God, I don’t pray often. I don’t talk to you enough. I just want to say thank you…
He swallowed back his emotions and looked up to see the bridesmaids entering, all wearing beautiful blue gowns, their arms looped around all twelve groomsmen, one at a time. It had been hell to find twelve groomsmen, but Yas had insisted upon it since she had twelve bridesmaids. The bridesmaids came to stand to his right while the men stood to his left. The notes of Pharrell Williams’ ‘Happy’ started to play and everyone got to their feet. A cute little Black girl, the same one he’d seen with her face glued to the window at Aunt Toni’s party, danced down the aisle, throwing little blue rose petals along the way.
Nixon’s little nephew danced with her, both of them acting silly and tossing petals and handfuls of blue feathers as they boogied closer and closer. The laughter and giggles grew so loud, they competed with the music. Nixon clapped to the beat, encouraging the children, then, unable to help himself, he joined in their dance, all three clapping and carrying on and drawing a ruckus of laughter.
He picked up the little girl and rocked her in his arms, kissed her cheek, then set her down on her feet. He did the same with his nephew before they returned to their mothers. People were asked to remain standing, and the music and noise died down. The singer launched into his rendition of Prince’s ‘The Most Beautiful Girl in the World.’ Nixon clasped his hands as the minister stood closer, and then, from quite a distance away… she appeared…
There were audible gasps, oohhs and ahhhs as Yasmine stood there, her arm looped around her father’s. Nixon placed his hands in a prayer gesture and pressed them against his lips, shaking his head, in awe of his bride. She wore a form-fitting long ivory gown with a high collar which accentuated her figure and showcased her elegant neck and a bit of cleavage. It flared out at the bottom, reminding him of a puddle of white silk. Her hair was down but tucked behind one ear, displaying a long diamond earring that matched a diamond pendant in her hair. Lips glossy, eyes large and bright like a doe’s, she was the epitome of everything he could have ever hoped for, and more. She drew closer and closer, but it wasn’t fast enough. He wanted to reach out, grab her, hold her…
Regaining his composure, he returned his attention to her. Once Yasmine arrived right before him, the minister asked, “Who gives this woman away?”
Her father stood proudly, chin high, and answered, “I do.”
Nixon and Mr. Prince shook hands, then the man gave him a hearty hug. After Yasmine’s father took his seat, he and his bride faced one another. The minister instructed them to hold hands as they exchanged their traditional vows. Nothing fancy, just pure, simple sentiments from the heart.
“I love you so much,” he mouthed.
In her eyes shone all the love she had for him. His stomach did somersaults when she’d look at him like that.
“I, Yasmine Prince, take thee to be my husband, and before God and these witnesses, I promise to be a faithful and true wife.”
“I, Scooby Doo, take thee, Yasmine Prince, to be my Scooby snack, and—”
“Nixon!” Yasmine stomped her foot, her face red with embarrassment as everyone burst out laughing.
“Okay, okay. I, Nixon Rossellini, take thee, Yasmine Prince, to be my wife, and before God and these witnesses, I promise to be a faithful and true husband.” He managed somehow to get through it without laughing.
“You may now exchange rings.” Goldie placed the thick gold band in her hand, and Yasmine slid it down his finger. Along the sides were blue diamonds, similar to her own. He placed her diamond encrusted band on her finger, and held her hands as he looked into her eyes for a wee bit longer than he should’ve… but he simply wasn’t ready to let go.
The vows continued on and finally arrived at the part he was waiting for – the part that sealed the deal and made it real, for once and for all.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss your bride!”
He could feel his chest rising with each breath. They drew closer and before he knew it, his hand was around the back of her head, and he was falling into passionate pieces. He