Chapter 54 Matrimony #2
“A 7 o’ clock now dawg, nuh your wedding a start 3 o’ clock?” Rick is way more hype like a him a hang up him jersey and retire from the game. Gutta and Junior roll in next, vibes cool, no tension, which mi give thanks for.
I freshen up, throw on a white tee, jeans, and my slides while the man dem a chill. I dial Zara’s number. “Baby?” Her voice low. “Mi deh inna line fi get something fi Mommy.”
I smile slight, but before I can answer, Orion’s name flashes across the screen. I hesitate. Since that night, I haven’t called him nor my mother. Not ‘cause mi vex, mi just still processing. I focus on Zara, just hearin’ her calm mi spirit.
My screen light up again. Orion.
I stare on his name long. Part a mi finger a twitch fi decline it. “Soon talk to yuh Mami, love you,” I say before I hang up, quickly answering Orion’s call.
“Hi neph,” he says, and I frown.
“Wah?” I ask.
“Nephew,” he clarifies, and I remain silent. “Yeah man, today is your big day, and I want to handle something for you.”
“Wah that?” I ask dryly. If I claim I’m not mad at him, why do I still feel this way?
“I want your thing to be lavish, so instead of the Benz you have, I could get you a Limousine or even a Rolls Royce here in Jamaica, since I have them at my place,” he says.
“That good,” I reply.
“You sure?” He sounds disappointed, and now I feel guilty. Be nice dawg.
“Ah… the Limousine can work,” I simply state.
“The Rolls Royce would be better in my opinion,” he adds.
“Then that then,” I barely care.
“Son, you were never indecisive when it comes to choosing because you always know what you want. Are you still mad at me?” he asks. I stay silent.
“Yah,” I finally admit. “I remember what you said, and I understand, but I just don’t know why I still feel some anger towards you.”
He sighs. “I appreciate your honesty, Mari.”
“Hmm,” I mumble.
“Take all the time you need to get over it. As I mentioned in the room, I’m sorry, and I’ve been avoiding your mother. I don’t think of her like I’m in love; it just happened in that moment when we were alone, and things escalated. God, why didn’t I stay home?” he sighs.
“Now it’s affecting our relationship. Uh… Mari, do you want me to stay home? Like not attend your wedding?” he asks.
Nickoi, forgive the man; he sounds confused and sorry. He values your relationship.
I sigh.
“Uncle… I want you at the wedding, and take the Rolls Royce too. In fact, I’m going to come and decorate it for the wedding,” I say, trying to cheer him up.
“Yeah?” he asks in disbelief, excitement evident in his voice.
“Yah,” I force myself to say.
“How the time a move so fast, dawg?” I glance away from my Rolex.
It’s already 2:30, and I’m not fully dressed yet. I returned from Orion’s place an hour ago after finishing the décor.
“Dat mi a say from mawning,” Rick chimes in with his ‘I told you so’ tone. He steps forward to help me with my black bow tie while I spritz on my Creed cologne.
As I make my way downstairs, every killa looks sharp as a blade.
“Don ready?” Gutta asks, and I nod after grabbing my vape and Hennessy, checking my waist for my gun. It’s there. It’s always there.
“Ready,” I tell him as I settle into the back of the Land Rover. Just moments later, we’re on our way to the venue.
During the drive, I find myself lost in thought. For the first time, I feel uneasy. I take a drag from my vape and exhale. When Gutta turns in, I prepare myself after whispering a silent prayer. I step out, adjust my blazer, and check my watch.
Junior approaches, fixing my blazer.
“You look neat and sharp, bredda, but I know the feeling.”
I chuckle nervously. “Mi cya wait fi see har, dawg.”
Junior smiles. “You a go see her, and you a go love what you see.”
I know this.
As I reach the front, I spot Suzanne, who hugs Junior before flashing me a smile. “You look sweet, bro.”
I smile back. “Thank you, weh she deh?” I ask, and they chuckle.
“The man wah see him woman enuh,” Rick laughs from behind.
“You soon see her; she’s here,” Suzanne smiles before walking away.
After mingling with a few people as I enter, Nature comes into view.
“Mr. Jacobs!” he says deliberately as he embraces me. When we pull apart, I notice he’s dressed in a white tuxedo and loafers adorned with diamonds, which makes me smile.
“A one jewelry plug enuh, man,” I chuckle.
“Mek dem know,” he cackles, admiring the venue.
I did my best.
“It’s beautiful; I have to give that to you.
You always go out of your way to ensure people talk about it.
I’ve attended countless weddings in Italy, America, Bali everywhere basically and I’ve never experienced an overwater wedding until now, thanks to you, Nickoi,” he says, admiring the décor. “Feel like mi deh a Greece.”
She truly deserves this.
I smile to myself.
“Nickoi,” I turn around at the sound of my mom’s voice. She looks stunning but a bit sad. It’s your job to make her happy.
I smile at her before pulling her into a hug. “A you a do this?” she asks with a smile, and I kiss her cheek before stepping back.
“Yes, mommy.”
“The dawg sharp eeeh,” Jordane says, pinching my shoulder.
I smile as he hypes me up. After chatting with them, I mingle with everyone, even Zara’s family members, whom I’m meeting for the first time.
Now, my mother and Junior are guiding me down the aisle.
Jah know, mi miss mi father but I can feel his presence.
“Proud a you enuh,” Junior says as he walks with me to the officiant. I nod, taking slow steps beside them.
“Mi never know mi would a ever see this day. You continue to surprise me, and I’m proud of you, my son,” mommy expresses.
“Go brother!” I hear Janel call out. I smile at them. When I reach the officiant, I turn to stand next to my best man, who is, of course, Rick. My groomsmen, Junior, Gutta, and Jordane, stand close to him. My cousin is the flower girl, and Aden and Anna’s brother are the ring bearers.
On the wedding planner’s suggestion, we dressed them like mini Men in Black, shades and all, carrying the rings inside a tiny briefcase. The whole crowd cracks up, dawg dem look like security guards.
ZARA
“Zara, you’re so gorgeous,” my mother says, and I respond with a sweet smile. My gaze is locked on my reflection in the mirror, and I feel a flutter of nerves as my hands gently glide down the fabric of my dress. She carefully adjusts the shoulder sleeve and rests her chin on my exposed shoulder.
“The most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen,” she beams at me. “Are you ready?”
Taking a deep breath, I nod.
“There’s no need to be anxious; just savor every moment and make it unforgettable.” She holds my arm before passing me to my dad, he looks incredible.
“You look wonderful, Daddy,” I can’t help but say.
“Thank you, mi daughta,” he replies, guiding my hand through his arm as we stroll down the passage. My heart swells at his words.
I smile. Then my eyes catch sight of my babies in Kace’s arms, warming my heart. As I approach the scene, everyone turns to look. They whisper among themselves. My smile broadens as I come to a stop, the view is absolutely breathtaking.
Wow, Nickoi…
Guests and family members, dressed in white, are seated on either side; the setup is truly unique. The bridal party stands in a graceful curve, adorned in gold and white, creating a stunning and lavish display.
Wow.
An overwater wedding…
As I step onto the deck, I can’t believe it, glass panels stretch beneath me, making it feel like I’m walking on air above the cliffside.
A soft white smoke curls around me like I’m walking on clouds.
People are in awe. Mommy is already crying.
I fight my happy tears, focused on the décor.
White chairs are impeccably lined up on either side, sharp and pristine.
The infinity pool sparkles just beyond, its water seamlessly blending into the ocean, blurring the line between sea and sky.
It’s so extravagant, it feels surreal… It’s the wedding of my dreams.
“I’m in love,” I whisper as the violist plays while a chocolate-skinned beauty sings Hrs the only person who matters in this moment is my stunning husband.
“I love you, huzzy,” I whisper.
“I love you more, wifey,” he replies huskily. Whew, there’s something about the way he says that.