Chris was so thankful that today was the first step to cementing them as a family.
“Did you write vows?” Lamont asked.
“Yes. We both wanted to.”
“You nervous?” Tuck asked.
Chris shook his head. “Eager more than anything.”
“I’m not going to lie.” Lamont smirked. “I thought you’d be the fifth wheel forever.”
They all laughed.
“So did I, man. So did I.” A knock sounded on the door, so he called out, “Enter.”
Nevaeh stuck her head in and grinned. “Don’t you guys look all snazzy. We’re ready to head in.” She snapped her fingers. “Places,” she said with a grin.
“Oh, I’ll be waiting.” Chris thanked the Lord he had no jitters and felt no triggers. There were no flashbacks of standing alone at the altar. Chris was secure in knowing that Erykah would never do that. She was the one God wanted him to marry, and this was the right time.
Tuck slapped him on the shoulder, and Lamont slapped him on the other one.
“Let’s pray real quick,” Lamont said.
Chris bowed his head.
“Lord God, we thank You for this union. These two people found their way to each other by Your grace and divine plan. We ask that You give them the love they need each day to cherish and respect each other. Please give them the wisdom they need to parent, and the joy they need to serve You individually and as a family.”
“Amen,” Chris whispered.
“And, Lord, we ask that when times get rough, they turn their attention to You and then to each other. We pray the love they feel today only continues to grow throughout the years,” Tuck added.
“In Jesus’s name, we pray,” Lamont said.
“Amen,” they chorused.
“Now let’s go get you married,” Tuck said.
They filtered into the event room, and Chris took a minute to look at their family and friends in the seats. His mom held Ash, whose dress matched Cheye’s flower girl dress. Cameron and his other coworkers had also shown up. Erykah had invited Dr. Cook and his wife, along with a few of her residents.
Music began to play, and Cheyenne walked down the aisle tossing petals. She looked adorable in her red dress with white tulle peeking out. It had been his idea to get married on his birthday. He’d never really cared to celebrate it and didn’t see that changing in the next forty-plus years.God willing.So marrying Erykah on Valentine’s Day would give him something to celebrate.
Nevaeh came down the aisle next in a red dress that fell to the floor. Piper followed her, wearing a matching style. Then the music changed, and everyone stood. Chris held on to the cane as his heart beat faster, waiting for Erykah to appear.
When she did, his breath hitched in his chest. She was stunning.
Her twists had been contorted into some updo that made her look absolutely radiant. Ellynn’s dress fit her perfectly. The sleeveless gown followed her curves and flared out at her knees. The only adornment on the dress was a bow at the neckline that was held in place with a cluster of jewels. But that’s not what kept his attention. The way she smiled at him as she walked down the aisle made Chris’s heart pound with fervor.
Lord God, I know You saved me from a wedding that was never meant to be so I could experience this moment. Thank You.
When Erykah neared, Chris took her hand. “You look gorgeous,” he whispered.
“As do you,” she murmured.
Chris’s pastor had agreed to officiate the wedding. Thankfully, he hadn’t been busy this Valentine’s Day. Chris listened, and when the time to read their vows came, suddenly nervousness struck him. He wasn’t an English major and couldn’t write poetry to save his life. He’d prayed over the words and had asked for wisdom, but what if they still failed to adequately explain how he felt?
Trust. Breathe.
Right. He had this because God was in this.
