Page 11 of Desire

“Daddy, I promise I’ll be fine.”

He nodded before leaving my side and sitting beside my mother in the front row.

“Sir, you may now turn and face your bride,” the officiant announced.

As soon as his face came into view, I gasped in disbelief, and I wasn’t the only person surprised.

“Mayor Harris?”

“Oh God, she’s marrying the mayor.”

“Is that the mayor?”

Those were some of the questions and comments I heard as I processed who stood before me. I recalled the number of times I’d daydreamed about this man being mine, and he was now minutes away from being just that. This couldn’t be real.

As excited as I was to see a familiar face, I wondered if he was committed to this process. He was known to entertain many women, and I didn’t want to be caught up in any scandals with the mayor and admirers.

“Close your mouth, beautiful. It’s really me,” he teased with a wink and a smile.

He took his place beside me, and we stood before the officiant.

“We are here today to join Desire Angelique Chambries and Aziel Charleston Harris in holy matrimony. Is there anyone here who objects to this union?”

Aziel released my hand and turned to face our guests. “If anyone objects, keep it to yourself and take your ass home. This wedding is happening whether you object or not. We’re not here for the negativity.”

He waited to see if anyone would say anything before turning back around and taking my hand in his again. My eyes remained on him because although his actions were a bit shocking, they turned me on. He looked my way and smirked before giving his attention to the officiant.

I wouldn't have an answer if someone asked me anything about the ceremony. While the officiant spoke, I daydreamed about how Aziel’s lips would feel against mine, how his body would feel pressed against me, and how his dick would feel when he penetrated my walls.

“Desire, did you prepare any vows?” the officiant asked.

“I didn’t, but I have something to say,” I replied as Aziel and I turned to face each other, holding hands. “I took a chance and didn’t know what to expect, but I’m God’s daughter, and He don’t play about me. He’s proven it many times, but He went all out this time. I don’t know what our future holds, but I’m looking forward to exploring life with you. I promise to love, honor, and obey you if you don’t act a fool and prove yourself worthy.”

“Daddy, you're the prince, and I’m the princess,” Azaria said as she stood in the mirror in front of me.

“That’s right, baby girl. You’re my little princess.”

My daughter didn’t fully understand what was happening. I’d tried to explain it but couldn’t figure out how to do so on a three-year-old’s level. She knew I was getting married but didn’t understand what it meant. After a few attempts at trying to break it down, I gave up.

Maybe if I’d been in a serious relationship and were about to marry someone Azaria had met, she’d better understand. Although I would’ve loved for her to be a part of the wedding, I didn’t think she was old enough to cooperate.

Nothing about what I’d chosen to do was traditional, but ever since I was informed that they’d found a match, something had been on my mind. I’d never been one to follow the rules and traditions, but there were some I valued.

“I couldn’t marry this woman without asking her parents’ permission,” I told my brother as I checked myself out in the full-length mirror. “I wrote a note and asked Nathan to get it to them as soon as possible.”

My bride chose the dark purple and gold color scheme, and I had no preference, so I went along with it. I looked good in the purple tuxedo jacket with gold lapels, pockets, bowtie, and the white button-down shirt and pants. Azaria wore a fluffy gold dress and shoes, with white lace tights and purple barrettes dangling in her hair.

“That was commendable. What did you say?” AJ asked.

I paused as I recalled what I’d written to my bride’s parents.

“Dear Sir and Madam, I’m writing to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage. Although we have chosen to go the nontraditional route, some things cannot be sacrificed, and having your blessing is one of them. I assure you, I’m not a crazed lunatic. I come from a great family, I’m well-educated, I don’t have a criminal history, and I have a successful career. I promise your daughter will be in good hands.”

“I’m sure they have some reservations about their daughter marrying a stranger, but hopefully, your note gave them some comfort,” AJ commented after I told him the gist of the letter.

“I hope so. I wrote one to my bride as well. I want her to know I’m excited to meet her and begin our lives together.”

“You’re off to a good start, little brother.”

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