.’”

Turning at the sound of the two voices he most wanted to hear, Lex said, “Lana, it’s always a pleasure to see you, and Clark…” Lex’s voice trailed off as Lana drew near and he noticed the diamond ring that could only mean one thing, especially since Lana had moved her ubiquitous turquoise and silver bracelet to her other wrist.

Finding his voice once again, Lex said, “I assume congratulations are in order. When is the happy event?” Lana, almost reflexively, held the ring up for Lex’s inspection. Lex took a look and said, “I’m impressed, Clark. Anyway, to answer your questions, both spoken and not, I’m coming back here to stay. LuthorCorp is finally headed in the right direction, so I don’t need to ride herd on my subordinates all day, everyday anymore. I find that I like the slower, more relaxed pace of life that I can find in Smallville, but not anywhere near Metropolis.”

Letting Lana’s hand go, Lex held his right hand out towards Clark, looking for a handshake. Clark obliged him, and said, “I hope your time in Smallville works out better this time, Lex…welcome home.”

[LuvClana]

GREAT CHAPTER! PPMS!

[binkys711]

JAJAJAJA:rotfl::lol:I loved what Chloe told Clark about the wedding and it turning out to be true!!!:lol: great update!!!PPMS!!!

[LuvClana]

lol binky :D

[binkys711]

:o just making sure no one steals my spot:p

[NYC300Z]

I have a feeling Lex isn't telling the truth...i wonder what he's really doing there... I love how Lana is planning the wedding it's so cute...

PPMS!!

[C.A.chick]

OOOH lex is bakc in town ehh? i smell trouble, or is that just the fish that i'm having for dinner?

[MOOman0618]

Wow...three ring binder already! She is a prepared woman! Great update.

[SVsleuth]

Super update. Lana sure is eager. I wonder how long she's been keeping that binder. :lol:

[Cardinal]

A lo-o-o-o-ng time! :D

Lana, the art student, has plans!

Clark may find out that Chloe significantly understated his situation.

With Aunt Nell's financial backing...it doesn't look good for our hero, Captain Plaid!

Oh, I almost forgot, I'll be advancing this story fairly rapidly, it won't take forever to get to the June wedding even though it's still only September right now. (Thank God, updating two long running fics is more than I can take.)

[NYC300Z]

okay cool :cool:
Hey wait what do u mean Nell's financial backing??

[Cardinal]

As Lana's pseudo-parent, Nell will take upon herself to fund the wedding.

If you remember anything about "Craving" from Season 1, Nell went all out for something that was just a 15th birthday party!

[NYC300Z]

I C I C yeah I remember that! :lol:

[Cardinal]

Was that a century post, #2100? If it was, wow, someone used a milestone post on me!

[NYC300Z]

YAY 2100 it is!!

[C.A.chick]

congrats...dang im only in my 100's still..great storry!!PPMASAP

[binkys711]

Felicidades NYC!:p

[C.A.chick]

Felicidades? what?????hmmmm

[binkys711]

It means congradulations in spanish;) I go to school in Tijuana (aka Tj) Mexico but live in San Diego, CA:D

[Cardinal]

Why do you go to school in TJ, if you live in SD? Aren't there any good schools in SD?

[binkys711]

yes, but Mexico has a higher education than USA besides i'm going to high school and college in san diego....but 7,8 & 9th grades are still considered Junior High so this is my last yr at my school and next year I'm going to either Marian high (a private school but waaayyyy to expensive so i'm working on a scholarship) or bonita high....:\

[LoisNClark]

Ok i just read the whole thing Cardinal and it's amazing. So sweet. PPMS!!!

[C.A.chick]

oh, wow..cardinal. I LOVE IT!

[Cardinal]

Sorry I'm late updating, but I had a commitment to write a short fic in the new Slapstick thread. Having done that, I'm going to update here on the 30th.

[binkys711]

yay! can't wait!:D:D:D

[NYC300Z]

it's already the 30th!! U posted that on the 30th too! :lol:

[Cardinal]

Not where I'm from NYC, it was only 11:21 here! :)

FYI Everyone who hasn't had the chance to read the stories on the Slapstick thead (in the Clark & Lana Forum) Here's the stories that are now posted:

Index of Current Stories - in Order of First Appearance
“The Wizard of El” by ajfinn (Post #4)
"Lanapuff Girls" by Mythos (Post #15)
"Smallville in Da Hood" by LuvClana (Post #32)
"Cliché" by MOOman0618 (Post #51)
"Amnesia" by Cardinal (Post #60)
"Smallville Fairytail" by NYC300Z (Post #69)

[NYC300Z]

:lol: everywhere I go I'm seeing this index everywhere! :lol: first on the slapstick thread then in Aj's thread and now here! :lol:

[kewl]

i just tuned in and wow cardinal, this story is just amazingly awesome!!!!! :D :D :D :lol:

:D :D :D :D:D :D :D :D
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
:D :D:D :D:D :D :D:D

[Cardinal]

The update is definitely coming tonight.

I'm doing something unsual in this one. I'll be "honoring" some of my favorite fanfic authors with an appearance in my fic (we'll see if they're actually honored after they read this). :D

[NYC300Z]

:lol: I wonder if i'll make an apperance?? :lol: i'd defiently be honored!! :D:D:D

[binkys711]

yay! can't wait for the update!hmmm...I wonder how many will be on the update?:eek:

[Cardinal]

When I said authors, I definitely meant story authors, 'cause while I love the people who take the time to respond to stories, it's the people who write stories that do all the work. Thus, they are the people I'm going to squeeze into my story. :)

[binkys711]

yes... in knew that;) I was wondering how many authors you gonna cram in the update;)

[Cardinal]

5 or 6, and no, I'd never put myself in there.

These will be brief cameo appearances.

[LoisNClark]

interesting...can't wait to read the update!!!!:D

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Sounds fun! I'm definitively gonna stay up for this one!

Wow, I reached 100 posts :)

[Cardinal]

Until she returns to us safe and sound, this story is dedicated to SVsleuth. Stay safe, SV!

The Wedding - Chapter 3

The next day, Sunday, Lana met Clark at the Kent house for lunch. Entering the kitchen of the yellow-painted house, she said, “It’s official."

“What’s official?”

“I went over to Chloe’s to ask if she’d be my Maid of Honor and she just about squeezed the stuffing out of me when she said yes.”

“Do you know who your bridesmaids are going to be?”

“I‘ve got them picked out already, but I won’t be able to ask them until we get back to school tomorrow.”

“You could call them if you’re in such a big hurry.”

“No, Clark, this is something very personal. You do it face to face or you don’t do it at all.”

“Who are they? I know we don’t have the largest social circle, but you have more than three friends to choose from.”

“Well…I finally narrowed it down to A.J., Steph, and Ashley. They’re so close to me that I feel like I know them and all of their stories in detail. I’ll see them Monday, either in classes or in the Student Union at lunch. What about you, Clark?”

“It’s definitely gonna be Pete for Best Man. That’s a no-brainer. As far as groomsmen go, I’ve got two picked out for sure. Greg, who I might have to wait a few days to see since he’s always holed up in the engineering building, and Eldar, but the third is going to be tough to decide.”

“I’ve been meaning to ask you, where did his folks come up with a name like Eldar?”

“He says his family’s from Russia and that it’s a fairly common name over there. Why’d you want to know?”

“It’s just really unusual. I still can’t pronounce his last name, even after all the time he spent teaching me. He was so nice about it.”

“Yeah, well, he thinks you’re a doll anyway.”

“My bridesmaids-to-be, on the other hand, all think you’re something of a hottie. If I let you go, each one vows to snatch you before anyone else knows you‘re available. I even heard mention of ropes and a closet from A.J.”

“It’s nice to know I have options,” Clark chuckled.

With a playful swat of her hand across the back of his head, Lana shot back, “No you don’t. As I recall, you said just Friday night that there are no other women anymore.”

Taking her chin in his hand and lifting it for a quick kiss, Clark said, “You’re the only woman for me.” Releasing her chin, he asked, “What’s this talk of ‘letting me go?’”

“It’s not from me…you’re stuck with me. We’ll be just like Bogie and Bacall, Tracy and Hepburn…”

“Lana, have you been watching AMC Classics again? If you want to watch a mushy movie, you can watch one with me you know.”

“Thanks, Clark. I just didn’t want to overwhelm you with that kind of thing right now, but I’ve seen a ‘mushy movie,’ as you so eloquently put it, both nights this weekend. I’m kind of on a romantic high right now.”

Rolling his eyes, Clark said, “I hadn’t noticed.” Rummaging through a DVD storage cabinet, Clark said, “So what kind of mush do you want? If you want funny mush, we’ve got ‘While You Were Sleeping’ and ‘Roxanne,’ if you want classical mush we’ve got the A&E versions of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Emma,’ and for serious mush Mom has ‘The English Patient’ and ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman.’ If you don’t like those, we can go rent something or see what’s on pay-per-view.”

“I’ve never seen ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ but I’ve read the book. Let’s watch that one. I love Jane Austen’s novels.”

“Sure, but we’ll need to watch it at your place. It’s a five-hour movie and I don’t want to tie up the T.V. that long.” Picking the chosen DVD out of the cabinet, Clark said, with a roguish grin on his face, “Besides, this way we’ll have some privacy.”

Noticing for the first time that the Kents were nowhere in sight, Lana inquired as to their whereabouts. After telling Lana that Jonathon and Martha had gone out for lunch, Clark brought out the tuna salad that Martha had made along with a loaf of bread for sandwiches and a bag of potato chips.

Upon finishing lunch, Lana headed back to town to work at her part-time job at the Talon, and Clark headed over to Pete’s for some advice and to watch the week’s NFL games on the big screen.

As Clark jogged up the steps to the front door, Pete hollered out, “Hurry up, Clark. You’ve already missed the first series of the game. I was getting ready to call you and see what the holdup was.”

After an exhilarating 30-28 win by the Metropolis Sharks over the Pittsburgh Steelers on a last-second 55-yard field goal, Clark said, “Pete, I’ve got a couple of questions for you.”

“Okay, shoot.”

“First, will you be my best man at the wedding?”

“No problem. I’m surprised you even asked. Though I’d have kicked your butt from here to next week if you’d have asked anyone else. Seriously, Clark, I’d be honored. What’s the other question?”

“With Lana already off and running with the wedding planning, I’m looking for something special that I can do at the wedding, or maybe the reception afterwards, to just blow her socks off. I want her to be stunned and happy and…and…well, I just want her and everyone else to know what she means to me.”

“You want to top the proposal, huh? In my opinion, that’s not possible, but I’ll think about it, okay?”

“Thanks.”

--------------------

At the 11 p.m. conclusion of “Pride and Prejudice,” Lana said, “You know, Mr. Darcy and Lizzie remind me of us somewhat.”

“How?”

“Well, through misunderstandings and partial truths they managed to keep themselves separated for a long time, but in the end, the strength of their love allowed them to overcome their problems.”

Nuzzling her neck, Clark whispered, “Never let it be misunderstood: I love you.”

Face flushing from the contact, Lana replied, “Never!”

Finally, after several minutes of kissing and cuddling, Clark said, “I need to go to bed, we've got school tomorrow.”

“Yes, you do need to go to bed.” Pointing towards her bed, she said, “What are you waiting for?”

“But…I didn’t bring my pajamas.”

With a wicked grin on her face, Lana replied, “Who said you’re gonna need them?”

--------------------

After school the next day, Clark received a call from Pete, who was back at his fraternity at K-State.

“Pete, what’s up?”

“I’m calling about that second question.”

“Okay, what do you have for me?”

“I think you need to do this…”

“No way, I can’t do that. I’ve never done anything like that before, not even in front of family and close friends.”

“Come on, Clark. You know Lana will just die if you do it and I even know someone who’ll help you.”

“Who?”

“Ms. MacGillicuddy.”

“From Smallville High? I never had her for a teacher, why would she help me?”

“She does tutoring on the side, and you definitely need the help. Remember, if you start now, you’ve got between eight and nine months to improve. That should be plenty of time.”

"Oh man!"

[linn]

great i luved it.......ppms

[clana4ev3r]

PPMS!

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Originally posted by Cardinal
[B]"...I even heard mention of ropes and a closet from A.J.”:rotfl: :rotfl:

Great update as always. What is Clark and Pete up to? Hmm.. PPMS!

[NYC300Z]

Ha ha that's cool Cardinal!! So what's Pete's idea?? something to do with the French teacher I bet!

Hey Cardinal what about my slapstick doesn't count huh>? :lol: I know I'm just playing :p

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by Cardinal
As far as groomsmen go, I’ve got two picked out for sure. Greg, who I might have to wait a few days to see since he’s always holed up in the engineering building

So true! Thanks for the cameo! :D

Originally posted by Cardinal
“It’s just really unusual. I still can’t pronounce his last name, even after all the time he spent teaching me. He was so nice about it.”


HA HA!!! :lol:


Originally posted by Cardinal
After an exhilarating 30-28 win by the Metropolis Sharks over the Pittsburgh Steelers on a last-second 55-yard field goal, Clark said, “Pete, I’ve got a couple of questions for you.”



YES!!! I may now live in Pittsburgh but I definatly do NOT like the Steelers.


Great update Cardinal! I am very curious to see what could possibly top the proposal! And what takes that long to learn. I have some ideas, but I am not giving them away! Post more soon!

[kewl]

great update cardinal!!! wonder what pete's idea is?? PPMS!!!!

[Cardinal]

Originally posted by MOOman0618
YES!!! I may now live in Pittsburgh but I definatly do NOT like the Steelers.

Man, from what I've heard, that could get you hurt in the Steel City. Though you should survive as long as you're not a Browns fan!

[LoisNClark]

yeah that could get you really hurt in Pittsburgh MOOman, but you are pretty safe as long as your not a Browns fan!!! Browns fans don't last very long in Pittsburgh:p

Awesome update!!! The cameos were awesome!! Can't wait to see what pete and clark are planning!!!

PPMS!!!

[NYC300Z]

GO DOLPHINS!! :lol: I'm a huge Miami Dolphins fan! Everybody says i'm wierd there all Giants or Jets fans and I hate the Jets!! I don't even know why I like the Dolphins so much just always have!! :D

[binkys711]

oh dude! I loved the way you put in the writers! totally hilarious! I loved the update!:D:D:DPPMS!!!

I think the Chargers suck! but i still root for them:\...im to nice:p..but they are my home team so;)....I actually like the steelers, and I love the Rams! and Greenbay!:D

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by Cardinal
Man, from what I've heard, that could get you hurt in the Steel City. Though you should survive as long as you're not a Browns fan!

Well...I lived in Cleveland for two year my first and second years of college so I don't like th Browns either! I tend to not like the teams of the city I live in. The fans, especially here in Pittsburgh, are absolutely nuts! heehee oh well

[ajfinn]

Wow!! *bats lashes* Me & Clark, rope & a closet . . . all from someone's imagination, and it's not mine for a change.

Thanks for the mention. Yeah, Lana & I are pretty tight. (And so is the rope around Clark's wrists -- hope he gets to the wedding on time :D )

[LoisNClark]

:lol:

[SVsleuth]

Cardinal, Thanks for dedicating Ch 3 to me. I feel so special! :) And on top of that, I get to be a bridesmaid? Way cool! Thanks bunches, great update, of course. ;)

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by ajfinn
Wow!! *bats lashes* Me & Clark, rope & a closet . . . all from someone's imagination, and it's not mine for a change.

Thanks for the mention. Yeah, Lana & I are pretty tight. (And so is the rope around Clark's wrists -- hope he gets to the wedding on time :D )


All of this talk of ropes and closets! I can only imagine what kinds of things would be happenining to Clark if there was an ADULT Clana board!

[LoisNClark]

woah scary thought:p

[Cardinal]

I'm currently working on an update for this thread. Should be posted tomorrow.

[NYC300Z]

that's cool!:cool: can't wait Cardinal!

[kewl]

ayayay, can't wait!!!! :D

[LoisNClark]

can't wait!!!!:D

[Cardinal]

The Wedding - Chapter 4

Driving home after classes on Friday, Clark asked Lana, “What’re we doing this weekend?”

Checking her day-planner, Lana said, “We have a number of things that need to be done fairly quickly, but this weekend we have an appointment in the morning to have our engagement pictures taken and in the afternoon we need to narrow down the list of potential sites for the ceremony and the reception.” Looking back at Clark, she continued, “Hopefully, we’ll get lucky and nail down one, or both, of those locations. Now that we’ve come up with a rough estimate of the size of the guest list, we’ll be able to eliminate some places just because of size considerations.”

Considering that to be a lot to get done this early in the process, Clark asked, “What else is on your list of ‘things that need to be done fairly quickly?’ I don’t know about you, but just finding our locations and getting the photos out of the way sounds like a lot of progress to me.”

With a look that plainly said, ‘Silly Boy,’ Lana replied, “Besides what were doing this weekend, we need to decide who’s going to officiate the wedding, I need to shop for my dress, and, after we get our pictures back, we’ll have to put our engagement notice in the paper.” Catching Clark’s wince at the mention of dress shopping, Lana added, “No, Clark, you don’t have to go shopping. In fact, you’re not allowed to go on this trip. After all, it’s bad luck for you to see the dress before the wedding.” Smiling at the prospect of a girls’-day-out, Lana let Clark know who would be going along, saying, “Chloe and Aunt Nell are going dress-hunting with me next weekend in Metropolis.”

Turning in her seat to look more fully at Clark, Lana said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if Chloe spent some time looking for dresses for herself while we’re there. Do you think Pete is ever going to get around to proposing to her?”

Shrugging his shoulders are he drove, Clark said, “After my not-so-subtle hint about the rings when we got engaged, Pete came out to the farm the next morning and asked me about them. When I asked why he hadn‘t proposed yet, Pete said that he thought me proposing to you was natural given that we’ve been inseparable for so long, but he didn’t want to propose to Chloe just because it was expected of him. He said he wants to be a couple in practice, not just in spirit, when he proposes.”

Sneaking a peek at Lana, Clark added, “I think Pete believes that he’d be shortchanging Chloe if he proposed now when they can‘t be together to enjoy it. He wants her to have everything she deserves. Knowing how stubborn Pete is, he’s gonna wait, wait, and wait some more, if he has to, to make sure that she gets what she deserves.”

Waiting a beat, Clark said, “What I just told you about Pete and Chloe goes no further than us, Lana. No telling Chloe, no giving hints to her, nothing. Let Pete handle this on his own.”

Pouting ever so slightly, Lana said, “Please, Clark? Chloe was happy for me when she came up early Saturday to see the ring, but I could tell that she was hoping for one of her own. Combine that with what you said about her trying on rings at the jeweler’s, and, well…”

“I know and I sympathize with her, but we need to let Pete and Chloe take care of this.” Chuckling to himself at a new thought, Clark said, “If Chloe’s in such a big hurry to be engaged, she can always propose to Pete. I mean, if there’s one woman that’s never worried much about things like tradition and convention, it’s Chloe.”

--------------------

Having arranged to meet Lana at the Talon at 10 a.m. before heading over to the photographer’s studio, Clark was giving himself the once-over in the bathroom’s full-length mirror. Since he’d been threatened with dire consequences if he showed up in any form of plaid, Clark had picked out the same blue oxford and tan Dockers that he wore when he proposed. Murmuring to himself, Clark said, “These are fast becoming my good luck clothes.” At least for relationship purposes. Besides, Chloe once told me that blue is a good color for me. A last attempt at combing his unruly hair into submission having failed, Clark added a dab of Halston 101 Cologne to his wrists and his neck before hustling out the door.

Meanwhile, Lana was going through the same last-minute preparations. Clark really likes me in olive green blouses, but I’ll need to wear a different one than what I wore when he proposed. Having already decided to wear her hair down for the photos, Lana had it tied back loosely to allow her to finish her makeup application. There, all done. Pulling on her chosen blouse and wriggling into her form-fitting jeans, Lana then pulled the clip out of her hair and ran through it a few times with a big, loose-tined brush to make sure it was straight. Picking up her purse and her keys she headed out of her apartment and down the curving stairway into the Talon proper. After ordering a cappuccino at the counter, Lana waited, slowly drumming her fingertips on the countertop. Finally paying for her drink and picking it up with a thank you, Lana headed for a table to wait for her man.

Looking up as someone entered the Talon, Lana was surprised to see Lex again. Dressed in an all-black ensemble of Levi’s and a light, v-neck sweater, Lex ambled over to her table and said, “Hello, Lana. May I sit down?”

“Sure, I’m just waiting for Clark.”

“Some things have changed around here,” Lex said with a grin, “but Clark’s difficulties with being on time appear to have stayed the same.”

“Actually, Clark still has a few minutes left, I came down early for a cappuccino.”

“My apologies.” Becoming more serious, Lex said, “My apologies are what I’m here for in the first place. I thought it might be easier to apologize to you two separately.”

Looking uncomfortable, Lex hemmed and hawed, but finally spit out, “Lana, when you two first started dating, I said, and did, some things that I’m not proud of…things that were, well, just plain stupid. I was wrong. I know it doesn’t mean much coming from me, a man you have no reason to trust, but I’m truly sorry for the pain I caused. Now that you and Clark are getting married, I’d like to be friends again. I don’t expect our relationship will ever be as close as it once was, but I’ll be your friend if you want me to be.”

Totally stunned by this revelation, Lana fished for something, anything, to say in response. “Lex, I don’t know what to say. You crushed me when you basically forced me to choose between you and Clark. You and I had been close. I kind of saw you as the big brother I never had, the one I could go to whenever I needed a man’s perspective.” Becoming more worked up as she went along, Lana finally lashed out, bashing the table with her clenched fist. “Damn you, Lex! You ruined two great friendships because Alexander the Almighty had to have what he wanted and anyone else could just give in or get out of the way. Then, when you didn’t get what you wanted, you hid inside that great, gray castle of yours for a full year before you finally left.”

Finally winding down, Lana said quietly, “This apology would have been better if you had made it three years ago.”

Nodding his head at the truth of what she had said, Lex replied, “That’s so, but three years ago I wasn’t capable of making this apology. ‘Alexander the Almighty,’ as you so eloquently named me, didn’t apologize to anyone for anything, and in this case, I didn’t see the need. When I finally got to a place in my life where I could accept you and Clark and be truly happy for you, I decided to stay away and give you two some space. You didn’t need me around as your own personal 'little black rain cloud.'”

Standing up as he prepared to take his leave, Lex said, “I’m not the man you used to know. I like to think I’m much better, and I am truly sorry for what I did and said to you.” As he made his way out of the Talon, Lex stopped at the door and turned back to Lana saying, “The mansion is yours to use for the wedding, if you want.”

As she finished her cappuccino a few minutes later, Clark entered the Talon. Spotting Lana almost immediately, Clark smiled and walked over to her. “Ready to go, Sweetness?”

Returning his smile with one of her own, Lana said, “Yep. Let’s go.”

Holding hands as they walked down the sidewalk, Lana said, “You know, Clark, you’re almost making a habit of being on time. You might start spoiling me.”

“You’ve got enough to worry about with the wedding preparations, you don’t need to be worrying about whether or not I’m going to be on time or not. Though occasionally I’ll still be late when someone needs help.”

“Yes, well, I accepted that part of our relationship years ago…speaking of years ago, Lex talked to me in the Talon while I was waiting for you. You’ll never in a million years guess what he said.”

Giving Lana a look of curiosity, Clark said, “Oh yeah, what?”

“He apologized! Lex Luthor actually apologized to me. I’d never have believed it, but…it happened.”

Wrapping his arm around her shoulders for a quick hug, Clark said, “Are you going to be okay? We can put this off for a few days if you’re too upset.”

Think happy thoughts, Girl! Let’s see…I know…I’m engaged to Clark and we’re getting married!!! There, all happy now! Smiling at Clark to let him know everything is fine, Lana said, “I think I’ll be just fine. Let’s get those pictures taken.”

[SVsleuth]

BUFFER - Keep reading below. :)

[Cardinal]

--------------------

Later, after a lunch of take-out Italian, Clark and Lana started looking locations.

As they piled into Lana’s SUV, she said, “You know what? On his way out of the Talon, Lex offered us the use of his mansion for the wedding and reception. What do you think of that?”

“I think it’s a great location, but the last two marriages that started there with weddings bombed big time. That place has some serious bad karma when it comes to weddings. Also, Lex and I have some significant unresolved issues. I’m not sure if I’d feel comfortable with us getting married in a place that’s so…him. It’s like he’d be looming over our shoulders at the start of our life together.”

“Is there any place you’d especially like to check out, Clark?”

“Not really. When I think about our wedding, I always think about who’s gonna be there, you and me, instead of where it’s gonna be. But I have had an idea about who we can get to officiate the wedding.”

Curious, Lana asked, “Who?”

“Neither one of us goes to church much. Because of that, I wasn’t sure if we could get a pastor or a priest to perform the ceremony. That would also probably kill the idea of a church wedding. As an alternative, I thought of Pete’s mom. Since she turned down that federal judgeship and stayed as a state judge here in Smallville, she should have the legal authority to perform marriages. I think she’d be thrilled to do it since she’s always considered me to be one of her boys.”

“That’s a great idea!” Stopping to make a note in her day-planner, Lana said, “When can we talk to her? I’d like to get her onboard as soon as possible.”

“Tomorrow after lunch would be good. Judge Ross doesn’t cook during the week very often, but she always puts on a big spread for her boys on Sunday. I think I’m going to eat over there tomorrow, and…I think you’re coming with me.”

“Me? But, I don‘t know her very well.”

“Of course not. Judge Ross knows you somewhat from your association with Pete and I, but I think she might like to know you better before she puts her stamp of approval on our marriage. Especially since her marriage with Mr. Ross didn’t last.”

“Great! The one thing I thought we would avoid in this relationship was going to be the ‘beauty pageant.’”

“Beauty pageant?”

“Yeah. That’s where one part of a couple takes the other part of the couple to meet his parents. The prospective in-laws the give their daughter-in-law-to-be the once over, just like judges in a beauty pageant. I thought we’d miss out on that since I’ve known your folks for years, but it looks like Judge Ross is your second mom.” Resigning herself to fate, she groaned, “This is not going to be fun.”

--------------------

Having checked several locations, including a Universalist Church that will marry just about anyone, Clark and Lana were eating a late dinner of homemade tacos in Lana’s apartment and reviewing the day’s events.

“I think that last church is our best bet for the wedding, though I still want Pete’s mom to perform the wedding. It also has enough seating and parking for our likely guest list.”

“Yeah and its really picturesque, almost as if it had leaped off the front of a postcard to be there for us. But I’d still like to have it under our tree. That’s such an important spot for us…it’s so romantic.”

“I like that spot, too. But there are so many problems associated with a location like that: first, it’s on a hill so you can’t use chairs for seating and sightlines are terrible for anyone not in the front; second, you’d have to spray that whole field a couple of times in the month before the wedding to control the ticks and chiggers, and then you have to mow it; third, an outdoor wedding is at the mercy of the weather, what will we do if it rains?; and fourth, if it doesn’t rain, we’ll have 90+ degree heat. It will be Kansas in June after all. Do you really want our guests to be sweaty and tired when they get to the reception?"

“Wow…way to kill the romance, Romeo.” Looking distressed, Lana added. “Unfortunately, you also happen to be right. I’ll call the church on Monday and book it for our wedding.”

Washing her hands to get the grease off, she came back to the dinner table and took a sip of her Mountain Dew, and said, “For the reception, the ballroom at the Hawthorne Park Convention Center looked just right. It was bright and airy as opposed to that V.F.W. Hall that we looked at and it didn’t cost too much more, well within our budget.”

Hands in the air, Clark said, “I’m leaving the budget to you and your Aunt Nell. If she wants to pay for it, then, by all means go for it.”

“Cool. That’s all set then…unless…”

“Yes?”

“Unless you want to have the reception at Lex’s mansion.”

“Umm…maybe. I’ll see what Lex has to say first.” Smiling again, Clark said, “It would be a cool place to have it though, whether indoors or out.”

[SVsleuth]

Nice double update, Cardinal. And am I actually first? I'm down in the "business room" at the hotel, & was just about to sign off when you PM'd me. Great update of wedding planning. Lex apologizing? Is he really sincere? Or does he have some underhanded motive? Guess we'll find out soon.
Good night!

[NYC300Z]

I see Clark is slowly coming around to letting Lex have something to do with the wedding. I wonder if Lex truly is sorry or just tring to draw them back to him???

Great Update Cardinal! Really cool to see all the detail and planning Lana is putting into the wedding! It actually is pretty interesting!

PPMS!!

[Cardinal]

I'm glad you like it. I thought I might be in danger of losing my male readership with a story that was heavily into planning the wedding.

[NYC300Z]

:lol: Yeah well I don't mind that stuff like I said I actually found it pretty interesting! :)

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by Cardinal
With a look that plainly said, ‘Silly Boy,’ Lana replied

I have gotten that look far too many times in recent weeks... :\ :lol:


Great and very LONG update! Too bad everybodies posts can't be that beefy. Loved all the wedding plans, and how comfortable you are making the whole situatin with Lana and Clark...in the show even during happy Clana moments, there seems to be a looming shadow making things just a little bit uneasy. Can't wait for more! And don't forget your other story!

[Cardinal]

Originally posted by MOOman0618
And don't forget your other story!

Never. I was hoping to finish off this story this week, but after submerging myself in research for the wedding and, most especially the wedding planning, I realized that would not be possible.

I estimate 5 or 6 more updates for this story. Likely all fairly long, too. :\

[MOOman0618]

And you are upset that they shall be long? I don't think anybody here will every complain about an update being too long! And that definatly was some good research in to wedding planning...it kind of freaked me out, making realize how much *$#% I still have to do.

[NYC300Z]

That's cool! :cool: Yeah can't wait for updates on both ur storys!!
:D

[Cardinal]

aj made fun of me when I told her I have three different bridal magazines. She accused me of buying them.

Actually, I got them from a college girl at work who is studying to be a wedding planner. She gets the mags for free, and free is always a good price. :D

[MOOman0618]

BRIDAL MAGAZINES ARE THE DEVIL!! THEY ARE LIKE 800 PAGES EACH OF THEM IS TRYING TO GET ME TO SPEND MORE MONEY! erm...eehhemmm

Excuse me. Sorry for the outburst, but nice wedding and shallow pockets are not a good mix! Too bad free doesn't go beyond the magazines!

[NYC300Z]

:lol: @ Mooman I bet this story rings a lot of bells for u!

[kewl]

great double update!!!! wow, clana are so caught up with all this wedding thing, huh??? PPMS!!!!

[LoisNClark]

awesome update!!!! and it was extra long!!! PPMS!!!:D

[linn]

yes it was extra long.i read this morning but couldn't post cause i had to go to school.well great update.ppms!!!!!!!!!

[NYC300Z]

Post # 2700! Hope to get an update soon!:D:D:D

[Cardinal]

Tomorrow...and that doesn't mean just after midnight either. ;)

I'm working on it as we speak.

Here's a small preview though: Lex has to have a one-on-one with Clark, and Lana's going to eat barbecue with the Ross boys and Clark. (Clark won't let her use a knife and fork for the ribs.)

Oh, and thanks for the milestone post! :D I don't get many of those.

[kewl]

hehehe... thanks for the preview!!! :D
yay, can't wait for the full update tomorrow!!!!

[Cardinal]

Originally posted by MOOman0618
And you are upset that they shall be long?

The only reason I'd be upset is that I have to type all of these stories. I'm a fairly fast two-fingered typist, but that's still not more than maybe 30 words per minute.

At least I get to compose at the keyboard. I'd hate to be someone like SV that has to write her stuff out longhand and then type into the computer. I don't think my desire to write could overcome having to write a story twice.

[MOOman0618]

I know what you mean...I can't stand actually writing things on paper anymore. I however do use all ten fingers to type. :) But editing and such is so much easier when you have a backspace key instead of an eraser.

[Cardinal]

Spell-check rocks! It finds all the typos. :D

[NYC300Z]

:lol: yeah but it doesn't find stuff like when u type the wrong word in! :lol: I know somebody who confuses my and by a lot :lol:

[Cardinal]

The Wedding - Chapter 5

Morning sure comes early on a farm, Clark thought. You’d think after roughly seventeen years that I’d be used to it by now. Forcing his gummy eyes to open as he slowly became fully conscious, Clark got ready for his morning chores, ‘cause, as his dad always said, ‘the cows won’t feed themselves.’

After a quick shower, Clark headed down to breakfast wearing a white t-shirt, blue jeans, and leather work boots, his normal attire for work around the farm. Munching a bagel slathered with Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Clark swallowed, took a swig of milk from his glass and said, “Mom, I won’t be having lunch here today. I’m going to eat with Pete over at his mom’s place…that reminds me, I need to call Mrs. Ross and let her know.”

“What’s this waiting ‘til the last minute business? I’ve taught you better manners than that.”

“Mom, I’ve got a standing invitation.”

“Oh, okay, Clark.” Turning to peer at her son, she continued, “Any special reason, or are you just hungry for something different?”

“I do love Mrs. Ross’ barbecue, not to mention her potato salad and cole slaw.” Feeling a rumble in his stomach, Clark added, “Mmmm, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. Heck, Pete said that was his only reason for coming home this weekend.”

“Well, Abigail knows that cooking like she does is one way to make certain she sees her sons on a regular basis.”

“As far as a special reason goes…yeah, I’m taking Lana with me. We’ve decided to ask Judge Ross to officiate our wedding, and I thought that the judge might like to get to know Lana a little bit better before she says yes.”

“Doesn’t she know Lana already?”

“Not really, she does know of Lana, but Mr. and Mrs. Ross divorced right after Lana and I started dating.” Straddling a chair at the table, Clark added, “Most of my time with Pete at his place is usually at his dad’s house watching sports on T.V. I will admit to having mentioned her several times to Mrs. Ross, but I’ve never taken Lana over to her house when I go.”

“Knowing you, it’s more likely that you’ve told her several dozen times, Clark.”

Grinning at that, Clark picked up another bagel, covered it with more cream cheese, and carried it out the door, saying, “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

--------------------

A couple of hours later, Lana rolled out of bed, glad for the umpteenth time that she lived directly above the best place for coffee in town.

After completing her morning toilette, Lana looked at her outfit in the mirror and said to herself, “I hope this is what he meant by casual.” She was wearing an older set of well-worn jeans, a blue, short-sleeved blouse with a deep, oval neck line and a white tank top underneath. Like it or not, this will have to do.

Grabbing her purse as she headed out, Lana locked the door behind her and headed down for her morning cappuccino. After obtaining her drink and sitting at a table, Lana called Clark.

“Hey, Studmuffin! Are you ready yet? I’ll be ready to go as soon as I finish my cappuccino.”

“Yeah, I’m ready, but would you mind picking me up today?”

“That’d be my pleasure. Is something wrong with your truck again?”

Sounding somewhat disturbed, Clark replied, “No. I’m in the middle of a conversation with Lex. It may take a few minutes.”

“See ya!”

“Bye.”

After blowing kisses to each other, they hung up. I wonder how they’re getting along, Lana thought, especially given what happened the last time those two had a serious talk.

--------------------

Coming back out of the house, Clark headed over to a black-clad Lex who was leaning against the side of his silver Porsche Carrera GT, and said, “Sorry, Lex, Lana was just calling to let me know she was ready to go.”

“No worries, Clark. If I was you, I’d drop everything to take her calls, too. Now, where were we?”

“You were telling me why you’ve decided to come back now.”

“Yes…to be blunt, I’ve missed Smallville, especially the people. When I first came to what I then thought of as a ‘cowtown,’ I couldn’t wait to escape. I’d had to leave everything and everyone I thought I cared about in Metropolis in order to take over the fertilizer plant. What could there possibly be here for me? In my time here, however, I found more, and truer, friends than I could ever find in Metropolis. In Metropolis, everyone told me what they thought I wanted to hear. My every wish, real or imagined, was catered to. The problem was that they’re not interested in me, they were all after Lex Luthor, heir to LuthorCorp.

“People like you keep me grounded, you’ll tell me when you think I’m crossing a line that you hold to be inviolable. Also, I miss being able to have someone to shoot the breeze with, someone who wants to be in my company, not who wants to own my company. I miss you, Clark. I still consider you to be my best friend and I’m here to make amends for what I’ve done to you.

“I’ll never be able to accurately express the depth of humiliation to which my acts of selfishness and stupidity have taken me, but know that I am sorry, Clark. Desperately sorry. Like I told Lana, I don’t know if we’ll ever be able to recover the closeness we once had, but I’d like the chance to be your friend again.”

“Wow. Lex you’ve kind of thrown me for a loop. Lana told me you’d apologized to her, but…after I left Lana last night, I thought about what I might say to you. Words failing me, I finally went through some books and found a quote in Bartlett’s, by Epictetus, ‘Forgiveness is better than punishment; for the one is the proof of a gentle, the other of a savage nature.’”

Reaching out to shake Lex’s extended hand, Clark said, “I’m willing to try again if you are.” As his expression quickly turned into a smile, Clark said, “You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to pull some obscure quote out of my hat and use it on you.”

“If it’s quotes you want, here’s one from Ralph Waldo Emerson on friendship, ‘The only way to have a friend is to be one.’ I intend to be your friend, Clark. Thanks for the chance.”

As Lex climbed into the convertible to drive home, Clark hurried to say, “Oh, as Lana’s semi-official representative, let me say that we’ll be happy to take you up on your offer.”

Taking a second to think, Lex’s whole face warmed as he said, “So you’ll have the wedding at the mansion?”

Looking uncomfortable, Clark responded, “Not the wedding, the reception. The last two weddings at your place led to disastrous marriages. That’s an omen that Lana and I would like to avoid.”

[itsallinthespelling]

buffer

loved the first half btw:D

[Cardinal]

The Wedding - Chapter 5 - Continued

--------------------

Climbing out of her SUV, Lana said, “How’d it go with Lex?”

Brought out of a trance by Lana’s question, Clark said, “What? Oh, Lex.” Pulling himself together, Clark continued, “Not bad, considering what I was expecting. He explained why he’s returned to Smallville and apologized for what happened between us. No attempts at justifying his behavior or shifting the blame to me, just Lex asking for another chance.”

Smiling, Lana said, “Maybe this time, things will work out.”

“Mmmm…maybe, I’m not counting on it. We did, however, accept his offer of the mansion for the reception.”

“We did?”

Smiling himself now, Clark said, “Yes. You thought it was a good idea last night.”

Hands on her hips, Lana shot back, “Noooo. I just offered it up as an alternative to the ballroom. We hadn’t decided yet.”

“Well…we’re kind of committed now.” Taking in Lana’s facial expression and body language, it suddenly occurred to Clark that he may have made a mistake, and he said, “I’m in trouble, aren’t I?”

“You catch on fast, Farmboy!” Walking up to him and putting her hands on his shoulders, she leaned in, “The fine for your misjudgment is one kiss.” After receiving her ‘payment,’ Lana added, “It’s not that big of a deal. I like the mansion better than the ballroom, I just wish you had run that idea past me first. If it had a been a real problem, we’d be stuck with the choice of either staying with a bad decision or offending a friend.” As she let go of him and walked toward her SUV, Lana said over her shoulder, “Just don’t let it happen again.”

That was close, whew! “No problem, Lana. The decisions belong to you.”

Stopping and whirling around at this statement, Lana said, “Clark, the decisions belong to us. You’re part of this wedding, too. If you think for one minute you’re saddling me with all of the responsibility for it, you’ve got another think coming.”

Oh man, I’d better just shut up before I dig this hole any deeper, Clark thought.

--------------------

As they clambered out of Lana’s SUV at Judge Ross’ house, the air was redolent of the hickory smoke coming from the judge’s smoker, and Clark’s stomach growled in response.

“Hungry are we, Clark?”

“Testy today are we, Lana?”

Ouch! “Touché…I wasn’t expecting something like this, and I’m really nervous. Sorry I snapped at you back at the farm.” Taking Clark’s hand as they headed for the front door, Lana added, “You did make a mistake, though. Well, two of them actually.”

“Yes, Dear, please, keep rubbing it in, it’ll make the rest of the day so much more enjoyable.”

As Lana started to knock on the door, Clark grabbed the handle and opened it. Following Lana inside, Clark answered Lana’s surprised look by saying, “We’re expected, and I haven’t had to knock at either of the Ross houses in years.”

With the closing of the door came a fusillade of hellos from the assembled might of the Ross family, for not only were Pete and his brothers there, but all of his brothers’ wives and children, too.

Panic quickly rising to replace her more pedestrian case of nerves, Lana squeaked, “Clark! You didn’t tell me that everyone was going to be here.”

“Well, of course they would. Pete’s brothers aren’t going to come over for a spread like this and leave their families at home. Their wives would kill them and hide the bodies.”

Clark was shaking hands with the adults and rubbing the heads of the children as they made their way to the middle of the room. Upon reaching his destination, Clark held up his hands and asked for quiet.

“We can make individual introductions later, but right now I want to introduce you all to my fiancée, Lana Lang.”

Stepping forward and feeling like the prize cow at the county fair, Lana nervously gave a small wave and said, in a small voice, “Hi, I’m pleased to meet you.”

Looking at his fiancée, Clark whispered, “I’d do the introductions now except I want to formally introduce you to Judge Ross.” Then aloud he asked, “Where’s the Judge? Is she still out back?”

One of Pete‘s oldest brothers said, “Yeah, Clark, she is…but you ought to know by now not to call her ‘the Judge’ away from work.”

“Yeah, well, she won’t let me use ‘Mrs. Ross,’ and I won’t use ‘Momma,’ so we’re stuck with ‘the Judge.’”

Weaving their way through the mass of people watching T.V. or just sitting around talking, Clark led Lana through the French doors and out onto the large redwood deck.

Stopping to look around and get his bearings, Clark heard Pete call out, “Hey, glad you made it, Clark. It’s been a while since you came to one of Mom’s Sunday shindigs…and look behind you, who is that? Could it be Lana Lang? Oh my, Mom didn’t tell me you were coming, Lana.”

Clark asked, “Where’s Chloe?”

Waving his hand in the general direction of the yard, Pete said, “Out there somewhere. She doesn’t like the smoke and it’s a little too crowded for her inside.”

“Where’s your mom, Pete? I want to introduce Lana. The Judge would never forgive me if I neglected my duty.”

“She got drug out into the yard by one of the kids. There was something she ‘had to see.’”

Trudging down the stairs, they finally saw their target next to the sandbox that Judge Ross had put in especially for her grandkids. Taking Lana’s hand once again, Clark led her to their host.

“Clark Kent. Come over here and give me a hug. Where have you been keeping yourself?” After releasing Clark, Mrs. Ross said, “Well, Clark, what are you waiting for, introduce me?”

Standing between the two women but just out of their line of sight, Clark said, “Lana, this is Judge Abigail Ross. Judge Ross, this is Lana Lang, my fiancée.” Excepting the scowl Clark earned for calling Mrs. Ross, ‘Judge,’ the introduction went well.

While Lana recaptured Clark’s hand with her own, Abigail Ross was giving Lana a head-to-toe examination. With one hand on her hip and the other rubbing her chin, Abigail said, “So this is the fabled Lana Lang. I’d begun to think you were like the Loch Ness Monster, Sasquatch, or the Abominable Snowman. You know, something everyone knows about but no one has actually seen.”

Squaring up to face Lana directly, Abigail became ‘the Judge’ right in front of Lana’s eyes. “I’ll be blunt Ms. Lang. Are you good enough for Clark? Before you answer, listen to what I have to say and think about it.

“I consider this boy you’re holding onto, to be my youngest son. Sure, he’s complexion-challenged, but he’s still one of mine. I know what he’s made of, how good he is, how faithful. His love for you has never wavered, not once, and I doubt it ever will. Can you say the same?”

“This boy…heck, this young man, is special. He’ll be able to do great things in life, but only with the support of a great woman. Can you be that woman? If you can’t, let him go so he can find that woman. If you can be her, grab him tight and never let him go. Clark Kents don’t come along that often.”

Completely staggered by this force of nature that was masquerading as Pete’s mom, Lana mumbled a feeble, “Yes, Ma’am.” Then, stronger, “I know he’s the right one for me, as he knows I’m right for him. We love each other and have for a long time….he’s not my entire world, but he’s the center around which everything else revolves.”

Looking at Lana as she wound down, Abigail said quietly, “That’ll do. I want nothing less than the best for any of my boys.” Giving Lana a brief welcoming hug, Abigail looked up at the deck and continued, “Now, if someone could only light a fire under Pete’s ass, I might get two new daughters-in-law.”

Checking her watch, Abigail said, “The meat’s almost done. It’s time to get everything else set up. PETE!!”

From the deck came a distant, “Yes, Momma?”

“Call everyone out here, we’ve got tables to set up and food to move.”

Half an hour later, the tables were laden with food, including several desserts. As they passed down the buffet line, Clark made sure Lana got a large helping of Abigail’s specialty, baby back ribs. When it came time to eat, Lana suddenly noticed she had a fork and spoon, but no knife.

“How am I supposed to eat the ribs, Clark? I don’t have a knife.”

“Quickly putting his hand over her mouth and shushing her, Clark answered, “Jeez, Lana, don’t let anyone here hear you say that. That’s the rankest sort of city-bred heresy. Ribs, like fried chicken, are meant to be eaten with your fingers. Why else do you think I told you to dress casually? I didn’t want you to mess up a good outfit.”

The rest of the dinner was spent enjoy their food and each other. Clark did manage to introduce her to the extended Ross clan, but Lana was sure that actually remembering those names would have to wait for another day.

At the end of the dinner, Clark and Lana cornered Abigail and told her that the reason Lana had come out today was that they wanted to ask a favor.

"Sure, you never ask me for anything Clark. Not even to fix a traffic ticket."

Clark said, "What we want today is much easier, and hopefully more enjoyable, too. Would you honor us by officiating at out wedding?"

Hands popping up in front of her mouth, Judge Abigail Ross cried as she said, "Yes, Clark, that would make me very happy."

[itsallinthespelling]

great update. i was really laughing at clark tripping up with lana about lex. first he gettin ragged on for not consulting her. then he got ragged on for saying the descisions were hers. lol, so true too. loved the update.

[SpeedyKate91]

great update. cant wait for more

[Cardinal]

Welcome to my thread, SpeedyKate91! :)

Thanks ever so much for posting a reply.

[SVsleuth]

Super 2-part update, Cardinal. Poor Clark, can't do anything right. And Lana is so intimidated by Pete's family. This is a fun read. PPMS! (In Jackson now - to Birmingham tomorrow.) :)

[NYC300Z]

Cardinal just read ur update! Wonderful it was neat watching Lana meet the Ross Clan!:lol: The Judge's speach to Lana was nice too! Although she was a bit hard on him about picking the reception location! :lol: funny though! Keep it up and PPMS!!:D

[binkys711]

Cardinal just caught up with your story! It's so awesome! I love it! and love the way your filling it with happy clana! great job!PPMS!!!

[kewl]

awesome "two-n-a-row" update cardinal!!! i don't know what to say.... but PPMS!! :D :D

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by Cardinal
“Yes, Dear, please, keep rubbing it in, it’ll make the rest of the day so much more enjoyable.”


:lol: :lol: Heehee, that is great!

Wonderful update Cardinal. I loved it when Clark got himself in trouble again! Nice apology by Lex, hope this time it works out.

[Cardinal]

I've got to update this one today. I can't believe what I'm going to do to our favorite couple.

[itsallinthespelling]

oh you better not do anything to bad to them. they better get married and live happily ever after :D can't wait for the update.

[MOOman0618]

YES HAPPILY EVER AFTER! You know the horrors that you will face if anything bad happens to them!

[Cardinal]

Oh, definitely "Happy Ever After." In fact, had I known that this thread would turn into the place for my proposal and wedding stories, I would have named it, "Happy Ever After." I'm proud to specialize in happy Clana!

My hint is that what I'm going to write will give new meaning to the term sexual frustration! :D

[itsallinthespelling]

what, they can't get the video camera to work??? :p, jk, still looking forward to your update.

[MOOman0618]

Oh...well thats good then. And this definatly sounds like its going to be a good update! ;)

[NYC300Z]

yay we get an update today! can't wait Cardinal! Although after ur remark about sexual frustration a few possibilities are floating through my mind none of which have perfect endings so I hope ur right with Happy Ever after!

[Cardinal]

The Wedding - Chapter 6

Leaving the barbecue at sundown, Clark and Lana piled into Lana’s SUV and headed for town. As they buckled up, Clark said, “That went pretty well. I think Judge Ross really likes you.”

“I think Judge Ross likes you and her approval of you just naturally carries over to the woman you’re with. As far as me personally, I ‘m not sure that any woman could fully meet her standards for you. But I like it that she looks out for you. The way you inspire such fierce loyalty in your friends is truly remarkable.”

“Well, to get loyalty, you must first give loyalty. My friends know that I support them unconditionally, even if I don’t always agree with what they do.” Changing the subject, Clark said, “Now, someone has a 21st birthday coming up, and she has yet to tell me what she wants for a present.”

Shooting a quick glance at Clark, Lana replied, “She wants what she gets every year, a special night with her special guy.”

“At least you’re not going bar-hopping on your 21st birthday.”

“I might, except who else do I know and trust that is already 21? Chloe, you, and Pete are all still 20, and there’s no way I’m going back to Central Kansas A&M for my 21st birthday celebration. There’s no telling what those girls will try to get me to do if I become drunk. After all, I have to be cautious about getting drunk since I know your secrets.”

As Lana drove away from Judge Ross’ house, Clark asked, “Anything else wedding-related on the schedule for today?”

“Nope. I also finished my homework on Friday, so we have the rest of tonight to ourselves.” Pulling up to a four-way stop sign, Lana shot Clark a look of pure, unadulterated lust, saying, “It’s going to be a very special, very memorable evening…I guarantee it.” At least it better be!

--------------------

They spent the late afternoon playing in the Ezra Small Elementary School playground. Riding on the Clark Kent-powered merry-go-round, Lana became so dizzy, she almost got sick. When Clark pushed her on the swing, he pushed too hard once and launched her fifteen feet in the air. When he caught her, Lana caught her breath, then said, “My request for 'higher' was not meant to indicate a desire for a sub-orbital rocket launch.”

“Yeah, but it was fun, wasn’t it? I mean, there was no chance I’d let you hit the ground, and this is a schoolyard on Sunday, so no one else is around.”

Looping her arms around his neck and snuggling her head on his chest, Lana agreed, saying, “Yeah, it was a definite thrill ride, which is not something you expect to find in an elementary school playground.”

When he finally set her down, Lana asked, “I’ve had fun here, but why’d you want to come here to goof around, Clark?”

“Simple, when we attended school here, I would have given anything to push you on the swing or on the merry-go-round. That necklace, however, kept getting in the way. Now, I’m making up for lost time.”

At the last setting of the sun, which seemed to take forever to happen this day, Clark and Lana regretfully gave up the playground and headed back to the Talon to get something hot as the early evening air was somewhat chilly.

Grabbing their drinks, Lana had an idea, and said, “I’m gonna run upstairs and grab a jacket.”

“What for?”

“I just remembered, we have one more couple left to make a personal announcement to regarding our wedding. Everyone else can find out from the paper, but these people need to hear it from us.”

Puzzled by this, Clark was nonetheless willing to go along with it, saying, “Whatever you say, Lana.”

A few minutes later, Clark and Lana climbed into her SUV and drove off. Clark quickly noticed they were heading in the general direction of his place.

“Who do we know out here that doesn’t know yet? The only houses nearby are my house and your old house, and no one’s lived there since ‘Sleeping Beauty’ paid off the lease with your aunt and moved away.”

Turning down a narrow country lane, Lana finally brought her SUV to a stop in front of an old cemetery. Clark grinned as he zipped around to open Lana’s door. Now I know who we haven’t told yet.

Holding Lana's hand with one hand of his own, Clark unconsciously used his other to try and straighten his hair.

As they approached the side-by-side graves of Lana’s parents, Clark said, “Maybe I should go first.”

Surprised by this, Lana assented and waited.

Gathering his thoughts, Clark finally said, “Hello, Mr. Lang. It’s me, Clark Kent. It’s been a few months since we’ve been out to visit, and I’m keeping my promise. Lana’s as happy and healthy as I know how to keep her.

“Today, however, I have something else on my mind. You should know by now that your daughter means the world to me. I’ve loved her all my life, and love her more each day. We’ve been constant companions for more than three years and I believe in my heart that it’s time for us to take the final step and become man and wife. I will never love another the way I love Lana. I promise to care for her and to support her in whatever she chooses to do with her life.

“What I’m here for is to ask for your permission to marry your daughter.” Going to one knee and placing a hand on the headstone in supplication, Clark asked, “May I have the hand of Lana Elizabeth Lang in marriage?”

Still standing next to Clark, a teary-eyed Lana sniffled out, “He says it’s about time you got around to asking. He was starting to wonder how deep the ‘he’s kind of shy’ comment I made when you two first met actually went.”

While Clark came to his feet, Lana stepped over to her mother’s side of the double-plot and said excitedly, “MOM! I’m getting married. Clark finally asked me and I said yes!” Holding out her left hand, Lana continued, “Look at this ring he gave me. Isn’t it beautiful?”

Murmuring a quiet commentary to match Lana’s story to her mother, Clark said, “She’s crying almost as hard as you are, Lana. She’s happy for you, but thinks it’s wildly ironic that you’re literally dancing on her grave at this moment of extreme joy.”

Noticing her happy feet for the first time, Lana thought, He’s not kidding. Maybe that’s not appropriate, but how else am I going to jump for joy with my mom?

Continuing, Clark said, “Your dad has just entered the conversation and wants to know what this ruckus is all about?”

Returning to his side of the double-plot, Lana said, “Dad. I told you Clark was the one. He’s asked me to marry him and I said yes.” Again holding out her ring for inspection, Lana added, “Yes, Dad, it’s a real diamond. No cubic zirconium from my man. I can’t believe you made a joke like that today.”

“Well,” Clark replied, “you did say he has a twisted sense of humor.”

As they stayed, seeing only what moonlight would allow, they talked of hopes and dreams, planning out a rose-colored future together. Getting ready to finally leave, Lana said, Oh, I almost forgot. She went back and recounted the story of Clark’s proposal to her mother, her father having joined Clark in wishing for super-deafness to avoid the excruciating retelling of that most magical of days.

[itsallinthespelling]

buffer

[Cardinal]

--------------------

At the end of a long, wearing day. Lana picked up a couple of triple espressos from the Talon just before it closed and gave one to Clark as they headed upstairs. “Here, drink this, Clark. If you’re anywhere near as sleepy as I am, your gonna need it.”

After a couple of hours spent showing Clark why he was going to need it, Lana fluffed a pillow, put it down next to the headboard, leaned back on it, and said, “That was…wow!”

“It’s always ‘wow’ when I’m with you, Lana, and I intend to see that it always will be.” Fluffing his own pillow, Clark decided to recline against the headboard with his girlfriend. “There, that’s better.”

Not knowing how to bring up the subject she now wanted to talk about, Lana ultimately decided to jump right in, since Clark was as happy as he was likely to get right now.

“Clark?”

“Yes, Sweetcheeks?”

“I have something to talk to you about.”

Sensing that she was being deadly serious, Clark focused on her and said, “What?”

“I’m not sure how to tell you this, but I want our wedding to be as special as possible.”

“So do I, Lana.”

“As an extension of that, I also want our wedding night to be as special as possible.”

Not knowing where this was leading, but beginning to feel that he might not like it, Clark cautiously said, “Okay. I’m right with you so far.”

“I…I want our first night as a married couple to feel like our first night ever. So…I’ve decided that we should stop having sex until we get married.”

Ho…ly…CRAP, he thought. Aloud he said, “You do realize that it’s only the middle of September, and we’re getting married in late June, don’t you?”

“Yes, Clark, and while I’m not wild about giving up your bod for more than nine months, I think it will be worth it.”

Nine months, nine months, he thought over and over. Suddenly worried, his eyes open wide as he turned to face Lana and ask, “You not pregnant are you? Please say ‘not pregnant,’ please. We’re not ready for that quite yet.”

Trying mightily to keep from laughing at the look of abject panic on Clark’s face, Lana replied, “No, Clark, thought it’s not for lack of trying on our part. Birth control has done its job very effectively.”

Relieved at that bit of news, Clark sat in silence until something else occurred to him. “If you’re willing to discuss this, then let’s talk about it, but if you’re presenting this as a fait accompli, then you and I are about to have a problem.”

“No, I’ve pretty much made up my mind.”

“What if I don’t want to wait that long? I’m not sure I can handle nine months of celibacy.”

“Well, that’ll be difficult for you, but I’m sure that a big, tough guy like you can handle it, right?”

“That’s a different issue, but what I’m getting at now is that you’ve just made a huge decision that involves you and me without asking my opinion. Just, ‘here’s my decision and whether you like it or not, you’ve got to live with it.’”

Surprised at how upset he was becoming, Lana answered, “That’s not how it is at all. I just want our wedding night to feel extra special. I don’t want it to be like we’re doing something we do all the time.”

“That’s exactly ‘how it is,’ Lana. What other unilateral decisions about us are you going to make? Whether or not we have children? Where we live? How many children we have if you allow us to have them? Where does it end?”

Getting out of bed and dressing as fast as possible without using his speed, Clark continued, “All this from the woman that chewed me out for making the relatively minor decision of where our reception was held.”

Now beginning to truly be worried over his anger, Lana asked, while nearly in tears, “Where are you going?“

Clark shot back, “If we’re not going to have sex, I definitely can’t stay here anymore. I wouldn’t be able to control myself.” Lana began to rise so she could walk him to the door, Clark stopped her, saying, “Don’t bother, I’ll see myself out.”

Pausing on the outside landing just before he shut and locked the door, Clark called out, “I’ll see you tomorrow when we go to school.”

[itsallinthespelling]

great update carndinal. you are an excellent writer. but no sex for 9 months, wow, clark is gonna be miserable lol. At the last setting of the sun, which seemed to take forever to happen this day lmao at the "subtle" hints being put into the story. :rotfl: :rotfl: :lol: :lol:

ppms

[Cardinal]

Clark's not going to take this lying down...or maybe, since it involves abstinence, I should say he's not going to take it not lying down. :p

[NYC300Z]

Clark sure got upset.....I mean okay he had a point, but I think he took it too far making Lana cry! I sure hope this doesn't affect the wedding and all this after they had such a good day and a very cute moment at Lana's parent's grave.

PPMS!!

[MOOman0618]

Wow...poor Clark! Nine months is a very long time! I was surprised at how upset he got, but he definitely called her out on the reception thing. But NYC is right, he should feel bad for making her cry. Superman or not, I'll kick his big alien butt. Great update and I hope they can come to some understanding pretty soon.


Wow...I misspelled it again! Right after you yelled at me. But I fixed it so, no harm no foul.

[SmallvilleMan]

Wow, is this my first post in this thread? *Quickly checks the post count.* It is:D Well, i just wanted to say kudos on a good job of pre-wedding clana. I've done it and seen it done, but this is the newest way and quite creative. Even though i would prefer the poker stratergy thread;)

[Cardinal]

Wow, thanks SVM! :)

As for the rest of you, we've seen Lana get mad at Clark, I thought it might be good to see a situation where Clark is the one that's mad.

I'll write another update for this thread tonight, though it likely won't be up before midnight Central Time.

[NYC300Z]

Midnight Central time...that's 1 am right? I don't think i'll be up that late tonight...I have to get up at 6am...shoot that means I probally wont be able to read it until 5pm tomorrow.Maybe if u promise b4 1am i'll wait up for it!:D

[Cardinal]

Here's a short update to fix the negative Clana mojo coming from my thread.

The Wedding - Chapter 6a

Tossing and turning as he desperately tried to get to sleep, Clark was trying to untangle himself from the sheets when he heard a faint click coming from outside his window.

It must be the wind blowing something against the house.

Having extricated himself from the sheets, refluffed his pillow, and settled on his side, Clark heard another click. When he heard a third click, he climbed out of bed and walked over to his window to see what was causing that persistent noise. Opening his drapes, he saw the cause immediately. A 5’4” tall brunette was standing on the ground outside his window, holding a handful of pebbles which she had likely been throwing, one at time, at the house.

He immediately pulled open the window and leaned out, saying, “It’s 2:30 in the morning, what can’t wait ‘til we drive to school?”

“Please, Clark, come down here. Since you left, I haven’t been able to think about anything else but you. I need to talk to you.”

Still annoyed by her peremptory decision earlier that evening, Clark consented nonetheless to her request. Quickly throwing on jeans and a t-shirt, Clark went downstairs and outside. Upon reaching the driveway, Clark saw the light on in the loft and went up to join Lana.

Climbing the last set of stairs, he saw her sitting on the couch. She, in turn, patted her hand on the seat next to her, as if asking him to take a seat.

“I think I’d rather stand. If I get too near you, you have a tendency to muddle my thoughts.” Folding his arms, Clark leaned against the opposite wall and waited.

Seeing that Clark wasn’t about to start, Lana said softly, “I’m sorry, Clark. I had thought for so long about my idea and how right I believed it to be that…umm, it never occurred to me you might not see things my way. I was wrong to decide this for us.” Looking at Clark for any sign at all, Lana added, “I’d be happy to discuss my idea, if you’d like.”

“Okay,” he said, as he uncrossed his arms, “I’ll tell you what I think of your idea, and we’ll go from there.” Squatting down to put his face at her eye level, he said bluntly, “I don’t like it.” In fact , he thought, I think it sucks. “How will this make our wedding night any more special? We’ll already have been through the most important day of our lives, and that night will be an extension of that day. Heck, you might even see it as a physical reaffirmation of our vows, but how nine-plus months of abstinence is going to make it better is beyond me, Lana.”

“Well, I thought if we kept away from each other in a sexual sense, it would keep sex from becoming ‘usual.’ By the time we get married, I’m afraid we’ll be so used to each other that the sex won’t be special anymore.” Becoming more animated as she gained confidence with her story, Lana continued, “It’s sort of like the way you told me once that you don’t want to complement me on my appearance too often, because you thought that eventually your compliments would lose their meaning with constant repetition. I don’t want that to happen to us, especially not before our wedding night.

With a wicked grin, she added, “Also, I thought there was some old proverb that says, ‘Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder.’”

Laughing out loud at Lana’s intentional misquoting of the proverb, Clark said, “I hadn’t thought of it that way. I, too, want our wedding night to be something special. Umm…does it have to be nine months? How about four?”

“Seven.”

“Five?”

And then, together, “Six.”

Finally, hugging as they came to a decision, Clark whispered in her ear, “I’m sorry that I yelled at you tonight, Lana. I have no excuse and can only hope you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me.”

“You’re forgiven.”

As they held each other close, Lana’s eyes shot open as she suddenly realized, “Clark, did you know the six-month time limit falls right between Christmas and New Year’s?”

“Oh well, I like Christmas better anyway.”

[itsallinthespelling]

lol, i guess we know what there new years revolutions will be, just hope martha and jonathon don't ask him what it is. that could get tricky. great update. ppms

[NYC300Z]

Thanks for updating b4 I go to bed Cardinal!:D :lol: fixing the mojo on ur thread! haha very nice!
question why are the last 2 chapters called the Wedding if the wedding isn't for 9 more months??

PPMS!!:D

[Cardinal]

All of the story after "The Proposal" is about the wedding, including all of the wedding planning that they've been going through.

[MOOman0618]

Awesome Cardinal! I defiantly thank you for clearing up the Clana mojo! I like the compromise also.

[NYC300Z]

:lol: yeah the compromise is a little better for Clark! I guess he gets Christmas but not New Years!:lol:;)

[linn]

that was funny and i liked it...........ppms

[kewl]

wow a double update!!!! awesome!!! i was really about to hate clark for yelling at lana re-sex abstinence thing but glad that they made a such a terrific compromise!!! ;) lol so funny! PPMS!!!

[binkys711]

That was sooo cool!:cool: I loved it! HOORAY FOR CLANA!:D:D:D thta was great! PPMS!!!:D

[SVsleuth]

I'm caught up, Cardinal. I liked that you showed some tension in the CLANA, since we usually only get "perfect love." Most relationships do have tension, as well as sweetness. I'll avoid giving my opinion on the topic of their disagreement. You can tell from my own fic what I believe they should do, so I won't touch it here.
PPMS!

[Cardinal]

Yes, I know your opinion.

Personally, I agree with you. Living where I do, I've lots of experience with kids from rural communities and know how rare it is for our shared opinion to be adhered to by two teenagers.

[NYC300Z]

PPMS!!:D

[kewl]

GO CLANA!!!! GO CLANA!!!! GO CLANA!!!! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: :lol::lol:

[4EverSmallville]

Okay I'm only on page six, but I had to comment on this.

“Well…I finally narrowed it down to A.J., Steph, and Ashley. They’re so close to me that I feel like I know them and all of their stories in detail. I’ll see them Monday, either in classes or in the Student Union at lunch. What about you, Clark?”

“It’s definitely gonna be Pete for Best Man. That’s a no-brainer. As far as groomsmen go, I’ve got two picked out for sure. Greg, who I might have to wait a few days to see since he’s always holed up in the engineering building, and Eldar, but the third is going to be tough to decide.”

:rotfl: Awesome work up to that point lol. I still have a few pages to go.

[itsallinthespelling]

i hope we get an update to this story this weekend. it's really good. ppms

[kewl]

yeah, hope we get an update soon card! :)

[Cardinal]

You will, just not on this thread. I'm almost done with a "Lifetime" update. :)

[NYC300Z]

ahhh Card you have to update this story! I mean come on!

[Cardinal]

I will. This story is probably next.

I know the next update entails Lana's birthday and an unexpected surprise from someone other than Clark!

[NYC300Z]

Sounds ineresting! hope it's soon!

[kewl]

yay, can't hardly wait! :D

[itsallinthespelling]

can't wait for the update. hopefully it's this weekend.

[Cardinal]

Most likely tomorrow. I have to go to work early tomorrow, or I'd write it tonight.

If I don't update this thread tomorrow, it's because I'm afraid of the update getting buried with the long-awaited updates from aj, Ketchup, and 4Ever all scheduled for the same day. :\

[itsallinthespelling]

i know what ya mean about work, i go in a 6:30 am est, its crazy, people shouldn't have to go in that early. hope you get it done tomorrow, cuz i'm lookin forward to yours just as much as every1 elses

[NYC300Z]

Hey Card don't worry! I'll be looking out for an update by you!:D If you update can you do it before 11 Eastern? I'm driving back to NYC tomorrow night!:D

[kewl]

i shall be looking forward to reading ur update card!!! :D

[Cardinal]

Chapter 7: Lana’s Birthday

Reluctantly opening her eyes as her hand flailed about in a desperate attempt at turning off her bedside alarm clock, Lana discovered why her hand hadn’t found her clock yet: it was on the other side of the room, on top of her dresser. That was a surprise considering it had always been on her bedside table, including last night when she went to bed. The bigger surprise was that, standing next to the alarm clock was a fluted, clear glass vase which held a solitary white rose.

Her thoughts went from, That jerk! to Oh my God, how sweet! in an instant, since the only other person with a key to her apartment was her beloved Clark. Rolling out from under the bedcovers, she trudged over to her dresser, absentmindedly shutting off the alarm as she leaned over the flower and inhaled the delicate fragrance of the just-opening bud. He remembered my birthday! Of course, he always does, but that doesn’t make it any less special.

She then stripped off her clothes and climbed into the shower, where she found another white rose attached to the shower head with a piece of Scotch tape. After placing this flower in the vase with the first one, she went back and took her shower. Opening a drawer under her sink to get her hair dryer and brush, Lana found yet another white rose. How many roses are there?

After drying her hair and applying her makeup, she went back into her bedroom to dress. Being the middle of October, Lana reached for a carefully folded sweater in a drawer of her dresser. Yet another white rose. Where else could he have hidden them?

Continuing with her morning routine, she found one in her sock drawer, one in each of her favorite pair of boots, one taped to the milk jug in the refrigerator, one carefully stuffed deep into her mostly empty cereal box, one in her flatware drawer, and, as she prepared to head out the door for school, one last white rose sticking up out of the side pocket of her windbreaker.

Looking at the hastily arranged collection in the vase, Lana wondered, Eleven roses. That’s an odd number…could I have missed one? Oh well, I can’t look for it now, Clark’s probably waiting to drive us to school.

Opening the door, she saw Clark, leaning against her door frame, holding one last white rose. Extending it to her, he said, “Number twelve.”

“You…oh you…you wonderful man.” Handing her books across to him she raced back inside to add this last rose to the vase. Once she reappeared on the landing, Lana made a fair attempt at crushing Clark with a bearhug while saying, “I don’t tell you nearly enough how special you are and how lucky I am to have you. ‘I love you’ will have to be enough, for now anyways.”

On their way to Central Kansas A&M, Lana asked Clark, “I know what the white rose stands for, but why twelve of them?”

“You remember that one white rose means that you’re the only woman in my life, but I didn’t give you a dozen white roses, I gave you a single white rose, twelve times.”

“And the distinction is?”

“Constant reminders. On your special day, I wanted you to constantly be reminded of just how much I love you. Besides, twelve is a traditional number to give the woman you love.”

“Clark…I love you too, and I love you more with each passing day. I swear that the day we started dating is the day in our relationship when I loved you the least. Now quit this or you’ll make me cry.”

“Well, we wouldn’t want that, your makeup might run.”

“After school you can take your best shot, Romeo. Then, you can make me cry like a baby.”

“Now who would try to make his fiancée cry on her birthday?”

After dunting him on the arm, she said, “You’re supposed to. Just as long as it’s happy crying.”

--------------------

One the drive home that afternoon, Lana asked, “Where are we going tonight?”

“What? Weren’t the roses enough?”

“Nope. They’re a great start, but I’ve been spoiled by my man and his endlessly inventive surprises. So, what is it this time?”

“That would ruin the surprise, but I’ll pick you up at six. By the way, make sure you wear all black tonight.”

“All black? Are we going to a funeral or something?”

“You might say that.”

[NYC300Z]

BUFFERING:D

[Cardinal]

--------------------

At precisely 6 p.m., Clark knocked on her door. “I’ll be just a minute, Clark. Go downstairs and have a coffee or something.”

When one minute stretched into ten, Clark once again realized the truth behind his father’s long-ago warning, “Most women require their men to show up on time for a date, but have only the slightest acquaintance with promptness themselves.” Upon seeing Lana come down the stairs in her all-black jeans-and-sweater combo, Clark would have gladly forgiven her any amount of lateness.

“Sorry, I would have been on time, but I just got the strangest visit from Aunt Nell and her lawyer.”

“What about?”

“I’ll tell you tomorrow, it’s a weird story and it’ll take a while to tell.” Completing her walk down the stairs, she said with a grin, “Hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.” She then noticed he was wearing a black shirt and slacks outfit that brought back memories of him in Metropolis. I keep forgetting just how hot he is in black. I’ve definitely got to take a firmer hand in his wardrobe selections. What I wouldn’t do for five minutes alone in his closet with some lighter fluid and a match.

Rising to meet his date, he replied, “Not at all. A woman is never late. Her escort merely arrives early.” With that, he took her hand and headed for the street. “It’s a good thing that sweater is heavier than the one you wore to school today.”

“It had to be, I don’t have a black coat that is nice enough for a date like this.”

“A date like what?”

“Let’s see…last year, we saw the sun set in all twenty-four time zones on the same day. Flying Clark Kent Airways is the only way to fly, let me tell you.

“The year before, you took me on a whirlwind two-day trip to the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, the Louvre in Paris, the British Museum in London, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

“Senior year in high school, you took me to see “Carmen” at the Metropolis Opera House. I dreamed about you wearing that toreador costume for weeks after that.

“Basically, Clark, you’ve painted yourself into a corner. I’m just waiting to see what you’ve dreamed up this year.”

“Hope I don‘t disappoint you.”

“No chance of that, Clark, as long as I spend the time with you.”

Driving his red pickup truck, Clark started them out of town. Lana quickly noted they were headed toward the Kent farm. “Are we headed for the farm, Clark?”

“Oooh, I knew there was a reason I fell in love with you. It must’ve been your lightning-quick perceptions.”

“Keep right on laughing, Farm Boy. See how many kisses you get tonight.”

Pulling to stop in front of the barn, Clark zipped around to open Lana’s door. Handing her out of the truck, he kept a hold of her hand as they walked for the door. As Clark shut the door after they entered, sight returned with a blaze of light as a throng of people, all dressed head-to-toe in black, shouted, “Surprise!” Taking a look around, Lana noticed that the barn was decorated in black crepe paper with small tombstones decorating the floor.

“A surprise party?” asked a flummoxed Lana.

“Again with the perceptiveness. My love is growing by leaps and bounds.”

At that, Lana mimed elbowing him in the gut, knowing exactly how little good it would do to actually hit him. “I’ll get you for this, Clark Kent, if it’s the last thing I ever do.”

Before he could answer, they were caught up in the swirl of the friends in attendance. Those that had only heard about Clark and Lana’s engagement through the notice in the paper came up to congratulate the happy couple and to see the ring. Everyone, however, made a point of offering Lana their condolences on this sad occasion.

A thoroughly bewildered Lana finally asked, “Clark, what’s going on?” When she didn’t receive a reply, she noticed that Clark had slipped away and was now standing on the first landing of the loft stairway.

As Clark held his hands up to ask for silence, Lana saw he had added a white stock under the black collar of his shirt, making him look suspiciously like a minister.

When the crowd quieted down, Clark said, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in common purpose. To pay our respects to our dear friend, and my fiancée, Lana Lang, on this her 21st and last birthday.”

“My what?” Lana squeaked, a noise rendered unintelligible to any but Clark by the general tumult of agreement that rose from the crowd at this statement.

Lana finally noticed that all of the headstones said, ‘Lana Lang, 1986-2008.’
Thinking she’d just stepped into a Twilight Zone episode, Lana began to pinch herself, hoping she’d fallen asleep while getting ready for the date. No such luck, this was definitely real.

When the noise subsided, Clark continued, “Yes, this is Lana Lang’s last birthday, because next June, she’s marrying me and will become Lana Kent. Therefore, we‘re here to give the name Lang the sendoff it deserves.”

Finally figuring out where this was going, Lana relaxed and smiled at Clark, using the special smile a woman reserves for the man she loves.

“I’ve known Lana Lang since I was five…” he went on to give a speech that could almost be called a eulogy if the person being talked about hadn’t been standing less than twenty feet away, and for the next half-hour or more, the people in attendance ascended the stairs one by one to share their remembrances of Lana until the upper levels of the barn were ringed with family and friends. Lana was by herself on the floor and was wondering what to do when Clark led the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” to her. With a final, ‘We love you, Lana!’ everyone headed back to the floor and the party got started in earnest.

Hours later, as the last guests left, Lana said, “Clark, this was the best party I’ve ever had. It sure beat that snoozefest freshman year over at Lex’s. I never knew how many people felt that way about me.”

Thinking they were heading for Clark’s truck and a ride back to her place, Clark instead walked her around to the back side of the barn where his dad’s truck was stationed with a film projector set up in the bed. Turning her head, she saw a large, white sheet was spread on the wall of the barn.

“Speaking of that birthday,” said Clark, “I thought we’d finish off this one by watching another movie at the very exclusive Kent Farm Drive-In Theater.”

“Clark, did Lex help with this?”

“Not this time. I happen to be very close with the current manager of the Talon. I was able to borrow the projector and have her order a copy of a movie I wanted to see.”

“What movie is that?”

“You’ll see, but first, I need to get our refreshments.” Quick as a wink, Clark zipped into the house and came back out armed with fresh popcorn, two sodas, and an array of candy.

Clark and Lana finished Lana Lang’s 21st and last birthday munching popcorn and watching “The Notebook” on the back wall of the Kent barn, very much alone, very much in love.

[NYC300Z]

Great update Card! I'd leave more feedback but I should have left already! Keep it up!:D

Laterz!:lol:

[Superboy2]

What is with The Notebook, is it that popular? I think I heard it in 2 other stories. Wow, must be a good chick flick.

[Cardinal]

It's the uberchick-flick!

[binkys711]

It is an incredibly romantic movie! I recommend it to all!:D:D:D

aww...Card just read your update! I thought it was funny!:lol: great job! and that was very sweet of Clark:)...PPMS!!!:D:D:D

[MOOman0618]

Uberchick-flick is an understatment! Young and old women alike swoon over this movie like it is the bible of love or something.

But that was a really great update Cardinal! Clark does just keep coming up with more and more romantic things to do.


I like your avatar Card...that is my wallpaper for my computer in the research lab.

[binkys711]

wow! cool!:cool:

erm....yes, it is a chick flick but it proves just how much love conquers all and never dies:\

anyways....yes, that was lovely update!:D really enjoyed it!:)

[kewl]

great update card!!! weird bday party though, wearing all black and with the tombstone??? yikes! :D
PPMS!

[NYC300Z]

Did you guys know that KK was at the premiere for The Notebook??
:lol: random fact #3018

[SpeedyKate91]

great update!!
PPMS!!

[linn]

great update cardinal....ppms

[Cardinal]

There'll be a short update later tonight to explain what happened between Lana, her aunt, and her aunt's lawyer. :)

[itsallinthespelling]

great update card. hmm, the notebook, don't think i saw, or am gonna see that movie though. look foward to your update tonight.

[NYC300Z]

short update later tonight huh? Can't wait!:D

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by Cardinal
There'll be a short update later tonight to explain what happened between Lana, her aunt, and her aunt's lawyer. :)

Huh? It's almost 2 a.m. - Does this mean it is still coming in the wee hours, or will it be after the next sunrise sometime?

I caught up here, Cardinal. How DO you come up with such unique ideas? I never would have thought of that party - but I'm not surprised by the drive-in movie - I KNOW how much you love the drive-in scene, Cardinal. PPMS!

[ajfinn]

*aj blinks at the brightness of this shining thread, prepares to dig in :)*

[kewl]

yay, a short update coming! can't wait!
oh and nice avi card, it's so... sexy! :D

[Cardinal]

Here's the promised short update that should have been up yesterday.

The Wedding - Chapter 8

Clark and Lana met at the Talon the next day, which was Saturday, to have coffee and a cruller for lunch after each spent the morning on homework.

As he held a chair for her and then sat down himself, Clark took a bite of his cruller and followed it with a sip of steaming hot coffee that would have seared the throat of anyone other than him. Upon swallowing, he asked, “Lana, what was the deal yesterday with your Aunt Nell and her lawyer? You said it was weird, and you know I have a serious distrust of ‘weird’ when it happens in Smallville.”

Coming back to Clark from wherever her thoughts had been, Lana replied, “Oh…it’s not a bad ‘weird.’ Not at all. Just totally unexpected. I had never really considered the possibility of this happening.”

“What happening, Lana?”

“Umm…welllllllll…since yesterday was my 21st birthday, not only am I now legally able to buy booze, but I came of age in another way, also.”

Becoming more tense the more Lana danced around the subject, Clark said, “What way?”

“I…I gained control of my inheritance. You know, the money and property that my parents left when they died. According to what I’ve been able to glean so far from the documents that I was given, both of my parents had a substantial amount of life insurance. Add that to the money Aunt Nell was able to add to my trust fund by selling things like my parents’ house, and it became a nicely impressive figure. Even after taking out money for things like clothes and food, my trust fund held up rather well. Heck, the money for the SUV that Aunt Nell bought when I needed a car came from this trust fund.” Shrugging her shoulders almost helplessly, she added, “Now that I’m 21, Aunt Nell’s conservatorship is over and the money is all mine.”

“Why age 21 instead of age 18?”

“Apparently, my parents‘ wills were set up like that.”

Noticing a tightness in her face, Clark asked, “What’s wrong, Lana?”

“It’s just that I feel like I’m profiting from my parents’ deaths.”

Reaching across the table to take her hand in his, Clark said, “That’s not profiting. Your parents were careful to make sure you were provided for if anything happened to them. They wanted you to live the life you would have had they been able to be there for you.” As he rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb, Clark continued, “The way you were talking, it sounded like you didn’t know about the money. Did Nell really keep it from you?”

“Yeah. She said she wanted to make sure I would continue to work toward my goals instead of sitting back and goofing off while I waited for the trust fund. In that, I think she was pretty shrewd.” Taking a deep breath and looking away from Clark, Lana added, “She also told me she kept the existence of the trust fund secret ‘cause she didn’t want guys to come after me with ‘dollar signs in their eyes.’ As if I couldn’t tell the posers from the ones that were serious myself.”

“Well, at least this should help you pay off your school loans and stuff.”

Looking back at Clark, she said, “Clark, I can pay off my loans and your loans and still have most of the fund left over.”

“That’s your money. I’ll take care of my own debts. Thanks for volunteering, though.”

“Clark…?”

“Yes, Dear?”

“In nine months time, that money will be ours, not mine. Those debts will be ours, not yours and mine. Get it through that thick Kent skull of yours right now. What part of you and me becoming us did you not understand?”

Holding up his hands in surrender, Clark said, “Okay, okay. You’ve made your point.” Then, cautiously, Clark asked, “I don’t mean to sound…greedy or anything, but how much money are we talking about?”

Whispering now, Lana said, “Somewhere just short of two million dollars.”

Jaw hanging open as he gasped for breath, much less words to say, Clark finally replied, “Are you sure? They didn’t misplace a decimal, did they?”

“You’re the math wizard of the family,” Oh, how I like saying ‘family’ in connection with Clark, she thought, “I‘ll show you the papers from Aunt Nell’s investment counselor and you can go over them yourself.”

“How is this sum possible?”

“Apparently, my parents had $200,000 in life insurance each. Their house netted an additional forty-thousand plus dollars after paying off the mortgage. Even with Aunt Nell using the fund to help pay for my upbringing, the fact that it made an average of fifteen percent a year over the last eighteen years allowed the principle to grow quickly.

“Now, I don’t mean to disappoint you, but if you intend for us to go back to Judge Ross’ again tomorrow, then I have to do my homework now. I actually spent all morning going over this paperwork instead of studying.”

After they stood up and exchanged a warm, lingering goodbye kiss, Lana said, “Aunt Nell made an appointment for me with the man that handles her investments. It’s set for Tuesday after school, will you come with me?”

Looking uncomfortable, Clark wedged both hands in his pockets and said, “I can’t. I’ve got an appointment of my own to keep.”

“What about?”

“I can’t tell you right now, it’s a secret.”

“Clark, you know how much I love it when you keep secrets from me.”

“Do you trust me?” Receiving a quick nod ‘yes’ from Lana, Clark said, “Then you’ll have to wait. This is a good secret and I will eventually tell you, just not right now. I can tell you that I’ll be having these appointments after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the foreseeable future.”

“Okay, Clark, I’ll wait.”

[binkys711]

yay! 1st!:D

2...2...2...2 MILLION DOLLARS!:eek::eek::eek: HOLLY MACAROLE! Lana's rich!:D:D:D and what the hell is Clark hiding?! that update was really cool! PPMS!!!:)

[MOOman0618]

Two Million!!!!!!!! Holy Crap! Well, I guess they don't have a whole lot to worry about anymore. Except supervillains and stuff like that. Great update Card. Now I want to know what Clark is sneaking off to on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Can't wait for more!

[Cardinal]

It's related to what Pete told him about doing something special for the wedding/reception, beyond that, I may say no more 'cause it'll ruin the surprise. :D

[SpeedyKate91]

awsome update!! Wow 2 million dollars!! Can't wait to see what Clark's doing!!
PPMS!!

[itsallinthespelling]

2 million wow, can't wait for the next update. hmm, i wonder if clark knows how to dance....

[Cardinal]

Nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah! Not telling, not telling!

Love that new user text, Itsallinthespelling!

Congrats on your title!

[itsallinthespelling]

thanks :D

[NYC300Z]

Hey Card great short update! can't wait for the next part!

PPMS!

[SpeedyKate91]

PPMS!!

[kewl]

awesome update card!!!! $2MM??? holy macaroni!!!!! clana are rich!!!!! :D:D:D:D
PPMS!!!! ;)

[Cardinal]

The Wedding - Chapter 9

With Christmas just gone by, New Year’s days away, and the wedding six months in the future, the pace of wedding preparations was steadily increasing.

“Clark,” shouted Lana up toward the loft, “did you ever pick your third groomsman?”

Zipping down the stairs to stand at her side, Clark responded, “Yeah, weeks ago. When I asked him to join the wedding party, he choked on his drink.”

“Well, who is it?”

“It’s a secret.”

“From me? It’s bad enough you’re having clandestine meetings twice a week, but this is…”

“No, not from you. You just can’t let anyone else know, including Chloe and Pete. The guy I’ve gotten to round out our wedding party is Bruce Wayne.”

“No wonder you want it kept secret. People would start wondering how a college-kid from Kansas was able to have a man like that as one of his groomsmen. One thing you definitely don‘t need is more people looking into your life.”

“Exactly.” Catching sight of Lana’s nearly omnipresent day planner, the smaller, portable version of the behemoth three-ring binder she’s using for the wedding, Clark asked, “What else is on our list?”

“You do know you’re in charge of the honeymoon? Right, Clark?”

“Oh yeah, we’ll see exactly how far you can go on the wages of a full-time farm hand.”

“You could always use some of the money that I…”

“No, Lana. That may be our money after the wedding, but we aren’t married yet. I’ll pay for the honeymoon.

“Clark, we will be married before the honeymoon takes place, so, if you wanted to…”

“Ehn. Ohh. NO! How hard is that arrangement of letters to understand? Besides, I think you’re paying for enough now that you’ve taken over financing the wedding from Nell.”

“Found out about that did you?”

“Receiving an irate phone call from Nell at 2:30 am was a pretty big clue. Why’d you do it anyway?”

“You remember the preparations for my birthday party when we were freshmen in high school?” After Clark nodded yes, Lana continued, “She was like a runaway train back then for something as simple as a birthday party. I hadn’t wanted to bother you, but she was starting to do much the same thing with our wedding. So, since I’m now paying for the wedding, I get the final say and things are running much more smoothly.”

Chuckling now, Clark added, “Yeah, and we’re much less likely to have a murdered aunt on our hands, too.”

“I still ask for her advice on almost everything, it’s just that I don’t feel obligated to follow her wishes since she’s not paying for the wedding. Do you understand what I’m getting at?”

“A little bit. You’d like to have the wedding you’ve always dreamed of, not the wedding that Nell has always dreamed of.”

“I knew you’d understand. Okay, back to the list. Since we’re having the reception at Lex’s, his household staff is doing the catering. I was going to hire a caterer from Metropolis, but Lex explained that his chef and kitchen staff would take it as a serious affront should I bring in an outsider to run the reception catering. I have a feeling that between Lex prodding them and their desire to show how worthy they are for this assignment, they’ll go to great lengths to make this memorable.

“Next, I ordered the wedding gown last weekend in Metropolis.” Lana gushed as she said, “It’s so beautiful, I can’t wait to wear it.”

Leaning down to kiss her softly on the cheek, Clark said, “I can’t wait for you to wear it either, though I doubt you’ll look any more beautiful than you already do.”

Smiling giddily at Clark, Lana replied, “You’re so sweet!”

Returning her smile, Clark asked, “Anything else on the list?”

“Oh yes.” Returning her eyes to the planner, Lana said, “I’ve got to begin the search for dresses for my attendants. Also, we’ve got to find a suitable DJ for the reception. We do have a florist and a photographer already reserved for the wedding.”

“Ask Pete about the DJ, he might know someone good.”

“Nice idea, Clark. Thanks!” Once again returning to her planner, Lana said, “That leaves us, for now, with starting a bridal registry and mailing out save-the-dates to our prospective guests. The save-the-dates we need to do tomorrow.”

“Give me the names and addresses, and I’ll have those save-the-dates knocked out in about a minute.”

Mouth hanging open, Lana shook her head and said, “Sometimes I forget just how fast you are. Sure, that’ll be great, as long as the quality of your penmanship doesn’t suffer from super-speed.

“As far as the bridal registry is concerned, I’ve found this website that is incredible. It’s called Felicite.com You can sign up for anything from anywhere. Our list will be online and the site collects payment from the gift givers. The gifts can be any size or price, big-ticket items can be broken down into smaller pieces for givers, and there’s no fee for the bride and groom. What do you think?”

“It sounds perfect as long as the people we know who want to give gifts can access the net. I’d hate to leave someone out just because they don’t have an I.S.P.”

“Come on, Clark. The public library has internet access available to anyone.”

“Okay. Sounds like that’s settled then.”

Closing her planner and placing it in her purse, Lana asked, “So, Clark, is there anything else you’d like to do? Tonight’s our last chance for six months.”

“Nah. While I’d like to, I’d rather keep the memory of Christmas Eve as our last time ‘together.’ It was very special and I don’t see how we can top it tonight.”

Leaning in and snuggling close to her man, Lana said, “I’m glad you feel that way. Christmas Eve was special for me, too. I just thought since I roped you into this abstinence thing that you should get one more opportunity to…mmphm.”

“Well, Lana, my hormones thank you for your solicitude, but if you want to do this abstinence thing, they’ll survive. Come on, I’ll walk you home.”

“Walk me home? That’s a long way to walk, and it’s December, Clark, not June.”

“You’re dressed for the weather, and the walk won’t be so bad since I’m going to give you a piggy-back ride all the way there.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. Let me get my coat.” After returning from the loft with his winter coat, Clark stood in front of a horse stall and said, “Mount up.”

Lana eagerly climbed the rails of the stall and sat on top of Clark’s shoulders, hooking her feet underneath his arms. Clark then placed his hands on Lana’s legs to help hold her in place as he headed out the barn door.

Finally reaching Lana’s Talon apartment sometime later, a red-cheeked Lana invited Clark to her room for a cup of hot-chocolate before he went home.

Smiling at how adorable she looked in her knit winter stocking cap, mittens, winter coat, and jeans, Clark declined, saying, “I’d love to, but I’d better not. Snuggling next to you on the couch while we drink the hot chocolate would lead to something else we’re both trying to avoid. I can already tell that the next six months are going to be hell on Earth. See ya later, Sweetcheeks!”

Just before she closed her apartment door, Lana replied, “Back at you, Studmuffin!”

[kewl]

1st! :D
that was such a sweet update card!!!! wow lana is really excited about the wedding!!! ummm, i think i might have an idea who clark's 3rd groomsman is..... :D:D:D
PPMS!!!!

[SpeedyKate91]

good update
PPMS!!

[Cardinal]

No telling, kewl.

That wouldn't be a kewl thing to do! :lol:

[MOOman0618]

Great update Card! The wedding planning seems to be going smoothly enough. I do feel bad for Clark's six month situation though. But that's ok, he can take it. And that third groomsman...hmmmm

[itsallinthespelling]

great update card. wonder who the 3rd groomsman is though. ppms

[linn]

great update ppms!

[NYC300Z]

great update Cardinal! Yes I can see the next six months being very hard on Clark! Can't wait to read it!:lol: PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

Keeping up here! Can'r wait to find out who the 3rd groomsman is. And Lana sure is taking charge of things. Poor Nell. But it IS Lana's wedding. PPMS!

[kewl]

Originally posted by Cardinal
No telling, kewl.

That wouldn't be a kewl thing to do! :lol:

my lips are sealed!!!! coz even i, am not sure if my guess is right!!! :lol:

[Cardinal]

Originally posted by NYC300Z
great update Cardinal! Yes I can see the next six months being very hard on Clark! Can't wait to read it!:lol: PPMS!

Jeez, NYC, I hope that was an unintentional pun you put in that line! :eek:

[mtay618]

up date soon it good starting .i love it how there all lovely dovey right now

[NYC300Z]

:lol: yes it was very unintentional I didn't even catch it until I read the quote twice!:lol:

[binkys711]

lol, I didn't get the NYC comment 'till now:rotfl:

anyways...that was a great update! I loved it! yes, poor Clark he's in bit of a struggle:(:p PPMS!!!

[Cardinal]

The Wedding - Chapter 10

As New Year’s Day passed and January turned to February, the wedding planning advanced apace.

Clark was researching honeymoon options ranging from a weekend in Metropolis, Las Vegas, Denver, Oklahoma City or any other major city in range of Smallville to a selection of traditional honeymoon spots like the Poconos or Niagara Falls. Going through assorted brochures he’d gotten from a Smallville travel agent, Clark was checking his options against his budget and was considering how much money he could save by flying Lana and himself to their destination when someone knocked loudly on the stairway railing below.

Who the heck is knocking on the stairs? Nobody does that around here, Clark thought. Looking up from his paperwork, Clark was just in time to see Lex climb the last few steps into the loft.

“Isn’t it kind of cold out here, Clark?”

“Yeah, but it’s the only place I’ve got that has enough room to spread out all of these brochures and maps and stuff.” Pausing to digest the fact that this was Lex’s first visit to the farm since his return months earlier, Clark asked, “What brings you out here, Lex? I’ve only seen you a handful of times since you came back to town.”

“I’ve heard, through some friends of mine, that you were in the midst of planning the honeymoon and I thought this would be the perfect time to give you my wedding present.”

“I thought the use of your mansion and staff for the reception was your gift, Lex.”

“It is, but that’s Lana’s half. For you, I would like the opportunity to finance your honeymoon. Take Lana some place that will blow her mind. As nice as some of your current destination choices are, there are better ones available if you only have the funds.”

“I’d really rather…”

Interrupting Clark with a raised hand, Lex said, “I know I’m not your favorite person. Nor am I likely to top that list any time soon, but please, allow me this. As Euripides wrote, 'I care for riches, to make gifts to friends, or lead a sick man back to health with ease and plenty. Else small aid is wealth for daily gladness; once a man be done with hunger, rich and poor are all as one.'

“If I can’t use my wealth to help others, especially those I count as friends, why have it?”

Truly touched by Lex’s seeming sincerity, and not knowing how to refuse politely, Clark said, “Thank you, Lex. I accept.”

“I’ll talk to your travel agent on my way home. She’ll know the best spots and will send me the bill. Don’t skimp on my account. I think I can afford just about anything.”

After Lex disappeared down the stairs, Clark muttered to himself, “Great, now I’ve got to start all over.”

--------------------

Lana, meanwhile, was nailing down the final guest list so she could look for hotel accommodations for the out-of-town guests. The invitations, envelopes, and thank-yous have already been ordered.

Martha had wanted to make the wedding cake until she heard Lana’s idea for centerpieces at the reception. Instead of flowers or some other useless decoration, she decided to have a small wedding cake as the centerpiece at each table, that way, when the bridal couple cut their cake, everyone else could join in immediately. Martha realized that her baking facilities might be stretched a little too much by this number of cakes, so she regretfully agreed with Lana that the Smallville Bakery should handle the job.

The rehearsal dinner had already been scheduled for Cattleman’s Steakhouse, the restaurant with the best banquet room in town.

The last two wedding plans still on Lana’s February list were hiring a hair-stylist for the big day and Clark needing to choose a limo company. That last need was supplied when an out-of-town benefactor, who was already coming to the wedding, offered the use of his Maybach and driver for the day. Lana already knew who was going to do her hair, she just had to drive down to her favorite hair salon and make an appointment.

Meeting in the Kent Living room to go over their progress, Lana sat on one end of the couch and Clark sat on the other, with Lana’s paperwork in between. Watching from the kitchen were an increasingly worried set of parents.

“Martha, is it just me, or have the kids been avoiding each other lately? I mean, look at them, it’s the first time they’ve spent together all day and they aren’t sitting next to each other and they barely hugged when Lana came over.”

“I know what you mean,” said Martha, handing a freshly washed dish over to Jonathon to be dried. “It wouldn’t bother me too much, except those two used to not be able to keep their hands off one another. Now, it appears they’re going to some length to keep physically apart. You don’t think they’ve been fighting, do you?”

“I don’t know. Maybe…maybe I should talk to Clark about this. It’s not a subject any man wants to talk about, but if there’s a problem, they need to work it out before they get too deep in wedding preparations and feel they can’t back out.”

When Jonathon put the last dried dish into the cabinet, they walked to the dinner table to have a cup of coffee and continue their conversation.

“Do you think it’s that bad?” asked Martha.

Uncertain of his answer, Jonathon said, “Nooooo, but something’s going on that those two aren’t talking about, and I don’t want it to get that bad. I’ll wait for Lana to go home and have a man-to-man talk with Clark.”

[MOOman0618]

BUFFERING!!!

[Cardinal]

--------------------

When Lana stood up to leave, both parents paid attention to the young couple as they headed for the door. Clark and Lana were holding hands, but were about as far apart as they could get while doing so. Upon reaching Lana’s SUV, Clark was seen to give her a quick peck on the cheek before heading back to the house. He was met on the porch by Jonathon, who was just pulling on a coat.

“Son, we need to talk.”

“What about, Dad?”

“You and Lana.” Jamming his hands into his coat pockets, Jonathon asked, “Are you two having problems, Clark?”

Surprised, Clark said, “No! What gave you that idea?”

“Are you sure there’s nothing wrong? You know you can tell me anything, Son.”

“I know that, Dad, but, trust me, everything is fine. I love Lana today as much as I ever have.” Pausing to take a breath, Clark asked, “What brought this on, Dad?”

“Well, your mother and I have both noticed that you and Lana aren’t as physically close as you used to be. When you hold hands, you used to be so close that your bodies were touching. Now, you’re so far apart that not even the administrators at Smallville High would be worried about an improper P.D.A.” Looking down in embarrassment, Jonathon said, “Martha and I watched you and Lana walk to her SUV tonight. You barely kissed her on the cheek. You two used to turn those occasions into impromptu clinics on kissing. We’re just worried that something is wrong between you two. We want you to work it out before you say, ‘I do.’”

“Well, Dad, you can put your mind at ease. To repeat, Lana and I are as strong a couple as we have ever been.” Feeling uncomfortable about explaining his and Lana’s pledge of abstinence, Clark shifted about before saying, “We just can’t afford to be too close right now.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Umm…welllll…you know that Lana and I had become, umm, intimate?”

“Yeah, I remember that conversation fairly well. Especially the part about ‘this isn’t any of your concern.’”

“It’s still not your concern, but I’m telling you this to keep you and Mom from freaking out on us.”

“You mean this is about sex?”

His face burning at the mere thought of discussing his sex life with his dad, Clark said, “Yes. To be more specific, it’s about not having sex. Lana decided our wedding night would be more special if we hadn’t had sex for a while. We talked it over and agreed on a sex-ban of six months leading up to the wedding.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” said an incredulous Jonathon.

“Nope. It’s barely been a month, and I’m already having serious difficulties keeping this promise. I knew this was going to be rough, but if I see Lana in anything even remotely suggestive, my eyes start to get warm. I’ve already told her to wear her baggiest sweaters and loosest-fitting jeans to school or suffer the consequences. We talk on the phone all the time, but we might have to start cutting down on the number of times we see each other.”

Trying desperately to keep from laughing at his son’s despair, Jonathon asked, “How is Lana handling this?”

“I don’t know,” said a small-voiced Clark. “We can’t even talk about sex for fear of not being able to control ourselves. If I had known this was coming, I’d have held off until the wedding. Not knowing what it’s like would have made the waiting so much easier to bear.”

“I see, Son. I’ll let your mother know what’s going on.”

With that, Jonathon went inside while Clark stayed outside to get the thoughts of sex out of his head. Thanks a lot, Dad! I really needed to talk about sex with Lana. Now I can’t get it out of my head. Valentine’s is just around the corner, too. What a cast-iron nightmare that’s going to be. The most romantic day of the year, and we can’t touch each other. Oh man!

Stepping into the kitchen, Jonathon started a muffled laugh almost immediately. When Martha asked for details, Jonathon grabbed her arm and headed for their bedroom. After closing the door, Jonathon let go, both of her arm and his laughter. He laughed until he cried.

Martha stood in amazement, waiting for her husband to regain control before saying, “I take it the news is good?”

“You might say that. Though I would never have believed that two kids could get themselves in so much trouble.”

“Trouble? I thought you said everything was just fine.”

Red-cheeked from the cold and the hysterical laughter, Jonathon sat down on the bed and said, “What our son and his fiancée have done is swear off sex until their wedding night.”

“No…”

“Unfortunately, yes. You remember how we were before we got married. I couldn’t get enough of you.” Leering at her as she stood by the door, Jonathon said, “Still can’t, actually.”

“Why? Once they started, which I didn’t approve of, why would they then stop?”

“Clark said the purpose is to make their wedding night as special as possible. Personally, knowing our son‘s strength, I fear for Lana‘s wedding dress that evening.”

“Knowing our son’s heat vision, I fear for anything flammable within 20 miles.” Walking over to sit next to her husband, Martha said, “Now that we know what we thought of as tension in their relationship is just sexual frustration, I think this might make the next several months a lot of fun. Do you think they’ll make it the whole way?”

“Maybe. Our son will do virtually anything Lana asks of him. So my guess is Lana will have to be the one to change her mind. Knowing how strong-minded she’s become, I’m betting they’ll make it, though there are no guarantees how long they’ll stay at their reception.”

Snickering to herself, Martha said, “I wonder if our son knows about cold showers…I wonder if they’d even work on him.”

[MOOman0618]

:lol: Ha! I am laughing so hard and Jonathan and Martha's conversation! Poor Lana and Clark...I wonder if they will make it. Great update! I wonder what they will come up with for Valentines Day that won't end with...well...you know. ;)

[linn]

hahah.....this is funny ppms!

[kewl]

L:lol:L funny update!!!! just hang in there clark and lana, u can do it!!!! :D whew! :lol:
PPMS!!!! :D

[NYC300Z]

That's great Cardinal! Terrific in fact! Yes I wonder if they can make it? It's only been a month and their this bad?

PPMS!!

[SVsleuth]

Snickering to herself, Martha said, “I wonder if our son knows about cold showers…I wonder if they’d even work on him.”

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: at 1:15 a.m.!!! I should have known better than to read your fic in the wee hours, Card!

This was really great - soooo funny. We're all :rotfl: with Jonathan. :rotfl: :rotfl:

[SVsleuth]

Waiting for Valentine's Day.......

[NYC300Z]

Yes Valentine's day should be interesting!

[Cardinal]

Almost there!!!

[NYC300Z]

okay i'm going to Queens now. I'm going to be back at 9 something to check!:D

[Cardinal]

The Wedding - Chapter 11

I may not get physically tired, Clark thought to himself, but if I don’t sleep, I can get mentally exhausted quite quickly. Who would have thought getting ice this time of year could take so long? Of course, Clark hadn’t gone down to the 7-11 for a five pound bag of cubes. Yesterday, he’d flown to the arctic, spent some time looking for the perfect spot, cut off a HUGE slab of ice, and flown it back to Smallville, where it currently resided in the most remote field on his dad’s land. This spot was so remote that, due to the distance and undulations of the ground, this 50’ by 50’ by 50’ cube of ice couldn’t be seen from any road.

Tonight, he was going to do something with that ice. Using heat vision to sculpt the ice, cold breath to flash-freeze the design into place and flight to move around the massive block of ice, Clark worked all night long. All he had for a guide was a series of photographs of the object he was trying to replicate. He’d looked at classic castles from all over Europe before finally settling on Neuschwanstein Castle as his guide. He figured if Walt Disney could use this castle as the basis for Cinderella’s castle in Disneyland, it would be good enough as the inspiration for his princess’ castle.

Knowing his artistic limitations, Clark wasn’t going for an exact replica, close enough would do. The open main gateway was somewhat larger than it would be in a to-scale rendition. After all, he thought, I’ve got to fit in here, too.

When finally finished at 4 a.m. on Valentine’s Day, Clark had a 50’ long, 20’ wide and 30’ high confection of ice that glittered like diamonds in the light of the half-moon. Just in through the gateway was a 10’ by 15’ foot courtyard. He brought in a small wooden table and two chairs to await the events of the evening.

Being that Valentine’s was on Thursday this year, Clark had school today. Anticipating falling asleep in his Astronomy lecture after pulling his unconventional all-nighter, Clark decided to call Lana around seven to let her know he was ditching school and wouldn’t be able to take her today. I need a nap. After all, I have to be awake for my appointment this afternoon, and I definitely can‘t fall asleep tonight.

--------------------

“Huh? What?” asked a bleary-eyed Lana, seconds into the early-morning call from Clark. “Are you sick, Clark? You’re never sick.”

“No, Dear, I’m not sick, I’m just tired. I haven’t had much sleep the last two nights and I don’t want to fall asleep on you tonight of all nights.”

“What have you been doing?”

“Umm…” realizing that some things can’t be talked about over the phone, Clark said, “I was visiting a long-lost family member.”

“Who?”

“A biological family member…you know, up north.”

“Oh, sorry, I remember now,” said Lana, finally fully awake and realizing exactly what he was trying to hint at. “How is he, anyway?”

“He’s fine. There haven’t been any predictions of gloom and doom from him for quite some time now.”

“Well, if he’s okay…what took so long that it affected your sleep?”

“Your concern, as always, gives me the warm and fuzzies, Lana, but I can’t tell you anything else until tonight. We are still on for tonight, aren’t we?”

“Our last Valentine’s Day as singles? I wouldn’t miss it!”

“See you at 7. Dress warmly. Boots, mittens, knit cap, the works.”

“This is getting mysterious, Clark. I like it.”

Kissing the receiver, Clark said, “Bye, Lana.”

Returning his kiss, Lana said, “See ya’, Clark. Take care of yourself.”


--------------------

Later that evening, Lana was dressing for her date with Clark and thinking while she prepared. Clark specified outdoor dress for a date in the middle of February, hmm. We live in Kansas so we can’t go skiing…unless, Clark decides to go supersonic. It’s too late in the day for sledding, though we’ve got plenty of snow on the ground. Ice skating can be kind of romantic, ‘cause as rough as we both are on skates, it always involves lots of clutching and grabbing.

Shaking her head to clear it of that thought, Lana thought, Ooooh, better not think about that! Clutching and grabbing are definitely off limits for the next four-plus months. What could he be planning?

Strolling down the steps into the Talon, Lana noticed with an internal grin that Clark was waiting. Wearing his red winter coat, blue jeans and brown-leather work boots, with his hair still mussed from being outside, he looked as scrumptious as ever.

In turn, Clark noted Lana’s woolen hat, black Columbia Sportswear coat, black ski pants and winter boots. Somewhat incongruously, her hat was pink. Thinking back, Clark decided the hat might be the only pink piece of clothing left in Lana’s possession. She was completely adorable, as always.

“I’m ready, Clark,” she said.

Clark stood up and retrieved a cardboard drink carrier which held four large Styrofoam cups of coffee which were sealed with plastic lids.

“What are those for?” asked Lana.

“You might need some of these tonight,” said Clark as he hefted the carrier slightly, “it will be cold where were going.”

As they headed out the door, Lana asked, “Umm…Clark? We’re not going ‘up north’ are we?”

“Nope. We’re going to the farm.”

Relieved she wouldn’t have to put up with the obnoxious Jor-El, no matter how much she liked Lara, Lana asked, “What’s there to do at the farm, outside, at night, on Valentine’s?”

“Keep your pants on, Lana. You’ll see shortly.” At that, Lana started studying her toes and Clark looked skyward, pretending to search the night sky. Oh man, thought Clark, I’ve got to watch what I say around her. Just the thought of Lana’s pants coming off has got us both looking anywhere but at each other.

--------------------

Driving out to the Kent farm in Clark’s truck, Lana was surprised when they turned off the road before reaching the house. “Clark, I know you were tired this morning, but this isn’t the turn-off to your house.”

“I’m well aware of that,” he said, grinning all the while, “but thank you for your concern.”

They drove down a heavily-rutted dirt lane which was covered with a layer of snow. Lana realized that even though she had lived here since age three, this was a road she had never been down before. She started laughing when she realized that thought also applied to her impending marriage to Clark, another new frontier. Except this one they would be exploring together.

“What’s so funny?” asked Clark.

Her laugher subsiding into a warm smile, Lana looked at Clark and said, “Nothing, Clark.”

Finally, they reached a closed gate. Clark stopped the truck, grabbed the coffee, and said, “Come on, we’ll walk from here.”

Walking through the gate after Clark opened it, Lana waited as Clark closed the gate behind them. Trudging through the show-covered field, Lana thought, Okay, spending the night in the middle of a farm field isn’t my idea of rom…

Stopping in her tracks as they crested a rise in the field, Lana’s mouth hung open as she gazed at the scene before her. Lit from the left and the right by two battery-powered floodlights, the crystalline magnificence of the towering ice castle completely derailed her train of thought.

“Clark…what is it? I’ve never…” hand rising to cover her mouth, Lana said, “it’s beautiful. How’d you ever do this?” Thinking kicking back in, Lana asked, “Is this what you were doing in the arctic?”

Taking in her reaction, a proud Clark replied, “Yeah. Though I only got the ice there. I sculpted it right here. It took all night, even with super-powers.” Pointing his free hand toward the castle, Clark said, “Welcome to Lanarella’s Castle.”

Lana took a coffee and started sipping it while walking around and examining the detailed exterior of the castle. Clark obliged by picking up one of the floodlights so he could point it wherever Lana wanted. Finally heading into the courtyard, Clark returned the floodlight to its position and joined her at the table, Clark said, “Wait a sec.”

Returning seconds later with an armload of blankets still warm from the house, Clark used a quick blast of heat vision to heat her chair, laid a thick blanket over the chair and, after she sat down, placed the second blanket over her legs.

Another quick trip and Clark was back with bowls, silverware, and the first course of dinner, potato soup. They spent the next half hour talking and eating as salads and Lasagna followed the soup.

As they neared the end of the dinner, Lana said, “Clark, I’ve got a question. This dinner was great, but you didn’t make your mom cook for us on Valentine’s did you?”

“Nope,” said Clark, “Mom and Dad are spending two days in Metropolis. Besides I have learned a few things about cooking from my mom. I made this stuff this afternoon and used my breath to flash-freeze it. Everything was in a reheatable container, so I used heat vision to heat it back up.”

“I can’t believe you actually cooked for me.” Pausing to think, Lana finally continued, saying, “Clark, I love this castle, but why’d you do it? We could have eaten your homemade dinner in the house.”

“Yeah, we could have. Eating in the house all alone would lead to certain temptations and I thought it would be easier on us out here.” Turning to look her straight in the eyes, Clark said, “I know you’re not ‘the fairy princess from Time Magazine’ these days, but you’ll always be my princess, and your throne room is in my heart. Happy Valentine’s Day, Lana.”

[SVsleuth]

1st! That was great, Card! No chance they'll be stripping out there in the cold! And yet it's still romantic. Clark's getting very creative! PPMS! :)

[linn]

what she said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NYC300Z]

that was very nice! His last lines were very sweet. PPMS!!

[SpeedyKate91]

good update
PPMS!!!

[LanasLover16]

aww that was so sweet!!! and i know what clark is gonna do for the wedding that hes taking lessons for!!!!

[kewl]

omg!!!! that was super sweeeeeeettttt!!!!!! u have to post more the soonest card!!!! :D:D:D;)

[SVsleuth]

This story can NOT be on page three! Back to the top. PPMS!

[kewl]

PPMS card! plz don't make us wait that long :D

[SVsleuth]

Okay, I'm re-reading this story now. I've re-read THE Proposal & Chapters 1& 2 of THE Wedding, after finishing Lifetime. It's really cool to re-read it after Lifetime. enjoying it even more than the first time. BUT, I've GOT to get on with my day & my duties... so.... I'll be back later to re-read more.

SV

[Cardinal]

Now that I've updated "Broken Road," I'll come back here and try to finish this thread.

Thanks to MOO for a killer idea for the next update. I hope I can execute his idea properly. The update will either be up Saturday night or on Sunday.

Thanks for your patience!

[SVsleuth]

Ah! That's what I was supposed to do - finish re-reading The Proposal & The Wedding to be ready for your next update. Guess I'd better read fast.......(zips off at super-speed)

I just had a blast re-reading Chapter three & the following posts. You know- the one where you put the writers in the story and AJ has Clark in the closet, etc. :lol: :lol: again!

[MOOman0618]

Heehee...I got credited for having an idea! That hardley ever happnes!! I just realized that I never commented on your last update. It was super!! Sorry for such a delayed reaction! :)

[NYC300Z]

so the next one's tonight or tomorrow night? Can't wait!

[Cardinal]

Sorry, MOO, the birthday will be chapter 13.

The Wedding - Chapter 12

Walking hand-in-hand through the showroom at Leibowitz Jewelry as they shopped for their wedding bands, Clark and Lana talked over the rings they’d already tried on.

“All I need in a ring is one that is nice and wide,” said Clark.

“Why wide, Clark?” asked Lana.

“Easy. I want people to know I’m taken at first glance,” he said, smiling at his fiancée. “I don’t want anyone to think I’m just wearing some plain, old ring.”

Tightening her grip on his hand, Lana said, “That sounds like a desirable goal to me. All those other women out there will just have to set their sights on someone else.”

Lifting her hand to his mouth, Clark kissed it gently and said, “There are no other women…remember?”

“I’m so lucky to have you, Clark. You could have had almost any woman you wanted and you chose me.”

“I’m the lucky one, Lana. As soon as I met you, the competition was over, you were my first choice, my last choice, and every choice in between.” Resuming their stroll through the store, Clark continued, saying, “You, on the other hand, have had many suitors…some of which weren’t even meteor freaks!”

Rolling her eyes as she pretended to pout, Lana said, “Don’t forget you had a meteor freak for a girlfriend once.”

“Yeah, but just the one.” Pausing for a moment to think, Clark asked, “I wonder where Alicia is now? After she flipped out senior year when she came back and learned we were together, I lost track of her. I never did hear if she’d ever gotten out of Belle Reve.”

Looking back to Lana with a warm smile, he said, “Now, back to what I was getting at. You’ve had lots of guys after you and you could have chosen any of them. I’m lucky you settled for me.”

“Settled for you? I didn’t ‘settle’ for you, Clark. I chose the best possible man.” Then, in a grumbling tone of voice she added, “As if I’d ‘settle’ for just anyone when it comes to getting married.”

“Okay, okay, we both believe we each got the pick of the litter. Still, I’m grateful I was your choice.”

“Yes, well, of all the guys that ‘were after me,’ there was only one that mattered…Whitney!”

“Whitney?” asked Clark, as he shot an incredulous look at Lana.

“Of course. If he hadn’t strung you up in the field, we might never have gotten together.”

Curious, Clark asked, “How so?”

“Without Whitney, I never would have come over to apologize for his actions and you never would have discovered you were allergic to green K.” Shrugging her shoulders, Lana said, “Instead, you would have gone on thinking you were having a weird nervous reaction to being around me, and I would have continued thinking you were a generally nice guy who never wanted to talk to me.”

His smile turning to a look of surprise, Clark said, “Never wanted to talk to you? How could you have thought that?”

“Look at it from my point of view, Clark. Ever since we started going to school together, you avoided me like the plague. On the rare occasion that you actually approached me, you’d fall down or stumble into me. I had two teachers ask why I liked knocking you down!”

“No!”

“Oh, I’m not finished yet, Clark,” Lana said. “If we were assigned to sit next to each other in class, you started ‘faking being sick’ until the teacher moved you away from me. What was I supposed to think, Clark? I was crushed that one of the nicest, and cutest, guys in class wouldn’t have anything to do with me.”

“I’m sorry, Lana. All this time that we’ve been together, I never thought of what our early relationship must have looked like from your point of view.”

“Everything’s better now, and we owe it all to Whitney.”

“Don’t forget Lex.”

“That’s right! Lex was the one that told me about what Whitney did to you. I’d almost forgotten about that.”

“He’s also the one that inadvertently showed me that lead was able to protect me from the green K.”

“Okay, our first wedding toast will have to be to Whitney Fordman and Lex Luthor, the two men responsible for starting our relationship.” Heading back to the counter, Lana asked, “Now, which rings are we going to choose?”


More to post after I get a buffer!

[Schfifty-five]

buffer!

[Cardinal]

--------------------

Back in the Kent kitchen after buying their rings, Lana and Clark were going over another of Lana’s innumerable checklists.

“Did you call the county clerk to find out about the marriage license, Clark?”

“Yes, Dear. They said we had to apply just before the wedding as the license is only good for a week.” Taking a swallow of milk and bite of his sandwich, Clark asked, “How’d the dress hunt for the bridesmaids go?”

“Fine. We’re picking up the dresses next week.” Looking at her check list, Lana asked, “Speaking of clothes, what about the tuxes for yourself and the groomsmen?”

“Didn’t I tell you about that yet?”

“No.”

“It was hilarious. Pete, Greg, and Eldar were surprised when I told them to come over to the house for the tux fitting instead of going to Gingiss. Greg and Eldar were seriously surprised when I told them that Bruce Wayne is going to be the third groomsman, Pete, on the other hand, already had a pretty good idea who it was going to be.”

“Who’d you get for ushers?”

“Would you believe it? Lex insisted on being an usher. He wanted something to do at the wedding and there’s no way I’d let him park cars the way he drives, so, usher it is. The other usher is Harry from school. They both had to get fitted for tuxes, too.”

“Why the special fitting, Clark?”

“What happened is that Bruce realized he would be wearing a rental tux for the first time in his life if he was in the wedding and he wasn’t thrilled with that idea. Instead, he sent his personal tailor all the way to Smallville to take measurements for custom-made tuxes for me and the other three guys. The tailor is coming back next week for a final fitting to make sure everything is perfect.”

“At least we aren‘t using a ring-bearer,” said Lana, “Bruce is paying for enough tuxes already.”

“I think he can afford it, Lana,” said Clark. “Look at it this way, I will now have a tux of my very own.”

“What will your tux look like?”

“I’m not telling. If it’s bad luck for me to see your dress before the wedding, then it must be bad luck for you to know about my tux ahead of time.”

“Okay, be a spoilsport.” Looking at her list, Lana checked off the tuxes and read off the next item. “I’ve met with Lex’s staff to discuss the menu. I’ve let them know we will be encouraging dancing between the individual meal courses. Everything we want for the menu was just fine with Lex’s chef. He even came up with a few additions that will work out wonderfully.”

Moving down her list, Lana said, “The cakes have been ordered from Smallville Bakery, and the DJ Pete suggested will work out fine. He knows what kind of music we want to dance to. We do need to decide what song we want to use for our first dance, Clark.” Looking up at Clark, she said, “I was thinking we could use our song for this.”

“Our song?” Clark asked, then thought to himself, please don’t let her ask for ‘I’ll Still Be Lovin’ You.’

“You know, the song you put on the CD you made for me when you had to complete your ‘education’ with Jor-El. Remember? It was ‘I’ll Still Be Lovin’ You.’”

Crap…I’ve got to convince her to use a different song, he thought. She can’t have that one, at least not for the first dance.

“Oh, I definitely remember,” said Clark, “but I don’t think that’s the right song to use for our first dance.”

“Why not? I love that song and it means so much to us.”

“Yes, but it’s too slow to dance to. Besides, I’ve got another song picked out that should do just as well.”

“What?”

“A song by Martina McBride and Jim Brickman called ‘Valentine.’”

“Oooooh! I like that song, but, it’s almost as slow as our song and it doesn’t mean that much to us.”

“Please, Lana? I haven’t asked for much in this wedding, but I’m asking you for this.”

“You’re acting kind of weird over a song, Clark,” said Lana, “but if it means that much to you, then we’ll use the song you want. ‘Valentine’ it is.”

“Speaking of music, Lana, I went by Wal-Mart and picked up a CD of wedding classics. It’s got just about everything you could want in the way of wedding music.”

Clark zipped up to his bedroom and came back with the CD. Holding it out to Lana, he said, “Here, take a look.”

Finger sliding slowly down the jewel case, Lana said, “For the processional, we’ve got Pachelbel’s ‘Canon in D,’ Clarke’s ‘The Prince of Denmark’s March,’ and the ‘Wedding March’ from Wagner’s ‘Lohengrin.’ Then there’s Bach’s ‘Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring‘, ‘Spring,’ from Vivaldi’s ‘The Four Seasons,’ and Bach’s ‘Sheep May Safely Graze’ for the ceremony itself, and, of course, the ‘Wedding March’ from Mendelssohn’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ for the recessional.”

Gazing up at Clark, Lana said, “This is perfect, especially since our church doesn’t have an organ. This CD even has some music selections for before we begin formally seating the bridal party.”

Stretching up for a kiss, Lana then said, “Thanks, Clark. This has all the songs I want, plus some extras.”

Checking the music off, Lana’s moved to the next item on her agenda which was gifts for the attendants, both male and female. “Have you picked out any gifts for the groomsmen yet, Clark?”

“Yeah. I saw this cool 50-year calendar. It’s made out of brass, it’s not too expensive and it's something even Bruce isn’t likely to have yet.” Drumming his fingers on the table, he asked, “What have you found?”

“A silver locket. Each girl will get an engraved locket with a photo of her and me inside.”

“Nice.”

“As far as wedding favors go, I like the idea of using the pewter picture frames for both seating purposes and for favors.”

“How’s that going to work again?”

“When everyone comes to the entrance of the ballroom at Lex’s, there’ll be a table set up outside the door. There will be a picture frame for every guest. Under the glass of each frame will be a card with that person’s name and table number on it. The frames will be arranged alphabetically to be easy to find.”

“Sounds great to me.”

“Last on our list, for today anyway,” Lana said, “have you booked a room for our wedding night?”

A wide grin spread across Clark’s face as he thought of Lana’s reaction to a night in the Bridal Suite at the Metropolis Four Seasons Hotel.

“That’s been taken care of, Lana.”

Shutting her planner, Lana said, “Well, that’s it for now. Are we still on for your birthday?”

“Of course. When are you picking me up?”

“Seven sharp. Don’t be late.”

“Late for a date with you? Never! I’ll see you Friday night at seven.”

[SVsleuth]

AHHHH! You're updating! I don't have time to read right now! Oh, well, I guess I'll catch it later...

-----
EDIT (9:20 p.m.): Finally got back to read the update. Looks like the wedding plans are coming along nicely. Can't wait to find out why Clark wanted that song. I think I have an idea why, but I'll wait & see.

Dedicating a toast to Whitney & Lex? - what a surprise!

Mention of Alicia? Wonder if she'll show up down the road...

Another great chapter. Update again soon..

SV

[MOOman0618]

Nice update!! So now we know the third groomsman! Even though I already knew...but thats not the point. I wonder why Clark was so insistant about that song?? And it's ok that the Birthday update isn't until chapter 13...I can wait. Post more soon!!

[akuma]

PPMS!! And yeah whats up with that song?!?!

[Cardinal]

If you've read the last update of my fic, "A Lifetime of Tomorrows," you'll understand why the song is important to Lana and Clark and why Lana considers it 'their song.'

Why Clark is being anal about not using that song for their first dance won't be apparent until later. :)

[LanasLover16]

OH!! I know why!!!! And I know I'm right now! PPMS!!!

[Cardinal]

Don't tell. That would ruin the surprise. Though I will say the clues are out there for anyone that wants to figure it out.

I'll try to update here tomorrow with Clark's birthday. That will bring us up to the big event itself.

[LanasLover16]

Oh I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise, but thats one of my ideas that Clark would do at the wedding

[Cardinal]

If you want to guess, you can always PM me. If you want to wait, I HOPE to finish this fic this week!

[NYC300Z]

Great updat Cardinal! So much detail! It's fantastic!

PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

Just finished re-reading all of The Proposal & The Wedding. It's fun to read it all at once, to remember the little details. Now i'm ready for your next update. PPMS!

SV

[kewl]

hah, i am so right about bruce wayne being the 3rd groomsmen!!! :D:D:D awesome update card! PPMS!!! ;)

[SVsleuth]

Card, I re-read the entire fic and have a question: did you go back and change this in chapter 9?:
“Clark,” shouted Lana up toward the loft, “did you ever pick your third groomsman?”

Zipping down the stairs to stand at her side, Clark responded, “Yeah, weeks ago. When I asked him to join the wedding party, he choked on his drink.”

“Well, who is it?”

“It’s a secret.”

“From me? It’s bad enough you’re having clandestine meetings twice a week, but this is…”

“No, not from you. You just can’t let anyone else know, including Chloe and Pete. The guy I’ve gotten to round out our wedding party is Bruce Wayne.”

“No wonder you want it kept secret. People would start wondering how a college-kid from Kansas was able to have a man like that as one of his groomsmen. One thing you definitely don‘t need is more people looking into your life.”

...because, everyone was trying to guess who it was in the comments after that chapter... What happened?? :confused:
And when should we expect the next update?

[Cardinal]

What happened is, I went back and edited him in after finally introducing Bruce Wayne in the "Lifetime" story.

If I had mentioned him in such a prominent role in "The Wedding" before he showed up in the "Lifetime" story, everyone would have known who Swann's replacement was going to be.

Sorry for the confusion.

BTW, I don't recommend writing the same story at two different points in the timeline at the same time. It's too hard to keep everything straight.

[SVsleuth]

Okay, gottcha! Yeah, that must be difficult. That's why I made "Hidden" completely separate from the Alt. Clana thread, with a new reveal scene, instead of making it a jump ahead to the future in the Alt. Clana world.

[Cardinal]

As an example, the only reason I wrote that last update on the "Lifetime" thread was because Lex ahd to do something to Lana since I had already referenced it in an early update in "The Wedding."

Otherwise, I may have stopped "Lifetime" with Clark leaving for 'summer camp.'

[MOOman0618]

So when is the party starting in "The Wedding"?? Soon?? It should be soon.

[SVsleuth]

no update here either? I thought you were planning to update one of these stories.... When??
PPMS!

[NYC300Z]

ppms!

[Cardinal]

The Wedding - Chapter 13

Setting her school books down on the first table she came to inside her apartment, Lana said, “Okay, Clark, it’s time.”

“Time for what?” Clark asked, somewhat bewildered as it was at least two hours before the appointed time for their birthday date.

“Time for you to hit the road.”

“Hit the road?” he asked, surprise writ large on his face. “You want me to go home?”

“No, you’re to go on a hunt for me.”

“Huh? Our date isn‘t supposed to start for another two hours. I‘ve got work to do at the farm before then.”

Lana handed him a single 3x5 notecard, patted him on the arm, and said, “It’s all been arranged with your folks. Go ahead and go, your first clue is on that card.”

Taking the card, Clark asked, “Clue to what, Lana?”

“To the next clue, of course.”

Pausing a second, Clark looked Lana in the eyes and asked, “A hunt? You’re really sending me on a hunt?”

“Yes, and no cheating with super-powers, either. No super-speed, no x-ray vision, nothing. You have to complete the hunt like a normal human being, walking, driving, climbing, whatever you need, as long as there’s nothing ‘super’ going on, okay?”

Rolling his eyes skyward, Clark said, “Yes, Dear.”

“I want your promise.”

Holding up his right hand like the Boy Scout he had never been, Clark said, “I promise, Lana. I’ll complete this quest without any ‘special’ help.”

“Good.” Watching her beloved as he stuck the card in his pocket, Lana shooed him out the door with a flip of her hand as she said, “What are you waiting for, Clark? Go! Remember, you have to be back at your house by seven o’clock for our date.”

Clark was running and already to the bottom of the staircase as she finished her last sentence. Turning to flash the famous Kent grin, he said, “Don’t worry. I’ll come back for you. I’ll always come back for you.”

Waiting until Clark’s pickup left in a squeal of rubber, Lana pulled her cell phone out of her purse and dialed Chloe.

“Okay, Chloe, Clark is out of the way for a couple of hours. Let’s get everyone moving, we’ve got a little more than two hours to get this done.”

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Clark read the card in his truck before he pulled out. It read, “Lowell County’s window on Metropolis.” He paused for a second, and then smiled, remembering an afternoon spent on the top of the windmill in Chandler’s field. At the bottom of the paper, printed in very small lettering, it read, “Answer on back.” Flipping the card over, Clark read, “Chandler’s windmill, dummy!”

At that, Clark laughed out loud. Lana must really want me back on time if she’s including the answers, he thought. Reaching forward, he turned the key in the ignition, put his truck in gear, pulled out of the parking space, and drove off, squealing the tires in his haste.

Standing at the base of the windmill a few minutes later, he looked up with trepidation and thought, This was less scary, somehow, when I was climbing up here with Lana.

Reaching the top shortly thereafter, Clark instantly spotted a plastic envelope which was heavily taped to the platform. Yanking the tangled mess of tape and envelope off, Clark hurried down the ladder much faster than he went up. Safe once again on terra firma, Clark ripped open the envelope and pulled out another 3x5 card. This one read, “Our almost first kiss took place here.”

Clark didn’t even bother reading the ‘answer’ on the back as he hopped back in the truck and headed for Nell’s old house. She still stayed there whenever she came to Smallville to help Lana with the wedding.

Easing to a stop in the driveway, Clark got out and hustled up the steps to the porch. There, taped to the top of the railing where he and Lana had sat six and a half years earlier, was another plastic envelope. Ripping open this one, he read, “A place that transcends time.” Clark had to think about this one and almost flipped over the card to find the answer before he remembered Lana’s time-traveling phone call he received at the Smallville Youth Center.

It continued like this for the next two hours, Lana leading Clark on a guided tour of the places and events that had been so important to them. The last envelope was taped to the side of their tree, on top of a low hill. That notecard read, “Come back to where our true relationship began, where you finally let me into your life, and allowed me to love all of you.”

Needing no help to decipher that clue, Clark hustled back to the truck and hurried for the farm. Looking at his watch, Clark noticed that Lana had timed this hunt fairly well. He would reach the farm just a few minutes before seven and be able to make it to the loft on time.

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Looking around the interior of the barn from her perch in the loft, Lana tried to match the guests with her guest list as she asked, “Is everyone here? Clark should be here at anytime.”

Patting Lana on the back, Chloe said, “Ease up, Lana. We’re all here and everyone is parked two fields behind the house, so Clark won’t suspect a thing.”

“Let’s do this,” Pete said, as he held his hand out to Lana.

Figuring out what he wanted, Lana broke into a smile as she and Pete performed the secret handshake for the “I Know Clark’s Secret Club.” Pete and Chloe were next, followed by Chloe and Lana.

Had anyone been able to see the three of them, they wouldn’t have thought that the handshakes were all that weird compared to what they were wearing. All three of them wore black suits, white button up dress shirts, black ties, glossy black shoes, and matching dark sunglasses. Lana and Chloe both had their hair pulled back tightly into pony tails which were then tucked into the suit jackets.

While they waited for the guest of honor, Chloe asked, “Where’d you end up going to find a man’s suit that would fit you, Lana?”

A slight flush swept over Lana’s cheeks as she mumbled, “Sears.”

“Really?” Chloe asked. “That’s strange, ‘cause I’m bigger than you and I couldn’t find anything there.”

“You didn’t look in the boys department then,” Lana said. “That’s where I had to go.”

Despite Lana’s attempts at being quiet, Pete heard that and started laughing. “Lana has to shop the boys’ wear department, that’s rich!”

Already knowing the answer, Pete asked, “Where’d you get your suit, Chloe?”

Rolling her eyes toward her man, Chloe looked back to Lana, and said, “Pete’s mom dug out a trunk of old clothes that used to belong to Pete. Apparently, this suit fit him back in junior high. All I had to do was have it dry-cleaned.”

Someone on ground level shouted out, “He’s here! Clark’s truck is coming up the drive.”

Leaning slightly out over the rail, Lana clapped her hands to gain everyone’s attention, and said, “Okay everyone. Get to your positions.”