4. Aziel
“Daddy,you”re the prince, and I’m the princess,” Azaria said as she stood in the mirror in front of me.
“That’s right, baby girl. You’re my little princess.”
My daughter didn’t fully understand what was happening. I’d tried to explain it but couldn’t figure out how to do so on a three-year-old’s level. She knew I was getting married but didn’t understand what it meant. After a few attempts at trying to break it down, I gave up.
Maybe if I’d been in a serious relationship and were about to marry someone Azaria had met, she’d better understand. Although I would’ve loved for her to be a part of the wedding, I didn’t think she was old enough to cooperate.
Nothing about what I’d chosen to do was traditional, but ever since I was informed that they’d found a match, something had been on my mind. I’d never been one to follow the rules and traditions, but there were some I valued.
“I couldn’t marry this woman without asking her parents’ permission,” I told my brother as I checked myself out in the full-length mirror. “I wrote a note and asked Nathan to get it to them as soon as possible.”
My bride chose the dark purple and gold color scheme, and I had no preference, so I went along with it. I looked good in the purple tuxedo jacket with gold lapels, pockets, bowtie, and the white button-down shirt and pants. Azaria wore a fluffy gold dress and shoes, with white lace tights and purple barrettes dangling in her hair.
“That was commendable. What did you say?” AJ asked.
I paused as I recalled what I’d written to my bride’s parents.
“Dear Sir and Madam, I’m writing to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage. Although we have chosen to go the nontraditional route, some things cannot be sacrificed, and having your blessing is one of them. I assure you, I’m not a crazed lunatic. I come from a great family, I’m well-educated, I don’t have a criminal history, and I have a successful career. I promise your daughter will be in good hands.”
“I’m sure they have some reservations about their daughter marrying a stranger, but hopefully, your note gave them some comfort,” AJ commented after I told him the gist of the letter.
“I hope so. I wrote one to my bride as well. I want her to know I’m excited to meet her and begin our lives together.”
“You’re off to a good start, little brother.”
“Thank you,” I replied as my father entered the room.
“You ready?” he asked.
“I am. I prayed about it and have faith in my God that the right woman has been chosen for me.”
My father held my gaze as if he were waiting for me to crack. When I didn’t, he nodded.
“This is strange, son, but I believe you’re ready. Honestly, this may be the only way you’ll get married.”
The three of us chuckled because he was probably right. I’d had no interest in marriage for most of my life, although my parents and siblings” marriages were great examples. However, I was approaching forty-three years old and had begun to tire of my lifestyle.
Unfortunately, dating with intention wasn’t something I’d prioritized. The only woman I’d consider settling down with didn’t take me seriously; the others were strictly used to bust a nut. The older I got, the more I longed for a solid companion, and the older Azaria got, the more she needed a mother. That was why it didn’t take much to convince me to go through with this when Tammy suggested it.
My father, brother, and I talked for a little longer before the wedding coordinator summoned us. In the banquet room, Azaria sat with my mother on the front row. I took my place at the end of the aisle with my back facing the entrance while my father and brother stood a few feet away facing me. Alexander Sr. and his junior were honored to be my best man and groomsman, respectively.
Soon after we arrived, a song began to play that I’d heard before but had no idea of the title or the artist. I became slightly anxious, knowing how close I was to finding out who I’d spend the rest of my life with. I could sense her presence behind me, and the familiar scent of her perfume awoke something inside me.
“Look, Nana, a big princess,” Azaria shouted, her voice filled with excitement.
My mother shushed her while our guests were amused by her reaction.
“Who gives this man to this woman?” the officiant asked when the room quieted.
“I do,” a deep voice said.
“Daddy, I promise I’ll be fine.”
Her voice stirred something in my soul. Only one person made me feel this way in her presence. It couldn’t be. Could it? It had to be. I’d know her voice anywhere. She’d been the object of my desire for a while, and I’d imagined her voice many times, moaning my name as I deep-stroked her pussy.
“Sir, you may now turn and face your bride,” the officiant announced.
I slowly turned around, and as soon as her face came into view, my dick was on rock. She gasped, as did her guests.
“Mayor Harris?”
“Oh God, she’s marrying the mayor.”
“Is that the mayor?”
I understood their surprise. A part of me still couldn’t believe I’d agreed to do this. However, now that I knew Desire would be my wife in a matter of minutes, I said a silent prayer to God.
She stood before me with her beautiful deep brown skin, almond-shaped eyes surrounded by long, thick lashes, perfectly shaped brows, and heart-shaped lips. My eyes traveled the length of her slim-thick body, and I had to bite my bottom lip to contain myself. I couldn’t believe she was only minutes away from being my wife.
“Close your mouth, beautiful. It’s really me,” I told her with a wink before standing beside her, taking her hand in mine, and waiting for the officiant to begin.
“We are here today to join Desire Angelique Chambries and Aziel Charleston Harris in holy matrimony. Is there anyone here who objects to this union?”
I released Desire’s hand and turned to face our guests to let them know no objections were allowed.
“If anyone objects, keep it to yourself and take your ass home. This wedding is happening whether you object or not. We’re not here for the negativity.”
I waited for someone to open their mouth as my eyes scanned the room. When nobody said anything, I turned around and caught Desire’s shocked expression, smirking before giving my attention back to the officiant.
The ceremony was a blur until he asked if we’d prepared vows. I was relieved when Desire admitted she hadn’t because neither had I. I planned to speak from my heart as she did. She looked directly into my eyes as she spoke, and her words mirrored my feelings. I was grateful for her confidence in her decision. It gave me hope for the life we would build together.
“Aziel, did you prepare vows?”
We’d been holding hands, and I released hers to cup her face. I wanted to kiss her but, at the last second, decided I’d wait until she was officially mine. Her eyes closed as she anticipated my lips connecting with hers, but when I began speaking, they popped open.
“There’s a reason God blessed me with you, and I’ll spend the rest of my life showing my appreciation. Since Ria’s first day of school, when I saw you standing outside her classroom greeting all the parents, I’ve imagined burying myself between your?—”
“Hold on now, youngster!” a man I assumed was Desire’s father shouted.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before continuing. I wanted to speak my truth but didn’t want to give Desire’s parents the wrong impression of me, so I toned it down.
“Every time I see you, I walk away wishing you were mine. Once we make this shit official, I’ll show you in every way how grateful I am for the opportunity to be your husband. I promise to prove myself worthy of your love, honor, and respect. From this day forward, it’s me, you, Ria, and the seeds I plant in your womb.”
“That’s what I’m talking about,” I heard from one of the women in her wedding party.
“Can we have the rings?” the officiant announced.
Desire and I devoured one another with our eyes as we waited to exchange rings. I couldn’t wait until we were alone, but it would be hours before that happened. As I said, I’d been attracted to her since I laid eyes on her, but it wasn’t just her physical appearance that pulled me in. It was her aura; it was magnetic and hard not to be drawn to her.
Once we had the rings in hand, the officiant had us each recite, one at a time, “With this ring, I thee wed,” as we slid the rings on each other”s fingers.
“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss your bride,” he announced.
As our guests gave us a round of applause, I licked my lips and prepared to do something I’d thought about a million times. Cupping her face for a second time, I leaned down and pressed my lips against hers. They were soft and plush, and I imagined them around my dick. When I slid my tongue between them, Desire moaned, causing my dick to stiffen more than it already was. My hands slid from her face to around her body. Just as I was about to grip her ass, someone grabbed my wrists.
“Take it easy. There’ll be plenty of time for that,” my father chastised.
Desire and I begrudgingly pulled away from each other. Before I released her, I stole another kiss.
“I can’t wait to experience every part of you, mind, body, and soul,” I whispered against her lips.
“I can’t wait to let you.”
We turned to face our guests and gave them a moment to show us love. When Azaria was released from my mother’s lap, she ran to Desire, hugging her legs. Desire tried to bend to pick her up but couldn’t because of how her dress fit, so I picked her up instead.
“Miss Chammies, you a big princess,” she repeated.
“No, baby girl. You’re Daddy’s princess. Miss Chambries is Daddy’s queen.”