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)
When everyone had gathered and gotten settled, the song changed. Lennox felt a spasmodic trembling in his gut, so he breathed deep a few good times to get control of himself. In his efforts, he became fixated on the partially open car door, and the driver standing there with his snow-white gloves. A big smile spread across the driver’s dark brown face as he held the back door open for the one missing member of the marching band.
Lennox could practically taste Nadia as she sat back, unseen and out of view. His stomach somersaulted. He swallowed his emotions in a hard gulp, then checked his reflection shown in one of the freshly cleaned windows of the restaurant, needing a new focus while he got his emotions in check. There he was, dressed in a Sebastian Cruz Champagne Oro Paisley Dinner Jacket, paired with a black shirt, black pants and a black champagne handkerchief tucked in the pocket. His dark hair was coiffed to perfection—the sides cut short, and the top grown out and brushed away from his face. His mustache and beard were neatly trimmed. Pure perfection. He looked rather sharp if he said so himself.
Turning back around, he caught sight of his cousins, who were his groomsmen, as well as a couple of employees from the nightclub and the gym he’d worked at before setting off on his own. Once they were all standing in position, the music faded and the new song playing was ‘Happy,’ by Pharrell Williams.
People laughed and clapped as Nadia’s little cousin, a cute little caramel-skinned girl with sandy brown Shirley Temple curls approached the guests in a frilly light blue dress, frilly white socks, and black patent leather shoes. She was holding a blue basket full of wrapped red and white peppermints like the ones they used to give away after meals at the restaurant. Bouncing down the aisle, dancing to the music, she tossed pieces of the candy here and there. Once she was finished, Lennox’s friend’s son, a little pink-cheeked boy with short dark brown hair and bright hazel eyes came into view. He held a small-sized carry-out restaurant box which contained the bride’s wedding band. He too was full-on smiling and dancing to the music, providing a fun lightheartedness to the vibe.
Once the boy’s expedition was complete, the minister smiled at everyone, then raised his hand high.
“Please rise, as we welcome the bride.”
People got to their feet and a new song began to play: ‘Adore,’ by Prince. The limousine door opened a bit wider, now the inside in full view. The driver leaned forward and extended his hand. Nadia stepped one champagne high-heeled shoe out the door, placed her gloved hand into his palm, and got to her feet. Moisture stung Lennox’s eyes, but he quickly blinked it away. She was the most beautiful woman in the world to him… Standing there in a champagne-colored gown that belled at the bottom like some princess, she reminded him of Cinderella. He was honored to be her prince, her knight in shining armor.
Nadia’s hair was pulled back into an elaborate braided bun, with tiny cream flowers sprinkled on top of it, and a sparkling tiara atop her head. Loose spirals of hair framed her modestly made-up dewy face. This has to be a dream. I need to pinch myself. Her brother, dressed in similar attire as the groomsmen, stood up and made his way to her to loop his arm into hers. They grinned at one another, then laughed. Lennox understood the love between a brother and sister all too well. Nelson leaned in and kissed Nadia on the cheek, and then they began to walk forward.
Step by step, they made their way down the aisle, everyone looking at the sight to behold. Camera flashes of light ensued from the professional photographers busy at work, and the videographers and DJ kept busy, too. When she reached Lennox and Pastor Johnson, the latter gripped his Bible with both hands and posed a question.
“Who gives this lovely bride away?”
Nelson stated, “I do.” Her brother kissed her cheek once again, then went back to his seat next to their mother.
“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen,” Pastor Johnson began. “Fine friends, family of the bride and groom, and loved ones alike. We’re gathered here today to celebrate Lennox Wilde and Nadia Deere in their lifelong commitment of love to each other.” The pastor went on to share a little insight about the both of them, and urged their guests to read the programs/menus to learn more about the couple.
“I’ve known Lennox for many years. He was my personal trainer, and he helped set up some tents at one of our church carnival events a long time ago. He and I got to talkin’ over time and I enjoyed him, and his conversation. I knew he was special from the first time we spoke. Though he isn’t a member of our church family, and I’ve slacked off with my workouts, we’ve kept in touch, and he’s always come and assisted for many of our events. When he called me to ask if I would officiate his wedding, I readily obliged. I am honored to be here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”