Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 112755 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112755 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
He sat down on the edge of the king bed with black and white sheets, the marital bed that waited for them to consummate their union. It had just arrived two days prior, and his bride wanted to save it for their wedding night. They’d been screwing everywhere but there, and he couldn’t wait to break it in later that night.
He grabbed his brand-new shoes—Christian Louboutin Dandyrocks black velvet loafers with spiked heels—and slipped them on over black satin socks. Finally, his Rolex watch adorned his wrist.
He walked out of the bedroom and sat down on a chair where an associate of his, Thomas, who was also his barber, was waiting with Axel, Caspian, and several other men he’d gotten close to over the years. A drape was placed over him, and his haircut commenced. Beard trimmed at the end, he looked like a billion bucks. The three brothers all walked out together and got into a white limo that was waiting outside.
As they made their way to the church, Caspian took a loud, deep breath. Legend studied him as he opened his tuxedo jacket, and pulled out a white feather…
“When you see that feather, that means she’s about to start making things real uncomfortable,” Legend offered. Axel nodded in agreement. “Shit just got real. How many dreams have you had of her so far, and when did you get the feather?”
“Four dreams. Two days ago.”
“Get ready. Here she comes.”
Caspian swallowed, placed the feather back inside his tuxedo jacket, and looked gloomily out of the window. Axel no longer had dreams of Ms. Florence. Legend had received his final one several weeks ago. She’d moved on, and was now working her magic on Caspian. There was no escape.
When they arrived at the church, there were cars galore. The entire parking lot was full, and people were milling about, laughing and talking. When he and his crew got out of the car, the crowd began applauding. Legend slapped hands and hugged several of them, then entered the church, to find it about half full. It would be standing room only pretty soon.
“Y’all late,” Melanie barked. She stood with her tall, thin self, looking them up and down as if they were dirt on her shoes. “Come on over here.”
“We’re not late! We got—”
“Shut up. You should’ve been here ten minutes ago. Anyway, get in position. I’m about to tell these folks to come on in because we need to get started. Y’all must think this is a game?!”
Melanie began pushing people around, so different from her typical laid-back self. She and Desiree had become friends, and realized they had a lot in common. Sometimes, he was jealous, for it seemed Desiree was spending more free time with his sister than with him. Regardless, he was happy that they were so close.
Moments later, he was standing with the minister, Reverend Allen March, an older Black man with a pleasant smile and quiet disposition. They’d spoken several times prior to today’s nuptials, and Reverend March had recommended pre-marital counseling, as he said he did to all couples. Legend begrudgingly attended a few sessions with Desiree, with an actual marital psychologist, and in those sessions, his reservations came out immediately. Many things were touched upon, stuff he hadn’t even considered, but he was glad it was highlighted—for it let him know that he had some improvements to make in how he saw the world. The psychologist also provided tips on how to be a better husband.
“Legend, you stand right here,” Reverend March instructed. Legend took a few steps back as people began to quiet down, and the music started. ‘The Point of it All,’ by Anthony Hamilton, began to play, cuing everyone to quiet down. Soon, Monica’s, ‘Love All Over Me’ was sung by a trained singer. The groomsmen entered one by one, their arms looped around a beautiful bridesmaid. The bridesmaids were dressed in flowing peach dresses with slits on the right side. The flash of cameras began, and Legend felt himself getting warmer. It won’t be long now. She’s coming soon…
Axel and Caspian stood right by him, all smiles. He swallowed his nerves and held his chin high while Desiree’s little niece came down the aisle in a frilly peach dress, tossing dried peach rose petals and faux diamonds all along the way.
Everything got super quiet and somber then…
The back doors of the church opened, people stood to their feet, and in the distance, he saw his heart. The sight choked him up and he bowed his head. He felt a hand on his shoulder, and knew it was Axel. He looked back up as, LTD’s ‘Love Ballad’ started to drift from the speakers. Desiree wore a hip-hugging cream dress that reminded him of a jazz singer’s gown from the 1940’s. A bold slit went up the side, showcasing her long, shapely legs, the feet encased in sparkly cream heels. A large cream flower was pinned on the side of her hair, which was half up, and half down. At the top was a braided bun adorned with diamond beads. The strands flowed down her back in loose spirals.