"You may now kiss the bride."
I watched as my dad kissed my mom to make it official, so to speak. We were in Vegas and my parents just renewed their wedding vows. It was kind of cool to see because, of course, I wasn't around for the first time they did it.
I'm their 18 year old son and they got married the first time 20 years ago, when mom was 20 and dad was 21.
It was kind of bitter sweet for me because I got to see them get married, but now what do I do? I'm an 18 year old kid, fresh out of high school, in Vegas, and no one to hang out with. I would assume my folks are gonna go back to their room and do the newlywed thing, if you know what I mean.
Yes, they've been together for 20 years but no, by looking at them you would never believe they were 40 and 41 years old respectively.
Dad was a workout machine and really liked to keep in shape and mom, well....she was just as a fanatic at the gym. So much so she teaches Zumba 5 days a week, 2 classes a day. To say both of them look good is an understatement.
Since dad and I like to hang out together, most people who don't know us assume he's my older brother.
What can I say about my mom, a 40 year old redhead that can pass as 25 anywhere she goes. Need I say more?
So there we were, at the wedding chapel and the folks just got hitched again. The rice was thrown, the small crowd of people who were there cheered and that was that.
Dad had made reservations for the 3 of us at some swanky place for dinner. I would assume he wanted to get food in his system so he could have all that energy for the rest of the night, at least that's what I would do. Heck, even though she's my mom, I know she's a total knock out. Couple that with the dance moves she does in her Zumba classes, I can only assume she's got to be wild in the bedroom. At least in my thoughts she is!
We were sitting at the restaurant and I said, "Well, I'll bet you two are gonna have fun tonight."
"Zack, stop saying stuff like that, I'm your mother," she said with a smile and a blush.
"It's ok son, I don't mind. Besides, you're probably right. You mother has already told me she has a lot planned for me tonight," Dad said smiling while looking at mom.
My mom gave my dad an "I can't believe you just said that" kind of shocking look, all the time with a little devilish smile. About that time our server came and was clearing off our finished meal dishes. He was an older gentlemen, kind of Oriental looking and politely said, "Excuse me, I don't mean to interrupt, but I can't help but noticing you're celebrating a joyous occasion. May I ask what it is?"
"My parents just renewed their wedding vows."
"Oh, congratulations!" he said. May all you dreams and wishes come true."
"Thank you," my mother told him, "I'm sure they will."
"Especially tonight!" my dad said which prompted a little kick under the table from mom.
The server chuckled and walked away.
"So, what are you doing tonight, Zack?" my dad asked me.
"Well, my options are limited, being 18 years old, not much I can do in Vegas."
"Oh, I see." Dad said as he reached in his pocked. "You're mother and I have already thought of this and we did something we aren't supposed to, but we figured you had sacrificed these last few days with us, so we wanted to do something for you"
He pulled out an ID from his pocket and handed it to me. On it I saw my name, Zack Klein, Jr. (after my dad) and my picture, all the correct data about my address and stuff, but the date of birth date was set 4 years earlier.
"What's this all about?" I asked with a puzzled look.
"You know Harvey, my buddy that works at the License Branch. Well, I asked him to do me a favor and make up this ID for you because of what's going on this weekend. He's gone out on a limb and did this for me....I mean you...but we have to give it back to him when we get back, some sort of paper work thing. Long story short, for this weekend, you'll be 22 years old!"
"And," my mother added, "just to sweeten the pot, we've already got you tickets to the hottest night club in Vegas! We want you to stay out all night and have as much fun as you possibly can!"
"WOW! This is great! I can't believe this! You two are the best!"
"Glad you like it son, we know how much you like to dance, so we hope all goes well for you tonight. When I was 18, I would have given my right arm to have this kind of opportunity in Vegas!" dad said as our waiter came back to the table.
"Can I offer a complimentary after dinner drink for the happy couple?" he said.
"Oh, I don't drink," said my mom, "but you can give mine to my son, is that ok?"
"Not an issue. What would the gentlemen like?"
"Let's just keep it simple son, just a quick shot of Jack Daniels and we'll be good to go."
"Sounds good to me, dad"
"Very well," said our server, "I'll be right back."
"I'll let you two have some guy-time, I'm going to powder my nose." Said Mom as she got up and left the table.
I was still in shock about the ID and tickets and was still thanking Dad when the server brought our drinks back to the table.
"I wish I could be 18...er, 22....again and enjoy this night with you son."
"I wish I could hook up with a hot chick and have the same kind of fun you and mom are gonna have tonight, dad!" we both said chuckling to each other.