Page 62 of Finding You

Just then, the music started. Nyla, who was on the keyboard, and Harrison, who was playing his saxophone were providing the music for the wedding as well as the reception. They were currently playing Kenny G’s “The Wedding Song” for her to march to.

Before Zion’s nephew and one of his friends who were acting as ushers opened the doors, Raven said to Christopher, “I’ll never be able to express just how important you are to me, G-Pop. I love you so much, thank you for being in my life.”

His smile wavered, and she didn’t miss the tears in his dark eyes. “It’s my pleasure, sweetheart. Now can you quit trying to make me cry and get this wedding going?”

She cracked up and then quickly covered her mouth, unsure if the guests who were sitting outside could hear her. She was so happy she was afraid she’d burst before she made it down the short aisle to Zion.

“Okay, I’m ready. Let’s go.”

As Raven strolled down the aisle, that had a few rows of chairs on each side, the photographer snapped photo after photo. She hoped the pictures revealed how happy she was and how much joy she felt. This was one of the most exciting days of her life, and she got to spend it with the people who meant the most to her. She couldn’t ask for more than that.

Everyone was standing and watching her, and since the crowd was small, she tried to make eye contact with each one. She winked at her aunt Nancy who was already dabbing at her eyes. Though her cousin didn’t attend, she was glad to see her aunt.

Aunt Nancy had finally met Zion weeks ago, and though she’d wanted to dislike him, she hadn’t been able to. He had charmed her the moment he strolled in with the twins, as well as a huge bouquet of Callie Lillies, her favorite.

She thought he was not only handsome but had told Raven that he had a nice body. According to her, if she was a few years younger, she might try to steal him away. Since then, Zion had become her favorite person, mainly because he had done a lot of work around her house for her. It probably also helped that she hated Maximus.

Raven’s gaze met the Priestly sisters who were all sitting together in the second row. Dorian caught her attention, and Raven almost laughed when her soon-to-be sister-in-law dramatically pointed to Essence’s date. She’d been the only one to request a plus one, and they’d all been trying to guess who’d she’d bring.

Apparently, Dorian had been correct. She’d said Essence didn’t date much and only hung out with her best friend, a guy she’d known for over twenty years. If he was the one sitting next to her, he was good-looking, and according to Dorian, he was in love with Essence. Raven couldn’t wait to see if anything more would come of the relationship.

When Raven’s attention went to the floral wedding arch where the minister and Zion were standing, her smile widened. Her man looked finer than fine in his black tux and silver accessories, similar to Chris’s. She couldn’t wait to strip him out of that suit, though. His mother had insisted they not share a bedroom last night, and they went along with it. Now, Raven was jonesing for her man who she hadn’t seen all day.

“Hey, beautiful,” he said when Christopher handed her off. “I thought you’d never get here.”

Raven laughed and slipped her hand into his. “I know, right? It seems like it’s been more than fifteen hours since I’ve last seen you,” she whispered.

“Fifteen hours too long,” he whispered back. “And as soon as this is over, I’m stealing you away and stripping you out of that pretty...”

The minister cleared his throat and looked pointedly at Zion with a frown. It looked like he had heard every word, and Raven couldn’t help but snicker, though she sobered when the man turned his eyes to her.

“Sorry, we’re ready,” she hurried to say.

Fifteen minutes later, after they promised their lives to each other, the minister pronounced them husband and wife.

“You may kiss your bride,” he said.

Zion pulled Raven into his arms, and he kissed her with so much passion she was sure she whimpered. They’d done it. They had become husband and wife, and she couldn’t wait to start their new life together.

When the kiss ended, their guest whooped and hollered as they charged toward them. Raven’s cheeks were already hurting from all the smiling and laughing. When she’d been younger, she had wished for a large family, and she finally had one.

Best day ever!

Zion leaned close to her ear and whispered, “How about we try to sneak away for a minute before the reception starts?”

“Great idea. Lead the way.”

Hours later, Zion eased out onto the back deck, glad no one was out there. He needed a breather. This had been the perfect day, and though he loved his family, he was ready for them or him to leave.

He smiled at the thought. It would definitely be him and Raven leaving because some of his family was staying the night in the house. He and Raven would soon be heading to a hotel to spend their wedding night. Then tomorrow morning, they would fly to Fiji and be there for seven days and six nights.

Zion had wanted to go for two weeks, since he didn’t start his new job with Supreme Security until then, but Raven didn’t want to be away from the babies that long. Of course, he eventually agreed. He knew they’d be in good hands, but he was sure he’d miss them even before the week was up. While they were away, Dorian would be keeping the twins, and while she worked at the B & B, their mother would take care of them.

The patio door swished open, then closed, and Zion didn’t have to turn around to know it was his wife. He felt her, as well as smelled her enticing, unique scent before she even made herself known.

My wife.A grin spread across his face. He had a wife, and for a person who thought he wouldn’t be ready for one for another ten years, he was thrilled. He had his own family, and he was more than ready for them to start creating memories.

“Hey, hubby. What are you doing out here by yourself?” she asked and slid her arms around his waist from behind, resting her hands on his stomach and her head on his back.

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