Page 10 of Desire

“Oh my God. Hurry up and read it,” Destinee urged. She’d always been the nosy one of us three.

I slowly opened the envelope and pulled out the paper inside. My nerves got the best of me as I unfolded it, but I forged ahead. I wasn’t sure if my husband-to-be had written it, but the handwriting was beautiful.

“To my future wife… The path we’ve chosen isn’t the norm for most, but know that I’m all in. I trust that Savannah and Nathan have matched us perfectly, but even more, I trust that God spoke to them while they did so. Please don’t be nervous. I’m looking forward to seeing you at the altar. Your future husband.”

“Wow! That was so sweet,” Destinee commented.

“And thoughtful,” Dream added.

“Yes, it was.”

I reread the note, letting his words sink in and calm my spirit. Another tap on the door pulled me out of my moment. Dream opened it, and there stood my parents. I gasped before rushing to them.

“Mama, Daddy, what are you doing here?” I questioned with surprise.

“Did you think we’d miss our oldest daughter getting married?” my mother asked.

“I wasn’t sure. After our conversation?—”

“Let’s not dwell on the past,” Dad said. “Are you ready to marry this stranger?”

“I was a bit nervous until I received the sweetest note from him.”

“What made you change your mind?” Destinee asked our parents.

“We had a note delivered to us a few hours ago,” Dad told us. “It seems he didn’t feel right marrying our daughter without asking us for her hand in marriage. We figured if he values having our permission, he probably had a respectable upbringing and is a good man.”

“Wow, I’m impressed,” I admitted.

“We were, too,” Ma agreed. “Since he doesn’t know who he’s marrying, I’m sure he had to pull some strings to get the note to us promptly. By the way, you are breathtaking, sweetheart. Your groom is a lucky and blessed man.”

“Thank you, Mama,” I said as we hugged.

“Okay, Miss Chambries, it’s time to get this show on the road,” the wedding coordinator announced as she peeked inside the room and announced.

Things moved quickly after that, and before I knew it, I stood outside the banquet room with my right arm looped through my father’s left.

“You look beautiful, baby girl,” he whispered.

“Thank you, Daddy, and I’m so thankful you and Ma are here.”

Just as the doors opened, he turned to kiss my cheek through my veil. “I Could Fall in Love” by Selena began to play, and my father and I waited for the coordinator's signal. My eyes darted around the space as everyone stood, and I was shocked by the number of people present. I’d invited my extended family and some of my coworkers, but since it was such short notice, I wasn’t sure who would come. My future husband had a good number of guests as well.

I looked down the aisle, and my stomach fluttered when I saw him…well, the back of him.

“You ready?” Daddy asked as the coordinator gave us the signal.

I nodded, and we began a slow stride down the makeshift aisle. My husband-to-be stood at the end of the aisle, his hands clasped together, looking straight ahead. The closer I got to him, the more excited I became.

“Slow down, baby girl,” my father whispered.

I didn’t know I’d increased my speed, but the realization tickled me. I slowed my pace to match my father’s, and eventually, we made it to the end of the aisle. The music stopped, and the officiant spoke.

“Who gives this man to this woman?”

My father lifted his right hand and said, “I do.”

He turned to face me, lifted my veil, and kissed my cheek. When he moved away, I noticed his eyes were glossy.

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