10. LUKE
Chapter 10
LUKE
I’ve tried not to show my eagerness at the fact I haven’t seen Dele since last night. It doesn’t help when Osei tells me she’s running late because her best friend’s flight from LA was delayed—the only witness she’s bringing to the wedding.
“Relax,” Declan says to me. “She’ll be here.”
“She’s strong-headed and could probably decide not to go through with it,” I confess my fear. She may look and sound meek, but I’ve discovered grit in her and a subtle stubbornness.
“And you’ll just walk away?” he challenges.
“Did you walk away from Anne?” I retort with the obvious question.
“Fuck no!” He scoffs at me.
“There’s your answer.”
“So, relax. Osei already said she’s coming and will be here.” I nod, but my heart is pounding against my ribcage. It’s a good thing she’s unaware of how I lose all control when it comes to her. A few minutes later, Osei comes in, smiling.
“Dele is here.” And relief washes over me. I signal to the pastor, who has been very accommodating, that we are ready. He gets up, and the door opens. I swear my heart stops for a moment. She’s stunning. Her friend is behind her, but my eyes are only on Dele.
Declan taps my shoulder. “See, she was worth the wait.” That’s when I blink. She’s worth every second of my thirty-five years waiting for her.
She’s wearing a white, deep V-neck, long-sleeved dress with feathers on the wrists. The elegant style accentuates her figure. The dress is long with a front slit and buttons from her slit to the center of the V. Her makeup is flawless, her braids are pulled into a big chignon at the base of her neck, showing off her slim neck. A matching feather headpiece with a birdcage veil adorns her as an accessory. I notice the diamond earring on her ear and a matching bracelet. Where the fuck did she get that bracelet from? She moves with a ginger step next to Osei. When she gets closer, she undoubtedly takes my breath away. I can’t help but grin at how lucky I am. I take her hand as she hands the bouquet to her friend.
The pastor gets closer, recites all the words. I don’t hear anything he says until he asks if I take her as my wife.
“I do,” I hastily answer and hear Declan snicker behind me.
When he asks if she will take me as her lawfully wedded husband, she’s hesitant. Then, “I do,” slowly escapes her lips. The pastor continues to speak, but our eyes are on each other. We go through the motion of putting the ring on.
When the pastor says, “You may kiss the bride,” I gently pull her to me and take over her mouth. I’ve waited months for this moment. She kisses me right back, and a soft moan escapes her. I pull her body to mine, forgetting my surroundings and feeding my inner craving for her. A tap on my shoulder stops me. Her mystified eyes bore into mine. I read her face, the pieces of the puzzle clicking into place. Recognition sets in; she knows I’m the balcony guy.