The Nature of Love (Love in the Spotlight #3)

Chapter 44

Forty-Four

VALENTINE’S DAY

“You ready, man?” Lamont asked.

Chris grinned. “Absolutely. The way this came together is nothing short of a miracle.” He checked his bow tie to make sure it looked fine.

“Stop fidgeting,” Tuck said. “It was fine the last time you checked.”

“Can’t help myself. Too much energy, gotta get it out somehow.”

“This has to be the fastest wedding I’ve ever seen come together, and definitely one for the books.” Lamont sat on the couch in the sitting area.

The governor had paid for a space at The Broadmoor he’d no longer needed. Chris was still amazed he’d offered it to Erykah but felt like it was the biggest God wink of the decade. Now they were about to say their vows in one of the wedding venues located at the hotel.

Erykah would be wearing Ellynn’s wedding dress, and she, too, had come into the perfect wedding band—her words. Chris had yet to see it since they’d agreed to exchange rings on their wedding day.

Ch ris had bought a cane—doctor approved—so he didn’t have to crutch his way down the aisle. And after they said I do , his mom would babysit Cheye and Ash so that he and Erykah could go to Vail for the honeymoon. Cam had been relieved that Chris was able to fully reimburse her, but he couldn’t help but feel like he’d come out on the better side of things.

How did I get to be so fortunate?

“I can’t believe how well this came together either.” Tuck stroked his beard. “It’s definitely a God thing.”

“Right? Erykah was in tears when we started comparing notes.” He sighed.

Chris was so thankful that today was the first step to cementing them as a family.

“Did you write vows?” Lamont asked.

“Yes. We both wanted to.”

“You nervous?” Tuck asked.

Chris shook his head. “Eager more than anything.”

“I’m not going to lie.” Lamont smirked. “I thought you’d be the fifth wheel forever.”

They all laughed.

“So did I, man. So did I.” A knock sounded on the door, so he called out, “Enter . ”

Nevaeh stuck her head in and grinned. “Don’t you guys look all snazzy. We’re ready to head in.” She snapped her fingers. “Places,” she said with a grin.

“Oh, I’ll be waiting.” Chris thanked the Lord he had no jitters and felt no triggers. There were no flashbacks of standing alone at the altar. Chris was secure in knowing that Erykah would never do that. She was the one God wanted him to marry, and this was the right time.

Tuck slapped him on the shoulder, and Lamont slapped him on the other one.

“L et’s pray real quick,” Lamont said.

Chris bowed his head.

“Lord God, we thank You for this union. These two people found their way to each other by Your grace and divine plan. We ask that You give them the love they need each day to cherish and respect each other. Please give them the wisdom they need to parent, and the joy they need to serve You individually and as a family.”

“Amen,” Chris whispered.

“And, Lord, we ask that when times get rough, they turn their attention to You and then to each other. We pray the love they feel today only continues to grow throughout the years,” Tuck added.

“In Jesus’s name, we pray,” Lamont said.

“Amen,” they chorused.

“Now let’s go get you married,” Tuck said.

They filtered into the event room, and Chris took a minute to look at their family and friends in the seats. His mom held Ash, whose dress matched Cheye’s flower girl dress. Cameron and his other coworkers had also shown up. Erykah had invited Dr. Cook and his wife, along with a few of her residents.

Music began to play, and Cheyenne walked down the aisle tossing petals. She looked adorable in her red dress with white tulle peeking out. It had been his idea to get married on his birthday. He’d never really cared to celebrate it and didn’t see that changing in the next forty-plus years. God willing. So marrying Erykah on Valentine’s Day would give him something to celebrate.

Nevaeh came down the aisle next in a red dress that fell to the floor. Piper followed her, wearing a matching style. Then the music changed, and everyone stood. Chris held on to the cane as his heart beat faster, waiting for Erykah to appear.

When she did, his breath hitched in his chest. She was stunning.

Her twists had been contorted into some updo that made her look absolutely radiant. Ellynn’s dress fit her perfectly. The sleeveless gown followed her curves and flared out at her knees. The only adornment on the dress was a bow at the neckline that was held in place with a cluster of jewels. But that’s not what kept his attention. The way she smiled at him as she walked down the aisle made Chris’s heart pound with fervor.

Lord God, I know You saved me from a wedding that was never meant to be so I could experience this moment. Thank You.

When Erykah neared, Chris took her hand. “You look gorgeous,” he whispered.

“As do you,” she murmured.

Chris’s pastor had agreed to officiate the wedding. Thankfully, he hadn’t been busy this Valentine’s Day. Chris listened, and when the time to read their vows came, suddenly nervousness struck him. He wasn’t an English major and couldn’t write poetry to save his life. He’d prayed over the words and had asked for wisdom, but what if they still failed to adequately explain how he felt?

Trust. Breathe .

Right. He had this because God was in this.

“Erykah Kennedy, I vow to love you until I draw my last breath.” He stared into her eyes, hoping she knew how seriously he took this commitment. “I vow to love Ashlynn and Cheyenne as daughters of my heart. I vow to cherish you and lay down my life for you, whether it’s as simple as taking your needs into consideration before my own or literally. I vow to be the spiritual leader of our household and keep my faith submitted to God. I vow that no other woman or thing will come between us.”

“C hristian Gamble, you are a gift from God, and I promise to remember that in good times and bad. I promise that I will respect you as God asks wives to do. I promise that I will be your biggest cheerleader and always be a safe place for you to rest. I promise to let no other thing or person come between us. I vow that I will love you all the days of my life.”

Why was his cheek wet? He wiped at it, then smiled at Erykah, whose eyes looked as watery as his were.

Lamont handed him his grandmother’s ring, and Chris followed the pastor’s guidance until Erykah wore it, a beam on her beautiful face. After she placed the gifted ring from Dr. Cook on his finger, Chris glanced at it. Both of their rings were vintage. The original wearers had worn them until the day they’d died. Chris liked to think it was a foreshadowing of his and Erykah’s life to come.

Before he knew it, the pastor gave the famous line, “You may now kiss the bride.”

Chris shifted forward, careful to keep his weight to the left. He slid his right hand along Erykah’s cheek and kissed her until the cheers of the crowd penetrated the haze that accompanied the feel of her lips.

“I’m happy to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Christian Gamble.”