Chapter 21

The sheriff went through Thursday kind of in a daze The dispatcher asked him if there was something wrong several times and he kept telling her no. Everything was fine. He got back to his motel room at the end of the day and found a nice new suit waiting for him with an attached note from the manager saying it had been delivered so he had put it in his room. The sheriff tried it on. It looked a little tight but he imagined the way he was losing weight it would soon be loose. As he drove to Clifton he noticed at least a dozen big black semis with the Spiritist star on their trailers, heading in the opposite direction. At The Riverview he saw four more parked, their drivers eating in the diningroom. The matre'd came and said "Right this way sir!" He was led into the back banquet room where everyone else was waiting. Hatfield came over. "You're looking fine!" he remarked. He held up an ornate clipboard. "Our marriage ceremony," he explained, "is the signing of a contract spelling out what is expected from each individual. You might want to read through this. But what it says simply, is where Phil is The Speaker of The Church you will not be obligated to give her any financial support. You may either live with her at her housing, or, if the two of you prefer, establish your own dwelling and she will carry on her duties from there. It also clearly states that the Church makes no claim to ANY of your property. You may distribute it to your children as you see fit. Where all of Phil's needs are seen to by the Church, you will not be obligated for anything. What she desires from you is companionship, physical company and impregnation." The sheriff looked up. "Do you have to spell it out so bluntly?" he asked. "We prefer precise language," Hatfield answered. "What about love, honor and obeying?" the sheriff asked. Hatfield smiled. "I think you two will work that part out!" he answered. "But I don't think Phil would ever do anything that you would consider dishonorable. She might have to disagree with you at times and follow her conscience, but I don't think you'd want her to do otherwise and she will expect the same from you." The sheriff nodded. "This thing says I need witnesses!" the sheriff put in. "I would be honored," Hatfield answered, "if my wife and I might Perform that duty for you." "Surely!" the sheriff answered. "But if you're going to witness for me who's going to witness for Phil?" There was an excited murmur at the far end of the room as two security guards entered holding open the door. They were followed by a man and woman dressed in black. Those gathered rushed forward to meet them. "Them!" Hatfield answered. "They've snuck in especially for the occasion. Probably half the world's going crazy trying to figure out where they are! Come! They're anxious to meet you!" "Oh, my God!" the sheriff muttered. "How do I address them?" "First Speaker is the most appropriate title," Hatfield answered, "and Madam Speaker." The crowd parted as they approached. "First Speaker," Hatfield introduced, "this is Sheriff Daniels." The sheriff extended his hand forgetting The Spiritists did not shake, but The First Speaker took it anyway, holding it strongly, covering it with his other hand. "I am overjoyed we could be here!" he answered. "We try always to be there for our childrens' great occasions, though sometimes it takes a great deal of difficulty and skullduggery. My wife." The Speaker released the sheriff's hand and his wife took it. "Oh, Phil has made a marvelous choice!" the woman beamed. "What wonderful vibrations!" "Thank you Madam Speaker!" the sheriff answered. "Speaking of our shining star," The First Speaker answered, "take a look at this!" Phil had entered from the back door. When the sheriff saw her the wedding gown took his breath away! "Lot better than yours!" The First Speaker whispered to his wife. "We were poor, remember?" she answered. "Well!" The First Speaker snapped. "We'd better get on with this. After our ceremony I can do the I do parts, if you want. I'm perfectly legal to marry anywhere in The United States." "No," the sheriff answered. "Your ceremony is quite beautiful and quite acceptable. I'm still in a bit of a daze, but we'd better get it over with before I lose my nerve!" The First Speaker laughed. A robed man entered. Phil and the sheriff took their places and the ceremony began. When it was concluded there was a buffet. The First Speaker and his wife stayed as long as they could then had to make their good-byes. Phil and the sheriff were ushered through the halls to a lavish suite. The door was shut behind them.. Phil backed up to her husband and said "Undo me!" He proceeded to do so, finding she had nothing on whatsoever, under the wedding gown, which quickly slipped to the floor! She turned around and began undoing his clothes. "Whoa!" he said, "Take it easy!" His wife looked up at him with mischievious eyes. "It's way beyond the point of taking it easy!" she answered.

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