MAKING IT OFFICIAL
by
RM
Chapter 20
THE CHAPTERS
Everyone was in the hospital cafeteria when Frank and Caren had finally arrived. After they had greeted the guests at the entrance to the chapel, Frank had sat down, as did Caren. They were still feeling the effects of their burns and their ordeal, but they were unbelievably happy because they were with the person they loved.
After a little while, they posed for pictures at the front of the chapel with their families. Once those pictures were done, their parents headed for the cafeteria while the photographer took several pictures of just Frank and Caren together.
Once the photographer finished, he also headed to the cafeteria to get ready for Frank and Caren’s arrival. With time to spare, Frank and Caren settled in the front row of the chapel and soaked in all that had happened.
“I can’t believe we are married,” Caren said, nestling her head against Frank’s shoulder.
“It’s unbelievable,” he admitted. “After what we had been through, I honestly thought we would be rescheduling the ceremony.”
“I was thinking the same way.” Caren sat up and looked at him. “I was totally surprised to find my mother holding my wedding dress when I retuned to my room. I never expected anything like this.”
“Neither did I. Joe was talking in circles and when he finally calmed down enough to tell me, I was floored.”
“Joe is definitely a good brother to come up with this for us.”
“He sure is.”
Silence settled between them for a few minutes. Frank sighed and said, “I guess we should head to the party.”
“I guess,” Caren said quietly.
Frank looked at his wife closely and noticed the sad expression on her face. He touched her chin, lifting her head so their eyes met.
“What is it?” he asked softly.
“I don’t want to be away from you,” Caren said.
“You’ll never be away from me.” Frank pulled her close and gave her a hug. “I promise.”
“I love you, Frank.”
“I love you.”
“There you two are,” a voice said from the back of the chapel. “We have a party to get to.”
“We’re coming,” Frank said as he released his hold on Caren.
She got to her feet first and Frank slowly pushed himself up. Frank winced realizing he shouldn’t have been sitting for as long as he had been.
“You all right?” Caren asked.
“I’m fine,” Frank said. “I just sat too long.”
“You know, if you’re not up to this, we could skip the party,” Caren said.
“I’m fine,” Frank insisted. “And this is a great way for all of us to celebrate.”
“Then let’s get going,” Joe said. He grabbed the wheelchair and pushed it toward Frank. “Your ride awaits.”
“I think I can make it without the chair,” Frank said.
“You probably could, but the doctor was insistent about you using the chair.”
Frank sighed as he stared at the chair. He hated the chair and knew there was no way around it. He had to follow doctor’s orders.
“Fine.” Frank said down in the chair. He looked at Caren. “Let’s head to our party.”
Caren smiled. “Let’s.”
“Have a seat, Caren,” Joe said. “This is your ride, too.”
“I don’t need to sit down,” Caren said.
“Do I have to get your doctor?” Joe threatened, an evil grin filling his face.
“Fine,” Caren said. She gathered up the hem of her dress and sat down on the chair on Frank’s lap.
Joe took the handles of the chair and wheeled them to the cafeteria.
* * * * *
Hours later, they guests began leaving the cafeteria. They had all congratulated Frank and Caren on their wedding and wished them a long and happy future. They all enjoyed the food the caterers had prepared as well as being together for the occasion.
Frank and Caren’s doctors had also made an appearance. Having noticed how tired they both looked, they suggested the two of them return to the rooms to rest, following the cutting of the cake. Neither of them disagreed and Caren offered to take Frank to his room before going to her own.
Now that they had departed, the guests were leaving and the caterers were cleaning up. As Joe looked around, he felt a sense of pride that he had been able to help Frank and Caren have the wedding on the day they wanted.
Seeing there were several pieces of cake still on the table, Joe grabbed two plates and left the cafeteria, heading for Frank’s room. He knew his brother and sister-in-law had not had any before they left. He figured he’s leave a piece in each of their rooms for when they woke.
Reaching the floor where Frank’s room was located, he made his way down the hall. Joe entered the room and stopped in his tracks. The room was empty.
Turning quickly around, he approached a nurse who was making her way in his direction.
“Excuse me, but do you know where my brother is? His room is empty.”
“You mean Mr. Hardy?”
“Yes.”
“He was moved to a room on the third floor,” the nurse said. “His doctor felt that would be more comfortable for him since he wasn’t in serious condition, but could still be monitored by the staff.”
“Thank you,” Joe said.
He quickly headed up top the third floor and was directed to his brother’s room. Approaching the closed door, he tapped gently on the door, not wanting to wake Frank if he was sleeping. There was no response, so he pushed the door open. Joe stepped into the room and once again stopped in his tracks.
Frank was sound asleep in the bed, but wasn’t alone. Caren was curled up on Frank’s right side with her head on his shoulder and her right arm draped across his chest. Frank’s left hand had a hold of Caren’s right hand.
Joe smiled at the scene. Not only did they look peaceful, they looked happy.
Silently moving further into the room, he set the two pieces of cake on the table and stepped up to the bed. He gently lifted the blanket from the foot of the bed and covered them both. Joe stepped back from the bed and watched them for a moment longer before leaving the room.
He was happy for Frank and Caren, and knew they would have a long and happy life together.
-The End-
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Disclaimer
The Hardy Boys belong to Simon and Schuster and the Stratemeyer Foundation. The authors have just borrowed them for an adventure or two. The authors promise to put the boys back when they are done with them. The authors do claim copyright to the original characters in this story. Please do not borrow original characters without express permission of the authors.