Page 8 of Embrace

The train of my dress was long and trailed around me in a pool of ruffled white. I tossed the moist napkins into the nearby bin and used my now free palms to caress the dress. I smiled at my reflection. I had never felt so beautiful. Today, I was the main character in an unconventional yet romantic story. I prayed today resulted in a happily ever after unlike any other.

My makeup was bold with a bright red lip and dramatic eyeshadow. My hair was braided down into cornrows before my stylist installed an expensive wig with wand curls flowing down my back. To tie the look together, I had a hair piece with the same floral arrangement as my bouquet. I had never felt as stunning as I did in this moment.

There was a knock on the door before Lamya walked in. She had a gentle smile on her face with a twinkle in her eyes. “Hey, beautiful!”

“Hey,” I replied.

“How are you feeling?” she asked. “I wanted to make sure you were all set for your big day.”

“Can you give me a hint about the man waiting for me at the altar?” I asked with hopeful eyes.

“I interviewed him. I knew the moment I’d heard all his answers, he was the one for you. I’ve been doing this a long time, and no other match has been so blatantly obvious before.” Lamya’s words calmed my nerves slightly.

“Really?” I asked with hope laced in the word.

“Yes, ma’am. You’re going to have a beautiful marriage with an Arranged Hearts seal of approval.” Lamya gave me a gentle hug.

“It’s time!” Sandra, the wedding coordinator, stated from on the other side of the door. “Everyone, please get into your positions!”

The wedding rehearsal was hilarious because we practiced without the other half of the wedding party in attendance. I figured they were prepared for any and all mistakes to avoid a catastrophe on our special day.

“I wish Blaze was here,” I mumbled to myself as I lifted my bouquet into my hands.

Lamya explained to us how we’d have our weddings on the same day because of the tight schedule of the venues. Unfortunately, they fell during the same time slot, so we’d have to go through these special moments without each other. It sucked, but I would make sure to schedule a time to hear all about his experience and his feelings on his new wife. I was glad we got to experience dress and suit shopping together, though.

It took a couple of days of browsing before we were able to go to the tailor and get them fitted together.

“On the count of three, we’re going to step out… Okay?”

“Yeah.”

“One…”

“Two…”

“Three.” As we said the word together, we both stepped out into the main room and revealed our looks. Blaze wore a cream-colored suit with red accents on the chest, buttons, and vest. It fit him perfectly and sculpted his muscular frame.

“Wow,” Blaze commented at the same time as I awed at his appearance.

“You look amazing, loser,” I stated while I perused him in the suit.

“Thanks. You don’t look ugly.”

I smacked my lips. “Whatever.”

“Nah. All jokes aside… Whoever is waiting for you at the altar will lose their breath when they lay eyes on you. If this is how you look without all the glamour, I can’t imagine how gorgeous you’re going to look on your special day.”

My cheeks heated from the compliment. “Thanks, bestie. I know your wife-to-be is going to want to jump your bones when she sees you.”

He licked his lips. “You want to jump my bones?”

“Boy, focus!” I laughed.

“Nah, but on some real shit… I hate we won’t get to share the moment together. You would have been my best man.”

I rolled my eyes. “Good to know. You would have been my maid of honor.”

“Even though I can’t be there to share the moment with you, follow your gut, Su.” Blaze placed his hands on my shoulders and stared into my soul. “I love you, and I’ll go to war behind you. I pray the service sets you up with a man who will grow and love you in every season of your life.”

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