Mandy and Me Ch. 06

"Fifty from one builder? That's a lotta work, there," Junior mused.

"Yeah, things are lookin' pretty good for us right now. We're pickin' up that builder to go along with the ones we're already doin' work for. After the first of the year, we'll be plenty busy.

"This room'll be used for finishin', in the future," I noted, opening the door to where Mom's furniture was stored. "Right now it makes a good clean and dry place to store Mom's furniture, 'til she decides what she wants to do with it."

I closed and locked the door, and then led the way around the corner, past the plywood and lumber storage racks, to the overhead door, leading into the back part of the barn. Once I raised the door and we walked through, Junior realized that half the space was still available.

"Mike," he said, "you've surprised me. I'm glad to see that you're getting so much use from this old barn. You've still got plenty of room in here."

"Yeah, I've still got half the space available for future expansion, when I need it. The way things are lookin', right now, I may well be usin' it, within a couple o' years.

"I've really had lots of help makin' all this happen. Grandma suggested I use this buildin' for my shop. Amanda's dad is an electrician, and he did all the wirin', for materials cost. Raymond Fields, the man I've worked for, sold me much of the machinery at a bargain price, and he's helped me get accounts opened with the local lumber and hardware companies, to buy materials. He also had his framin' and sheetrock crews come out to get the inside finished, for a very reasonable cost. I even tried to hire Amanda to be my bookkeeper, but she insisted on marriage."

"Who insisted?" she asked, giving me a light punch in the ribs.

"Well," I said, "I made mention I was thinkin' about what it'd be like to marry you and you were pretty insistent about takin' me seriously."

We all laughed.

"Mike, Amanda, I want to talk to the both of you, and I'm glad Kathy and the girls stayed at the house. Girl, you don't have any idea how good a man you're gettin'. I've known this youngster from the time he was born and watched him grow up. He'll be a success because he's driven to be that way."

He paused to light a cigarette.

"I was gonna wait 'til Saturday for this, but I'm gonna do it now." Pulling an envelope out of his jacket pocket, he said, "Mike, if you'll pay me $100.00 per month, at the end of each month, starting in January, for sixty months, my sixty acres here will be yours. I've got a bill of sale and a new deed made out here that shows you've paid me for the land. I had an attorney in Texas City draw this up for me. When we sign this, the land's yours, because I know I can trust you to pay me. All you'll have to do is take this to the court house and have it recorded."

I was astounded.

"That's not right. Land prices around here right now are averagin' about two hundred an acre or better. You're only askin' half that, and you're also carryin' the note with no interest. That's not right by you at all."

"Don't worry about it, Mike. If Kathy throws a fit, I'll just give her three thousand, cash, and tell her that that's her half. I decided to sell quick and six thousand was the best offer I got. That's all she needs to know.

"Girl, you'll have to watch out for this guy. He's too honest for his own good. Mike, I knew you were gonna say that. When I was up here, back in July, I told you I'd make you a good deal because you were Bill's son. I meant it then, and I mean it now. I just wish I had a son like you. I've always wished it. Between the two of us, he ended up with much the better deal."

"Uncle Junior, I don't know what to say," I said. "You're being way more than generous."

"Just let me hunt on it and I'm happy," Junior said. "Kathy's not gonna like the way I'm sellin' it to you, because she thinks I should ask full market price and cash on the barrelhead."

"This isn't gonna cause problems for you, is it?" I asked. "The last thing I want is trouble between you and Aunt Kathy."

"Don't worry about it; she'll just have to get over it. Y'all's wedding invitation said no gifts, so I want you to consider this price as my gift to you both. It keeps the property in the family, and in the hands of someone that'll respect and care for it."

Mandy hugged Junior and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"We can never repay you for this," she told him.

I shook his hand.

"Amanda and I plan to build a small campin' cabin at the lake sometime this next year. It'll be yours, whenever you want to use it. Just let us know when you're comin'."

"I surely appreciate that. Bill and I'd talked several times about doin' somethin' like that, but never did. A small cabin, down there, would sure make a nice place to get away an' do some thinkin', for a few days."

"I know what you mean. There's lots o' times I'll go down there, where it's peaceful and quiet, to think through a problem," I commented.

We went back through the shop, locking up as we went.

"Baby, don't let me forget to contact a sign painter next week. We need one on the front here and one out by the road."

"We should get him to paint the same thing on the sides of the trailer, along with the phone number, because it'll be good mobile advertising," she added.

When we came back into the house, Grandma was seated at the kitchen table supervising the lunch preparations. I had requested that we eat around noon since Mandy and I had dinner scheduled with her family at six this evening. Mom and Kathy were finishing the last of the preparations.

Junior waited until we were back in the house to ask for more details about the contract.

"The company we're signin' the contract with is an established homebuilder, specializin' in high end homes. Most of 'em are four and five bedroom, three to five bath homes with wet bars and home offices. We'll do the kitchens, bars, bath cabinets, and casework in the offices," I told him.

"We're replacin' a shop they've been usin', over in Tyler, because the owner's retirin' at the end of the year," Mandy added.

"This contractor told us he was lookin' for the highest quality, and after lookin' at several jobs I've done, decided I was buildin' what he wanted."

"What about your staffing?" Junior asked.

"Right now, there are two of us, full time, and one part time," I answered. "I'm hirin' two more full time, next week, both experienced trim carpenters, and will likely hire a few more after the first of the year, dependin' on how fast the work piles in.

"Right now, I've got enough goin' to keep 'em all busy, and have commitments from some other builders, just after the first of the year, buildin' cabinets for their spring show houses."

The ladies had the meal ready so we all gathered around the table in the dining room. Light conversation flowed from person to person as we ate. We all learned more about each other and talked about past Thanksgivings as a family group.

When the meal was finished and cleaned up, we all continued the conversation in the living room, until Mandy reminded me of our evening obligation.

"Honey, Mama wanted us to come over about three."

As Mandy and I started to leave, everyone gathered for hugs.

"Do you want to take your car?" I asked.

"No," she said. "You drive it today and then come to the community center in it tomorrow."

We got in her car for the short trip to her parent's home, and when we arrived I had to go through the introductions. I met her grandparents on Charles' side and met his sister, Helen, and her husband Tom. Their son was away at college and unable to be here because he was playing in a football game.

Maggie's brother, Fred, had made peace with the family after the fight over the barn. He was there with his wife, Melinda, and their two children, Bud and Missy. Bud was a junior in high school and Missy was in tenth grade.

Mandy and I were the center of attention during the afternoon, with all the ladies being impressed with Mandy's ring.

"You two haven't known each other all that long, have you?" Melinda asked.

"No, Ma'am, we haven't, but we know quite a bit about each other" I told her. "My grandmother has known us, me, my whole life, and Mandy, since she moved here, and has been telling each of us about the other for years."

"That's right, Aunt Melinda," Mandy interjected. "She's been workin' on puttin' us together, almost every since I met her, the first time. She's told me so much about Mike, I feel like I've known him for years."

"She's done the same about Mandy for me," I commented. "When she was finally able to get us together, face to face, it was almost like I was meetin' a really good friend. We hit it off, and we're makin' it a permanent, full time deal, tomorrow afternoon."

"We were first plannin' to get married, next spring, but decided to move it up for Mike's grandmother. She has some health problems, and, from what the doctors are sayin', she doesn't have much longer to live," Mandy told them. "We talked about it, and decided to move our weddin' up, so she could be there to see it. It seemed to us it was the least we could for her, since she's wanted it, and worked so hard to make it happen."

"We fully agree with their decision," Maggie chimed in. "We've all been watchin' these kids, since they met, and Charles and I fully support their decision. Both of them are very level headed, and act more maturely than a lot of folks much older."

Dinner was a fun experience with me learning much more about Mandy's family, while Mandy related some stories about me she'd learned from Mom. After I'd mentioned my uncle, Fred and Maggie both remembered him, since they'd all attended school together when growing up.

"How is your shop workin' out, Mike?" Charles asked, while the men were gathered on their front porch, and the ladies were cleaning up from dinner.

"It couldn't be any better. The way I have things arranged we don't have to double back, and everything flows through the way I wanted. I especially like the way you arranged the main power switches just inside the door, because it's so convenient," I commented.

"I'd like to see what you have," Tom remarked. "I've worked in a production machine shop, and know the problems you can have, settin' up for material flow."

"I've had a couple o' years to think this out, and one of my classes dealt with those issues. There are some differences, since our work is all custom, built to fit the specific location. Many of our parts are to standard sizes, though, and that's where we're able to use faster methods. Time will tell how it works for us."

The ladies rejoined us, with Mandy sliding into my lap, since most of the seats were taken.

"What would you think about openin' the shop, Saturday mornin', for a tour?" I asked her.

"That sounds good to me, Honey. We could do it about 10:00, that mornin', and have it finished in time for the lunch we were plannin'," she replied. "Everybody, we'll open the shop Saturday, and be ready to show you around at 10:00, and then when the tour's over, we're providin' lunch. We'll have the grill fired up, and do hamburgers and hot dogs for everybody, as a thanks for y'all bein' here for our weddin'."

We continued the visit until about 9:30 PM, and I really didn't want to leave Mandy behind, but was not given a choice.

"Tomorrow will be here, soon enough, and you'll see her, then," Maggie informed me with absolute finality – and a wicked smile.

"It can't come soon enough to suit me," I grumbled in reply. Then, regretfully, I gave my bride-to-be one last kiss and drove home.

After a short visit with the family, I went to bed in that lonely bedroom. My dreams of Mandy were the only thing that made the night bearable.

25 Nov

Breakfast the next morning was full of kidding, with the adults all telling me I only had a short time to make a run for it. After breakfast, I showered and shaved before dressing. Mom came in after I was dressed, for her inspection. Once she was satisfied, I presented myself to Grandma, and after her inspection, she and Mom presented me with a new western-cut leather jacket.

The ladies and girls all left early to help Maggie with the final arrangements. Junior and I were given strict orders not to leave until twenty minutes before the ceremony. We spent the time sitting on the back porch with our coffee and a few cigarettes.

Listening to his comments, while we waited, I got the idea he and Kathy were having some serious problems. She wanted to play socialite and introduce their daughters to what passed for society, and under her tutelage they were becoming very self centered and seemed to care for no one other than themselves.

I didn't say much because I didn't want to intrude into Junior's apparent problems. I was also quiet because of being so nervous about standing up in front of a group of people. The prospect of Mandy becoming my wife is what carried me through the wait.

Finally. Junior and I locked up and got in her car for the fifteen-minute drive.

When we arrived, the community center parking lot was full of cars. After finding a parking place, where I could make a quick get away, we went into the building. The minister met us at the door, wanting to talk to me briefly, to again go over how he would conduct the ceremony.

Once the group was seated, I took my place. Junior then escorted Grandma, Mom, and Kathy to their seats, while Charles escorted Helen, Melinda, and Maggie. He returned to the back where Mandy was hidden behind a curtain. Larry and Karen then came forward to take their places as Mandy's and my attendants.

Mandy had chosen the incomparable Elvis Presley's 'I Can't Help Falling in Love With You' for the music.

When the curtain was opened and Charles escorted her to me, I thought I had never seen a more beautiful sight in my life. Mandy was absolutely beauty personified. She was clad in a white, knee-length, A-line dress with lace short sleeves. A sheer veil, with a waist-length train, covered her eyes. White stockings, and white pumps with two-inch heels, were perfect accompaniments.

The minister asked, "Who gives this woman to be married?"

Charles replied, "Her mother and I do."

He leaned over and whispered, "Baby, you've been the light of mine and your mother's life for the past eighteen years. Now you get to go be the light of Mike's life. Your mother and I both wish the two of you the very best." He kissed her cheek and turned, placing her hand into mine.

I was so entranced with my bride the wedding ceremony was a blur. I barely remember sliding the wedding ring on her finger and her putting the ring on mine. I had to be reminded to lift her veil after the minister pronounced us man and wife and told me I could kiss my bride. He then turned us and presented us as Mr. and Mrs. William Michael Davidson.

We walked down the aisle together and out of the building temporarily. We only had time for one good kiss before Mom and Maggie descended on us, bringing us back inside where we had to stand with them and Charles in the receiving line. Then we cut the cake. Afterward, we had time to mingle with the guests while tables were set up for the dinner. Much of what was happening was still a blur because I was so taken with my new bride.

Mandy and I, along with Charles, Maggie, Mom, and Grandma were seated at the head table. The remaining guests seated themselves after going through the serving line.

During the meal Mandy and I were subjected to our moms telling about our most embarrassing moments as youngsters. The stories brought much laughter and applause from the guests, and we both wanted to crawl under the table and disappear before it got worse.

When the dinner was over, we mingled with the guests again until most of them departed to their homes. The families were beginning the final cleaning, and stacking the tables and chairs, when we were finally able to slip away.

***

"Honey, I love you so much. Let's get our clothes changed, and then go watch the sunset at the lake, before everybody else gets here," she told me, once we were finally in our bedroom, at home. "I wanna spend some time alone with you, without folks knockin' on the door, interruptin' somethin' we might be doin'."

We hurriedly undressed, and changed into flannel shirts, old jeans, and boots before we each grabbed a jacket. Running outside, we got in my truck and headed out and down through the woods, where I parked under the big oak tree, and we got into the back seat of the truck to watch the sun slowly disappear behind the trees across the lake. Once we were seated, Mandy immediately slid into my lap, hugged me, and gave me one of her spectacular, toe curling, kisses.

"Honey, when we build our cabin here can we have the front facing the sunset?"

"Mrs. Davidson, we'll do whatever you want."

"Mrs. Davidson," she said softly. "I like that. I am Mrs. Davidson now, aren't I?"

"Yes Ma'am, you surely are," I told her, with a soft kiss. "We'll make it official later tonight."

"Oh, yes, Mr. Davidson," she replied. "We'll definitely make it official. In fact, if it were a bit warmer, we'd be makin' it official right now. You can't believe how horny I am, Honey. Since I missed your good lovin', last night, I've really got a need and you're the only one that can take care of it."

"You always seem to have a need, Sugar," I chuckled as she seductively wriggled her butt in my lap, and batted her eyes at me.

"You're the reason I'm always needin' that hard thing I feel under me. You've done me so well, ever since our first time, you've got me hooked on your lovin', Honey. I'm addicted to it."

"Well, now that we're playin' true confessions, I might as well admit to bein' addicted to your lovin' too, Darlin'."

"Kiss me, Honey," she murmured as she unbuttoned her shirt and placed my hand on her left breast. She had taken her bra off while we were changing clothes, and I found her nipple to be fully engorged. She began moaning, deep in her throat, as I began teasing her tits.

"Why don't we go find a warm place?" I asked, after a few minutes. "Let's go dress you up so I can undress you after."

"Why don't we just go find a warm place and get undressed, so we can play around?" she asked breathlessly. "How early do you think we can go to bed, Honey? I really need your dick as deep in my pussy as you can get it, an' I want you fuckin' the life outa me! You don't know how I missed your lovin', last night, so you've got a lotta makin' up to do. It's liable to take you most o' the night to make up for what I missed!"

"Sugar, we can do whatever you want," I said. "I sure missed havin' you in our bed last night, and you can't know how much I crave you fuckin' me as only you can do. Your pussy is like dope, somethin' I've just gotta have."

"Let's go home and see if they've missed us," Mandy giggled. "We should spend a few minutes with the family, 'cause I do wanna thank Grandma for gettin' us together. Then, you need to take me to our bed so we can fuck each other's brains out!"

"That sounds like an offer I can't refuse. Let's go."

We got back into the front seat of the truck, I started up, turned the lights on, and slowly drove home, while she was straightening her clothes. When we arrived, we saw that the family had returned. Mandy and I walked in and were immediately mobbed by everyone wanting to know where we'd been. I did overheard a low comment about how we looked like a pair of poor dirt farmers, but said nothing.

Grandma was seated in her recliner in the living room, when we walked in. We ignored all the questions and comments, going straight to her, to thank her for all her work in getting us together, as she stood to greet us.

Mandy hugged her and kissed her cheek.