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)
Her deep dimples had a diamond in each of them, too. Though he knew she hadn’t gotten them pierced, it was a nice touch. So pretty. Tina held her right hand, the woman dressed in a beautiful peach and white gown. Kaylee also wore the same colors, her dress having a sash and bow around the waist. She proudly held Desiree’s left hand. The three began making their slow descent down the aisle, while Destiny held the bride’s train.
Legend was pleased to see that all of Desiree’s sisters and brothers were in attendance, in spite of the ongoing tension and dysfunction in her family. He knew that meant a lot to her. On the other hand, he did not see his mother. She wasn’t invited, and he’d made it quite clear to her, several days prior, that the best wedding gift she could give him was to not be there.
He focused back on what was going on, clasping his hands. His heart was thumping so hard and loud, it seemed to create its own tune. The reverend asked the usual question of who was giving the bride away, and Kaylee and Tina said, “We do,” at the same time. Tina kissed Desiree’s cheek, took Kaylee by the hand, and they went to their seats.
The minister first said a short prayer. Then, two women came to stand beside him in traditional African garb, each holding two glasses. One had lemon juice in it, the other chili sauce. The third glass contained melted unsweetened chocolate syrup and the fourth, honey. These represented the Yoruba practice of marriage being bitter, sour, spicy and sweet. Each glass was passed to Legend. He tasted the contents, then passed it to his bride. The women explained the significance of this ritual, which represented for better or worse, and through thick and thin in marriage.
After the tasting ceremony was over, Desiree took his hands in hers, blinking back tears. The minister explained that the bride and groom were going to share a few words with one another, for all to witness, and then the customary vows would be exchanged.
“Legend, God has chosen you for my husband. I choose you for my life partner, forever and a day. I’ll choose you over and over again, with no pauses. If I were blindfolded in a big room, with hundreds of men, I’d find you in the crowd within minutes. I know your smell, your laugh, your touch. I know how you move. I know when you’re happy, and when you’re tired or down, without you saying a word. I know you, for you are me, and we are becoming one.” She sniffed as a tear rolled down her cheek. “You are my chosen love. I choose you…”
Leaning close to her, he gently wiped the tears from her face.
“Legend…” Reverend March nodded in his direction for him to begin.
His jaws tightened, and he briefly closed his eyes. He once again felt Axel patting his shoulder, as well as heard several people crying already in the crowd.
“None of this was supposed to be for me. No beautiful wife. No smart and funny daughter.” He glanced at Kaylee, who was silently crying, her head on her grandmother’s shoulder. “No beautiful house to start a life I was told I didn’t deserve. For most of my life, I did not know what real love was. I knew how to help people. I knew how to care about people. But I didn’t understand what love really meant. I thought I did, but I was clueless, until I found you.” He took another deep breath, and continued, “You are the embodiment of strength, Desiree. You are powerful. Intelligent. My best friend… But I don’t want you to have to be strong all the time. I want you to lean on me. Let me do the heavy lifting. Your days of draggin’ around baggage and stress solo are over. I got it from here.”
“AMEN!” someone yelled, drawing a smattering of laughter.
“You know my secrets.” His lower lip quivered, and he swallowed, pausing for the briefest of moments. “You know my dreams. My passions. You know my weaknesses. You know my strengths. I wanted someone I could trust. I ended up getting a beautiful lover. A best friend. A helpmate. A cheerleader. A truth teller. Someone who loves me enough to tell me when I’m wrong, and to support me when I’m right. This wedding is beautiful, but our marriage will outshine this day. I plan to be the best father I can be to Kaylee, the best son-in-law I can be to my second mother,” he glanced at Tina, who was crying her eyes out, “and the best husband to you, so that during good times, or bad times, you’ll never doubt my love for you.”
Another tear fell from Desiree’s eyes, and though he tried to fight it, he couldn’t stop the dam from breaking. They reached for one another to wipe each other’s faces. Lifting her hand to his lips, he kissed her palm.