Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 97951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
“He was savin’ our love for a rainy day. And now, that day is here.” He took a deep breath, then continued. “You told me once that I was the calm before the storm. When it rains, it pours, but you ain’t gotta worry about getting not even one strand of hair on that pretty lil’ head of yours wet, Nadia, ’cause now you’re safe and protected. Why? Well, that’s obvious. Go on and let it rain cats all it wants. They won’t land a scratch. Why? Because you’ve married the Top Dog…” The crowd burst out in applause, laughter, and whistles.
She tossed her arms around him and squeezed. He hugged her right back, so tight, resisting the urge to seal it with a kiss. Taking their rings from the Matron of Honor and ring bearer and repeating the words of Pastor Johnson, they exchanged them, both shaky with excitement.
“I must say, those were some wonderful vows! Just beautiful,” Pastor Johnson announced before going into a final prayer. After he finished, he made the closing statements and declaration. “Since Lennox and Nadia have exchanged their vows before God and respected witnesses, have sworn their commitment to each other before us all, and have professed the same by joining hands and exchanging rings, I now pronounce Lennox Wilde and Nadia Wilde, as husband and wife!” People clapped and cheered. “Those who God has joined together, let no one put asunder!” the pastor yelled over the noise. “Lennox, Mr. Top Dog,” the man laughed, “you may kiss your bride!” Kage began to loudly bark and howl like some beast.
Lennox pulled Nadia to him and gave her an all-consuming kiss. His heart swelled, his body was on fire for her, and his soul merged with hers. He could hear the cheers and feel the love all around him, and it was the best feeling on God’s green earth. He squeezed Nadia, bringing her as close as he possibly could while his body, heart and soul screamed her name.
Reaching into his pants pocket, he pulled out the two stones he’d gathered from the ground when he’d proposed to her. He handed her the one he felt was most like him, and kept the one he believed was most like her. “We’re rocks. Rockstars. We’re strong. We’ve got endurance. But even rocks need protection, affection and love. Even rocks can swept away with the storm. Thank you for lovin’ me, Nadia, and bringing out the best in me. I promise to choose our love, every single day of our lives…”
She can’t stand the rain
It’s like tears that turn the iron and metal of love into rust.
She can’t stand the rain
Because it can’t drown heartbreak, troubles, and lust.
He can’t stand the pain
It comes as deceased mothers and weak fathers, hidden in the sorrowful, mourning fog.
He can’t stand the pain
But now he can endure it with Queen Lust by his side, for he is the Top Dog.
EPILOGUE
The sounds of Shaboozey’s, ‘Last of My Kind’ came through loud as Lennox stood on the ladder, removing the painter’s tape from the wall of his fitness center. Construction workers, electricians, and even a couple of designers that Silva had hired marched in and out of various areas. He’d done plenty of last-minute changes—his curiosity had sparked. Since he’d gotten back from his week-long honeymoon with Nadia to Taos, New Mexico, things had been full speed ahead. He’d decided to change the name of the place, and a new electric sign was made that read: Wilde Ways Fitness Zone.
He was finally at a place in his life where he was embracing his last name. At this point, for him it meant to conquer, and to be free. Inside the large structure, he had a room set up for yoga classes and a free Lamaze session for expecting mothers. The room was dedicated to his own mother, with her framed photo holding him and his sister Silva as children on the wall. There would be an indoor pool added the following year, and a second attached building for dance classes. Lennox wanted Wilde Ways to become a statewide brand, and was more than willing to put the blood, sweat and tears into it to achieve just that. He climbed down the ladder and looked around. Pleased with the progress. One large area had all of the ellipticals, treadmills, and bikes, as well as a movie-theater-sized screen that showed various shows. There were also small built-in web browsing monitors on most of the equipment offered.
There was even an area set up for daycare services during member workouts, and he’d hired many staff members to run the front desk, aid with marketing, and teach spinning, Zumba and kickboxing classes. In a large closed-in area was all the weightlifting equipment, with a separate shower area, and he also had set up a healthy snack bar and juice center. A lot of money had been poured into this place, but he had no doubt he’d earn it all back and begin making profit in no time.