Honeymoon Travel log - Vol 1

 Either he is trying to kill me or thrill me... Not so sure which.

 We had been "living proper" (Mama phrase) since the ceremony in Jordan. The boss let my church hold the (Christian) ceremony in the woods on his property. It was the brother I call Arba'ah (the security guy) who pointed out too many of our neighbors can look into the family's property in Amman. That meant too much risk for that venue. I have explained before while Jordan is an open city, It is not quite marriage for same sex couples open... YET.

 While the family was returning to the compound in Amman, Zahir took the American side of the party straight to the airport. I got a nose rub and a kiss on the forehead and a command, "Obey and be good." Then he left me in my family's care and we loaded the jet to Tampa. For the record I was freaking. 

 Stacy explained we were on our way to the next venue. Pawpaw said it was a modern take on an old family tradition, a shivaree. Abducting the groom on the wedding night to torment the bride. I was about to point out I was technically the "bride" in our relationship when Mohsen said Zahir wanted to do things "proper." Translation no "intimate contact" until the final ceremony.

 When he finally arrived in our wedding village (a week later) I attempted to squid wrap him with my arms and legs. I forgot how fast Moe was. "Patience little one. Things must follow their course." Hard to do when you want to rip the buttons off your husband's clothes.

 I told you about the Islamic ceremony in my previous post. Graduation was so lit. Baba arranged with a friend to have a lunch off campus. I was a bit concerned when we pulled up to the new strip mall but the inside space was amazing. 

 The best part was meeting dispatcher John again. Poor guy looked terrified opening the door to see the crowd. He gave me a wrapped box with a cool pen set. The pen doubles as a stylus for my iPad. 

Then he asked Zahir if he could give a gift to his mother. THAT raised eyebrows. He quietly thanked her for finding and caring for me after my kitchen "incident." He gave a lovely blue and white silk scarf. She in turn thanked him for helping me.

  He and officer Mike hit it off, cops and dispatchers, go figure. The big surprise was that he and Zahir started talking fighter jet stuff. I thought I knew all about my friends. I guess I have much more to learn.

  The BIG legal civil ceremony took place the next day at Disney again in our wedding suits. Yes, I wore the head scarf, tiara and veil! Zahir wore his red and white shemagh. This service was more intimate. Close family and of course the boss. Most of the graduation guests were told to go off and enjoy the parks.

 Our wedding reception was also in the park. The Disney cast was so great. The kids had a visit from one of the park princesses at our reception. She was eyeballin my crown. 

"Some people care too much.
I think it's called love." 

 The "bride" and groom got a visit from Winnie the Pooh and Tigger too. Damn you Stacy, it was perfect. I thought about my mom and yes, for a moment I cried. There have been so many days and things recently I wish she could have seen. That day I was wrapped in love and I felt her. 


 About Disney... Disney has been a place of sadness for me in the past. It was the last thing Mom and I did together before she left me in Miami. It took a long time to understand she was trying to build a perfect memory for me to carry me through my life.

  Some on the left and right bash the house of mouse for not going far enough to their side. I would argue Disney is on the BEST side, their own. It is the side of fun and LOVE! Disney does not have STRAIGHT weddings. They do not have GAY weddings. Disney has WEDDINGS! Simply put Disney loves LOVE, and I love Disney. *end of unsolicited product endorsement.

For the record: He's my Pooh Bear!

 As we danced Zahir asked if he was Tigger or Pooh. I reminded him I am Christopher Robin and he was both to be. Sometimes Z is the energetic tiger when I need to play. Sometimes he is the cuddly teddy bear when I need to cry. He is my world of more than a Hundred Acres.

 After the reception we headed straight to the airport. I balked about leaving our things back at the hotel. This earned me a, "Not for you to worry."

 We were welcomed on board by "Muffin" and the flight crew and took our seats. For the first time since he bought the jet, he did not climb into the cockpit. No sooner had we gotten off the ground and leveled off he pick me up princess style and carried me back into the private salon. The bed was already made and dusted with rose petals. I could be wrong but I think he missed me.

 When we finally emerged from our love cage, the flight attendant had a very tasty dinner laid out. I asked when we were getting back to Jordan.  Zahir asked why I thought we were going home. 

 I replied that we were heading to the east. He pointed to the blank monitors and asked how I knew we were flying East? I replied it was easy to tell when you're flying away from the sun. 

 "I am not taking my baby home. We are going on our honeymoon. Where is not your concern. I will care for you from this day on. It is my obligation as husband." 

 We spent five days in Switzerland. I learned how to ski on snow, kind of. OK, I LEARNED HOW TO FALL! A LOT!!! I still hate the cold. Zahir warming me up was AWESOME as always! 

 Second stop was in the Netherlands. The fishing village of Volendam to be precise. A client gave us the use of his summer house as a wedding gift. It was so beautiful, a little cold and damp. The people were so sweet and warm. Did bump into a lemon sucker or two but those were the exception. 

  We did a few walking tours of the harbor area. We stopped in at a wooden shoe factory and took the tour. Z made an impulse buy for me. After a hot chocolate with rum he bought me a pair of wooden clogs called klompen. I could be wrong but I think the rum may have caused the purchase. 

 Speaking of shoes, during our walk on our last day in town the sole blew out on my favorite pair of Vans. I tried to muddle through, to make it back to the hotel. As it got louder, Zahir picked up on the telltale "flap-thwip" sound coming from my left foot. He steered me immediately into the first shoe store he saw. 

 The college guy sat me down to measure my foot and he was flirting. I admit he was cute, not my type but fun to look at. I am normally oblivious to flirtation, THIS was THAT obvious. It was very clear the sizer had not been used in some time. I could almost hear Z's teeth grinding as he growled my shoe size to the boy. "Sizes are different in Europe, must make sure for a proper fit."

  An older associate saw our shiny new rings and Zahir's darkening mood. He zipped into the back and returned with the size Z was muttering. Fit like a glove, my guy knows his boy. The older gentleman took over the sale, college boy was not happy.

 Zahir was not happy either as we went for lunch. For the first time I ate as he picked/stabbed at his food. I put my hand on his. I told him that he had REAL stamina. The strength to carry me at my lowest. The power to guide me safely. The courage to stand and defend me when I was at risk. I ended with, "Think of my favorite position... Do you think that twig of a boy could pick me up and THEN light me up like you do?"

 My man had that check paid and us back to the house in no time.

  Currently at our final venue. Hint there is a VERY warm beach involved. We will be back in Amman too soon.

 Chase

I Have A New Name!!!

 The trip back to the Sunshine State has had a few surprises for us but I'll get into that a bit later. 

 We have rented four vacation homes connected by a winding path. It is at an undisclosed location near the I-4 corridor. The "bridal party's" house is a bit crowded. Moe and Stacy (acting mom and dad), Aunt Meghan (Maid of honor) and her girl friend, Pawpaw, Memaw, and I. 

 The boss rented a house too. He is sheltering the officiants; the Imam for the other religious ceremony in the morning and Officer Mike (the cop who saved my life) who is performing the civil ceremony on Sunday. The civil ceremony is the legal one. It will take place in a theme park in the area. Lets just say "I'm a princess bitch!" 

 The groom's party takes up the other two houses. I love our big family.

 The first surprise was graduation. I SCREWED UP! It turns out I am gonna miss out on the walk for my chemistry degree. That one is Friday night and NOT concurrent with the school of Engineering graduation. Oh well, I still earned the degree.

 Our next surprise was on the wedding front. The second marriage ceremony is in the morning just after sunrise, two days early. Mohsen's Imam had a family emergency so it was either move the event up or scrap this part.

 Stacy and Mama had a henna party for me Wednesday night. My hands and feet look so pretty. All of us look like we are wearing delicate brown lace gloves, EVEN Memaw. Mama gave me something at the henna party, a beautiful (not overly feminine) headscarf and veil. The scarf matched the pattern on my hands. 

 I had just stopped gushing when she gave me a green velvet box "Your king sends this..." It was a delicate platinum kokoshnik style tiara set with tiny diamonds and emeralds. It looks like a crescent moon all by itself. I am not saying it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen but there were tears involved. Mama showed me the proper way to wear it with the headscarf. I'll be, "I GUESS I AM A PRINCESS!"

 The "legal" civil marriage license is done. So technically in the eyes of Florida we are married once we sign on Sunday. Had to jump through a ton of legal hurdles but we are ready. I have chosen to take HIS family name. 

 About the name change, to solve certain issues back home, Zahir will adopt me (ok that part is creepy but this way I can be his somewhat openly). Looking forward to the day when the whole world recognizes LOVE IS LOVE. Until that day, he is all about keeping me safe. 


 Headed out to dinner at the lodge.


 SOOOOOOOO HAPPY!!!!!!


Chase 


 ****Update 12/13/2019****

 The second faith ceremony (the Nikah) is complete. I just woke up from a nap. Poor Zahir is still sleeping off his "bachelor's party." My poor baby was up all night with his brothers, two of my uncles from Paducah, Mohsen and Mike. The boss and Pawpaw played chess until early in the morning on the front porch. 

 The Imam chuckled as the groom's party shuffled (there may have been a momentary stagger or two) up the path to the bridal house. Sarah (my uncle's wife) said it reminded her of an opening to a zombie movie. 

 Zahir and I were dressed in almost matching white and gold silk suits with high collars. The only skin exposed was Zahir's face and my eyes. I couldn't help notice the golden embroidery on my jacket matched my scarf and henna markings. It seams Z's Mama put a lot of thought into my attire.

 The groom's party met mine in the gazebo behind the bridal home. I was shocked at the sheer number of well wishers and witnesses. Many of our clients were there to witness the signing of the Nikaahnama (wedding contract). Zahir kissed my cheek three times and my forehead once during the ceremony. Afterwards we walked the path to the groom's house and Mama said a blessing over me as she held the Quran over my head. "Now you are MY baby too..." I have a real Momma again.

 My uncle Mark surprised me with a check at dinner. "This isn't our gift to you two, it is just a bit of overdue business." He has been managing the property my grandparents had set aside for my Momma and I when I was born. When they thought I died with Momma he took over ownership. He gave me a check for the current value of the property. 

 Mark's wife Sarah is a portrait painter. She gave me a portrait of my mother holding me as a baby. Yes, tears flowed! I swear I could feel Momma here today. We are having a reception on Sunday after the "legal" ceremony. The next hurdle is commencement tomorrow.

I damn near fell over when Zahir showed me the deposit of my "bride price" in my OTHER bank account. Some brides use the money to complete their education, set up the home (like he has EVER said no to a purchase), some start businesses with it. I have no clue what to do with it. I have never had to handle money.

Jedidiah Lives!!!

The long awaited Chapter 05 of Night Of The Wolf has been uploaded to Nifty. I hope people like it. The link SHOULD work when Nifty publishes. My mind went to a lot of dark places (especially chapter two). Zahir wanted me to just walk away from the story. "My baby's thoughts should only be of good things now..." I just can't leave anything half done. 

Getting things arranged for our understated, low key and VERY ILLEGAL Christian marriage next week.

Baba is letting Pawpaw give me away and Baba is Zahir's best man. Location is in the air right now. I hope we can do it in our garden. Alternate sites are being considered. (safety/security issues).

We fly to the states for commencement. Then we have the Islamic service with Mohsen's Imam (Moe will be daddy for that one) and then the civil (legal wedding) the next day. Then off for the honeymoon to?!? 

I still don't know where, Z won't tell me. He says it will be in one the top 10 nations of fan traffic for this site... All but a couple places in the U.S. are cold, and all but one of the nine other nations are cold as well. COME ON WARM WEATHER!!! Not that intent on leaving the bedroom wherever we go.

Chase