14. NAOMI, THREE MONTHS LATER
Naomi stood beside Brody on the beach, their hands intertwined. The salty sea breeze made Naomi’s dress flutter. She was wearing a beautiful turquoise dress, tight on the body and ruffled at the bottom, with a gorgeous matching gele headdress. She felt like a mermaid.
She stole a glance at Jade, the talented Little who had crafted the gown to blend both her love for the ocean and her Nigerian heritage. Jade and Naomi had become good friends over the last few months, going to the soft play and hanging out at the beach together.
“Naomi and Brody, we are gathered here today to celebrate your love,” Mayor Cooper began, his voice strong yet gentle. “In this beautiful setting, surrounded by friends and family from Little Rock, you have chosen to share your commitment to one another.”
As Naomi listened, she glanced at her father, Pastor James, standing nearby. He was clad in a crisp mustard yellow agbada suit, eyes glistening with unshed tears. Her heart swelled with gratitude. His presence brought an additional layer of joy to an already perfect day.
“Brody, do you take Naomi to be your wife, your partner in life, and your one true love?” Mayor Cooper asked, his gaze moving towards the groom.
Brody looked deeply into Naomi’s brown eyes, his own full of love and devotion. “I do,” he said, squeezing her hand reassuringly.
Naomi’s eyes lingered on Brody, taking in every detail of his appearance. He stood tall and proud in his agbada, a flowing robe made of richly embroidered fabric. The deep blue and gold threads contrasted beautifully with his sun-kissed skin, making him look even more handsome than she could’ve imagined.
She loved the fact that Brody was so willing to embrace her culture. He had even gone to church with her a few times, showing his commitment to everything she held dear.
“Naomi, do you take Brody to be your husband, your partner in life, and your one true love?” Mayor Cooper continued, turning to her.
Tears threatened to spill from her eyes, but she held them back with a determined smile. “I do,” she whispered, her voice quivering with emotion.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Mayor Cooper declared. “You may now share your first kiss as a married couple.”
Brody pulled her close, sealing their vows with a tender, loving kiss that sent warmth and happiness spiraling through her entire being. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, but for Naomi, it was as though the world had narrowed down to just her and her Daddy.
As they broke away, she glanced once more at her father. Pastor James wiped a tear from his cheek, his expression a mix of pride and bittersweet sorrow. In that moment, she realized that not only had she gained a husband, but her bond with her father had grown stronger as well.
To close the ceremony, Brody had chosen to incorporate a libation ritual, symbolizing respect and unity with Naomi’s culture. Holding a small clay cup filled with palm wine, he reverently poured a few drops onto the sandy beach, the liquid seeping into the earth as an offering to the ancestors.
“From the earth we come, and to the earth we return,” he recited solemnly. “We honor our ancestors and the wisdom they have passed down through generations. May their guidance and protection bless our union and bring us happiness.”
Naomi felt a swell of gratitude at Brody’s gesture. She knew that their relationship was unique, but she also knew that it was built on a foundation of love and respect that transcended cultural boundaries.
“Thank you,” she murmured, her heart swelling with love for this man who had embraced her entire identity. “I feel so blessed to have you in my life.”
“Naomi, I promise to always cherish our love, our journey, and everything that makes you who you are,” Brody vowed, his eyes shining with sincerity. “Together, we will create a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure.”
With that, they joined hands and turned to face their friends and family, ready to continue their celebration of love and unity.
As the party started up, the joyous laughter of their friends and family melded with the rhythmic pulse of highlife music, creating an atmosphere of love and celebration that echoed the sacred bond they had just formed. Rufus ran around the beach too, happily weaving in and out of the guests’ legs, pleased to get lots of strokes and attention.
“Ready for the next part of our adventure, Little One?” Brody whispered, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he led her to a beautifully decorated table laden with traditional African dishes.
“Always, Daddy,” Naomi responded, her heart pounding with anticipation. She couldn’t help but feel a thrill at the thought of sharing this intimate moment with Brody, surrounded by the people they loved most.
As the tasting ceremony began, Naomi fed Brody a spoonful of jollof rice, the spicy flavors bursting in his mouth as he savored every morsel. He returned the favor, gently guiding a forkful of egusi soup to her lips. The rich, savory taste brought back cherished memories from her childhood, and she grinned.
“Your smile is like sunshine,” Brody murmured, wiping away a stray drop of soup from her chin. “I love seeing you so happy, little one.”
“Try this, Daddy,” Naomi said, her voice breathy with excitement as she offered him a bite of puff puff, the soft doughy texture melting in his mouth.
“Mmm, that’s amazing,” Brody moaned, his eyes closing in pleasure.
“Let me taste that,” Naomi implored, her lips brushing against his as she captured a remnant of the sweet treat on his tongue.
“Brody,” Pastor James called, his voice thick with emotion as he approached them.
For a moment, Naomi worried her father was about to admonish her for kissing Brody so passionately, but then she saw the smile on his face. She watched, her heart swelling with pride, as her father pulled Brody into a tight embrace.
“Thank you for honoring my daughter’s heritage and for loving her so completely,” Pastor James said, his voice cracking with sincerity.
“I promise to take care of her and cherish her for the rest of our lives,” Brody vowed, gripping Pastor James’ hand firmly.
“Good,” Pastor James said, his eyes glistening with fresh tears. “I consider you my son now, and I trust that you will guide Naomi’s happiness from here on out.” He paused. “You’re her Daddy, after all,” he added only slightly awkwardly.
Naomi was amazed at the transformation that had taken place within him. Though Pastor James didn’t fully understand her Little side, he had made an effort to draw connections between the DDlg community in Little Rock and his own church. It was clear he admired the solidarity and strict code of conduct exhibited by those within the lifestyle.
“Everything’s perfect, isn’t it, Daddy?” Naomi murmured, nestling close to Brody as they swayed gently to the music. Her eyes shone with happiness, reflecting the love and understanding that enveloped them.
“Absolutely perfect, babygirl,” Brody agreed, his arm wrapping around her waist as they moved in unison to the rhythm of their hearts.
Whispering into Brody’s ear, she confided, “I can’t wait to consummate our relationship after the wedding.”
Brody’s eyes darkened with desire, his grip on her waist tightening. “Neither can I, little one,” he promised, his voice a low growl that sent shivers down her spine. And as they danced beneath the setting sun, surrounded by love and laughter, Naomi knew that their journey together was only just beginning.
***
“Look at this view,” Brody murmured, his arm around her waist as they gazed out the lighthouse window together. “It’s almost as beautiful as you.”
They had waited for a long time for this night: their wedding night. Naomi’s cheeks flushed with excitement as she stood in Brody’s arms, the weight of the world lifted from her shoulders.
“Tonight, we become one, little one,” Brody whispered into her ear, his breath hot against her skin. “Are you ready for that?”
“More than anything,” Naomi answered, her voice trembling with excitement and anticipation. She turned to face him, her eyes locked onto his, revealing the depth of her love and trust.
“Good,” he said with a smile, pulling her close for a heated kiss that left them both breathless. His hands roamed her body, exploring every inch of her soft skin as he guided her towards the bed. Laying her down gently, Brody hovered above her, his gaze never leaving hers.
“Tell me what you need, babygirl,” he urged, his fingers playing with the hem of her wedding dress.
“Make me feel like I belong to you, Daddy,” she whispered, her heart pounding in her chest.
“Always,” he promised, his voice thick with desire. Slowly, he undressed her, taking his time to savor each newly exposed curve and valley.
Naomi felt herself melting under his touch, her body responding to his every caress.
“Your body is exquisite,” he praised, pressing kisses along her collarbone and down her chest. “I’m going to worship every inch of it tonight.”
“Please, Daddy,” Naomi whimpered, her hands gripping the sheets as he continued his journey southward.
He reached between her legs, his fingers dipping into her wetness before sliding back up to tease her clit. The sensation sent a jolt of pleasure through her body, making her gasp and arch her back.
“Feel how ready you are for me?” he asked, his voice low and husky. “This is what I do to you, isn’t it?”
“Only you, Daddy,” she panted, her eyes pleading with him for release. “I need you so badly.”
“Ask me nicely,” he ordered, watching her intently.
“Please, Daddy,” she begged, her voice breaking from the intensity of her desire. “Make love to me. Make it official, sir.”
“Good girl,” he praised, leaning down to capture her lips in a passionate kiss as he positioned himself at her entrance. With a slow, deliberate thrust, he filled her completely, groaning at the sensation of her tight heat surrounding him. “You feel so perfect, Naomi.”
“So do you, Daddy,” she whispered, her eyes swimming with tears of happiness. As he moved within her, their bodies joined in a rhythm that felt like destiny, Naomi knew she had found her true home in Brody’s arms.
Together, they soared towards their climax. When it finally came, they clung to each other, their cries of pleasure swallowed by the crashing waves outside. In the aftermath, they lay tangled together, their breaths mingling as they basked in the glow of their newfound unity.
“Thank you, Daddy,” Naomi murmured, snuggling closer to him. “For everything.”
“Thank you, sweetheart,” he replied, placing a tender kiss on her forehead. “For making me the happiest man alive.”
“Remember when we first met?” Naomi mused, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I never thought I’d end up with with a rule-breaker like you.”
Brody laughed. “I never thought I’d end up with the woman who tied my dog up on the beach.”
“Turns out, we’re not as different as we first thought, huh?” asked Naomi.
“We’re not,” Brody agreed. “Although I like the differences we do have. After all, I wouldn’t love you half as much if you were a Daddy Dom called Brody with a face full of stubble.”
Naomi laughed. “I guess we’re not exactly the same.”
“All that matters is that we’re compatible,” said Brody, stroking Naomi’s face, and then leaning in for a kiss. “Now, sweetheart, are you ready for Round Two yet?”
Naomi’s eyes widened as she realized that her Daddy had gotten hard again already. “Daddy!” she gasped. “Is it always going to be like this?”
“It sure is,” said Brody with a grin. “You’re the woman who fixed my brain and my heart, Naomi. I’ll never tire of that.”
Naomi sighed happily. “I’ll never tire of it either, Daddy,” she said.
And with that, they joined their bodies in holy matrimony a second time, and then a third, and then a fourth, until they fell fast asleep in one another’s arms. They were no longer breaking the rules together. In fact, with each passing moment, they were rewriting them.
***