Chapter Thirty-Five
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
A Cross to Bear and a Champagne Wedding
G randpa Wilde sat in his study carving a block of wood. He hadn’t done such a thing in years, and being out of practice earned him a few splinters. He bent over, taking his time, being as meticulous as could be. The knife moved deep and slow as he whittled the wood into form. The largest window in his office was open, so he enjoyed the view of his back terrace. The chirping of birds and a nice breeze flowed as The Monkees’, ‘Daydream Believer’ played throughout the house. He paused to swipe a thin strand of his long hair from his face with a flick of his finger. Most of his tresses were pulled back in a taut silver braid that draped his back. Today, he simply felt like doing something new, but something old, too. Returning to his roots.
“As a boy, I used to make things out of wood. I was pretty good at it, too… Somethin’ borrowed, somethin’ blue…”
In a few hours, his grandson, Lennox Wilde, would be getting married. He smiled big and wide, imagining Lennox’s exhilaration on his special day.
“Gotta give it to ’em,” he mumbled. “That bastard really pulled that shit off. Surprised me, and that’s hard to do. I didn’t think Lenny boy had it in him. Well, Lennox, looks like you and that devilish bitch are cut from the same dirty cloth. A match made in heaven or hell. I thought about showing up, doin’ something to remind you that I can still get at cha, but I made a promise to you in that contract, and I also have your sister to keep in mind. I imagine Silva’s there in attendance, and she wouldn’t like that. Now the tables have turned.” He shook his head and chuckled to himself. “First it was you on the outs with her. Now, it’s me. Can’t say I like it over this way too much. Can’t say it feels good. I don’t deserve this though. I gave that girl everything and was there for her and her goofy husband in their time of need. I figured Lennox would tell her everything when I asked her to reach out to him, sing like a bird, but I didn’t think Silva’s ass would believe him!
“After all, I’ve worked on her since she was a little girl. Molding her. Treating her like a princess. I let it be known that he was a paid killer, amongst other things. Whew weeee!” He chortled, though inside, his heart was broken into a thousand tiny pieces. “It don’t much matter anymore. A deal is a deal. I told myself, promised myself actually, that if these boys found a way out of their contract that met my specifications, I’d leave ’em be. I kinda regret doing that now, but sometimes we have to keep our own selves in check. Checks ’nd balances, if you will. Lennox, you went a little too far. You sure did a number on ol’ Sam. Of course, I’m not certain what part was you, and what part was Kage’s mentally deranged ass. Now I’ve got another child not talkin’ to me, my son Frederick, and Sam can’t talk to me even if he wanted to.
“Fred was mad as hell. He blames me for what happened to his boy. Seems word got back fast that Lennox was on some revenge kick for the visit to his paramour. It happened just like Lennox said it would. Lenny, you sure dropped a bomb on me, didn’t ya? Threatening to tell everything to the FBI—even with knowing the risks it would do to innocent bystanders. You had me with a few lady visitors in the throes of passion.” He shrugged. “I looked pretty good on that there footage, if I say so myself, but it sure ain’t something I want making the rounds.
“Then you added a lil’ prize, a little razzle dazzle, by throwing Sam in the mix right there at the end. Like a cherry on top. On second thought, I can’t say I blame you. If someone had done what he’d done to my woman, I’d be mighty ticked off about it, too.” He grimaced as he stared at the carving, thinking it all through. “I think stringing him up half-naked while Kage shot at a target above his head was a bit much though. Lettin’ that snake latch on to his nipple wasn’t right, either. Not to mention all the other things that happened… Sam ain’t been right in the head since.
“…Well, grandson, I won’t lie. You’ve got a good one there, Lennox. She’s pretty as a peach. More importantly, she seems to love you somethin’ serious. That woman turned down her own safety, loads of money, and her schoolin’ paid in full, all to be loyal to you. I don’t believe most women would’ve done the same. ’Specially with a gun in their face. You go on and live your life, but if you give me any excuse, any at all to come back… I’ll be after you so fast it’ll make your head spin. I’m focused on the future. I got bigger fish to fry. Now, I’ll just concentrate on the others. I think I’ll live over a hundred years.
“So, I’ve got the time… Next on the list is that piece of shit, Roman. I’ve decided I’m going to start puttin’ the pressure on his shifty ass. ’Specially as seeing that he teamed up with Lennox to do his dirty work. Roman, Roman, Roman… my smart-ass grandson with a flip mouth. Always been the kind to talk back and crack a joke at the wrong damn time. Think you’re so fuckin’ witty and smart, don’t you? You’re a walkin’ contradiction. Women call you beautiful, with your tall height, slender yet muscular frame, naturally sun-kissed skin and blue-black hair, like a raven’s feathers. I bet that’s from the Indian in our family. I believe my Papi, God rest his soul, said it’s from way, way, back… a great-great-grandmother of mine. Comanche tribe, they say. Pops up every now and again in the gene pool. All those good looks don’t mean much, boy, because they can’t save you from me. You’re a charlatan down to your black little core.
“A sick and twisted genius with ways of earning bookoo money. But you’re flawed… The black sheep of the Wilde family. Group homes. Foster homes. You’re a devious motherfucker, too, and you don’t seem to care much about your reputation. Will do anything for the finer things in life. You’ve got the heart of a thief, and you’re soulless. I say, why not put it to good use?” He snickered. “Told me you are walking the straight and narrow now. Horse shit! You’ve been a fucking problem since the day you were born. Your childhood was a shit show. Your father made some mistakes, and your mother isn’t too bright. Blood or not, I never wanted your daddy as a member of the business. He didn’t have what it takes. You, though… you’re top notch. I get it, you know? How you ended up so messed up in the head. But you’re still a rotten egg, and you know it.
“You would’ve been rotten if you came from the ‘Leave it to Beaver’s’ family. Wouldn’t have made no bit of difference more than likely. You were a terrible person, and an awful Marine. But you are one hell of a gambler, bluffer, and investor. I heard you can fight, too… got a bit of trainin’ under your belt from your stint in the armed forces. All of that could work to my advantage. A nice face to lure motherfuckers in, then… BOOM! Gotcha!” He cackled. “You’re going to be mine, Roman… One got away, but the next one I’m taking home and puttin’ on a shelf.”
He looked at the statue he carved, turning it to and fro. Proud of his handiwork. It was a Christian cross. A beautiful, crudely carved crucifix. It would look nice on a tombstone.
He began to sing. “At the cross… at the cross. Where I first, saw the light! And my buuuurdens, of my heart, rooooolled, awaaaaay! It was there, by, faith, I reeeeceived my sight, And now, I am haaaappy, all the daaay!” He continued singing the old gospel hymn, tapping his foot against the floor. “…And now, for my next song, which is dedicated to my grandson, Roman Wilde. A big ol’ fuck-up, who so desperately needs his grand-papi to step in and show him the ropes…” He shook his head as anger rolled like the tide within him. “Black sheep, black sheep, have you any wool? Yes, sir, yes, sir, three money-bags full. One for my grandpa, one to keep me fed, one for my funeral, should I end up dead…”
It wasn’t what most folks expected, but a beautiful surprise all the same. It was overcast on this glorious Saturday, but some sun shone through the clustered clouds, breaking through the gloomy fortress. The Red Rooster restaurant land was owned by some real estate folks from Bakersfield, California, and the area had gone into a seemingly irreversible state of disrepair. Neither Nadia nor Lennox had fathomed purchasing the land or remnants. The idea of being restaurant owners and having to fix up the dilapidated place was definitely something neither were interested in, nor willing to do. However, the notion of prettying her up on the outside and having a ceremony there did.
Could they pull it off? The idea had arrived after Nadia quickly discovered that the places she was interested in having their wedding held were so far booked out, they’d be waiting for years, or the venue was way too expensive, and she didn’t wish to stress out their finances unnecessarily. Besides, weddings were just one day. A marriage was forever.
Sure, she’d imagined as a child that her wedding would be in a big church. She’d sport a large white dress that resembled a ballgown, and there would be at least twenty bridesmaids, five hundred guests, and it would be a page ripped out of a fairytale. Now, she wanted something far different. As an adult, she understood that love trumps all. As long as the vows were said, the rings exchanged, the day was special and unique for her and her love, and if it was all sealed with a kiss, she would be satisfied. They found a Christian minister to officiate, and that took some of her planning stress away. The reception was taking place at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and that was enough money being shelled out as is, but for their actual vows, they wanted something unique to both of them, and them alone. Why not have it where he’d asked for her hand in marriage? The place where they’d fallen in love, but neither would say it…
Nadia sat in the back of the black Lincoln limousine which was parked up the street from the Red Rooster, with the sounds of Buju Banton’s ‘Boom Bye Bye’ playing in the background. She lay back, half sitting up, and half slumping in the large, fancy vehicle with her bridesmaids who were chatting, laughing, and listening to the music, all of them dressed in light blue form-fitting dresses adorned with black and champagne sashes about the waist, champagne colored hand gloves, and blue and black heels with champagne bows on the back. Looking every bit of lovely. Three of the women were childhood friends she’d kept in contact with over the years, and she’d been in one of their weddings as well. Two were strippers she’d been fond of and gotten close to while living in Atlanta, and a couple of them were from Sweet Soiree: Danielle and Sunshine. Lydia came as a guest.
Her Matron of Honor was her cousin, Stella, who’d always been so kind and supportive. One of her few family members who either didn’t have their hand out to ask for financial help, or didn’t have something slick to say about her mother.
“Okay,” the driver said over the noise and rowdiness. “Ladies, we got the go ahead to drive on down the road now.”
The women started whistling and cheering, and Nadia’s cheeks burned with heat as she grinned from ear to ear. It was showtime.
I’m getting married today to a man I love with all of my mind, body, and soul…
“I can’t believe it! It’s really happening!” she shouted joyfully as her friends continued to whoop and holler in celebration. They moved around the limo, twerking, acting silly and gyrating to the music when the limo driver turned on the song she’d requested to be played as they approached the location: ‘Time of Your Life,’ by Kid Ink…
Lennox stood beside two tall silver pillars in front of a freshly painted ‘Red Rooster’ eatery. The inside was still in shambles undoubtedly, but he’d hired some competent workers to fix up the outside, making it look practically brand new—the way he recalled it when he and his bride had worked there so long ago. The sign was back up—glowing and bright, and the front of the restaurant was set up perfectly for a wedding.
Champagne fabric was draped over all of the chairs, cinched with black and blue striped ribbons. They were lined up in front of the place in rows of twelve, where the parked cars used to be. Each chair had a menu on it for when guests arrived, and inside those menus were short biographies of him and Nadia, how they met, and a condensed, sweet version of their love story.
Everyone in attendance had also been passed a napkin from a napkin dispenser in case they anticipated tears. The old Red Rooster logo was embossed on them. Lennox had one of those napkins tucked away in his pocket as he stood beside Pastor Johnson. His groomsmen, all dressed in black and champagne smoking jackets with black pants, talked amongst themselves in the back. The song ‘Little Red Rooster,’ by the Rolling Stones, commenced.
“I think y’all love birds lucked out. Rain ain’t ’sposed to come until this evening,” the Pastor stated to him as he gripped his dark red Bible and looked up at the sky.
“Yeah… looks like a fine day for a wedding.”
They continued to engage in small talk. The reverend was in mid-sentence, talking about how he’d torn a muscle from an old football injury and needed to try out a new fitness center when the black limousine they’d all been waiting for pulled up.
It looked surreal in that forsaken area, a big, sparkly car in the middle of nowhere. It shined so much one could see their reflection crystal clear. The music switched to ‘Genesis,’ by Grimes as the driver got out, came around and opened the back. A rush of soft blue tapestry glided from the car like melted taffy floating in the wind. Women with fancy updos, tight curls, bushy afros, dyed braids, and long, flowing hair poured out in various hues of Earth, moving as if in slow motion. Pretty painted faces and feminine fingers grasping white roses, genuine belly giggles, and a parade of enthusiasm showing in their eyes and their smiles.
The groomsmen made their way to the crowd of women, looping their arms around theirs, and prepared to walk down the white lace covered aisle which divided the two sections of seating for their guests. The first order of business, however, was to announce Ms. JoAnn. The tall, statuesque woman stood there dressed in a flowing light blue gown and black low heels. A diamond pendant hung from her neck. Her dark red painted lips curved as she mustered a smile, looking a bit stiff and uncomfortable, though that made her all the more endearing. His best man, Kage, handed her a white rose, then took her arm into his, and together they walked down the aisle.
She gave a short wave to Lennox, and he blew her a kiss before she sat down beside her son, Nelson. JoAnn and he had spoken in person several times before the nuptials. She’d been over at their new, beautiful two-story house helping around the place, and the three of them had had dinner a couple of times, too. JoAnn was a woman of few words, but a couple of weeks before the wedding, she drove over to his old house when he was loading the last of his belongings on the moving truck. Nadia wasn’t around, but she seemed well aware of that. From the reddish hue in her eyes, it looked as if she’d been crying. She hugged him, and thanked him for treating her daughter well. For being a man of his word. He felt her shaking in his embrace. He hugged her tightly and promised his mother-in-law that her daughter was in good hands. Lennox scanned the front row, and his eyes landed on Nelson. Nelson leaned over and kissed his mother’s cheek.
The two regarded one another for a long while before Nelson ultimately turned away. Lennox had had the pleasure of meeting Nadia’s brother a few months prior at a family dinner, and he’d really enjoyed speaking to him. The guy was funny and down to earth, and he loved his sister a great deal. Nadia’s grandmother was sitting next to Nelson—a strikingly beautiful elderly woman with skin the shade of maple, devoid of wrinkles, and possessed a sparkle in her large ebony eyes. Her black-rimmed glasses sat on the tip of her nose. She too wore a light blue dress, and she had on blue shoes to match. After getting Ms. JoAnn seated, Kage spoke briefly with a couple of guys standing about, then came up and stood beside him.
They regarded one another with respectful smiles, then bumped fists. Kage had on a black leather biker’s jacket over his wedding attire. His tattooed hands were adorned with various gold and silver rings. His hair was long in the front, shaved on one side, and straight blonde and silver strands hung over one of his satin blue eyes. He stood tall and at full attention, surveying the area as if he were the lookout for the wedding, too. Perhaps he was… They both had that heat on them in case any uninvited guests made an appearance.
In the front row sat his father, brother-in-law and sister, all sporting expressions of pride. His dad smiled at him as their eyes met, and he nodded in approval. Silva glanced back at the black car, then at him. She was dabbing her eyes with the napkin and the ceremony hadn’t even begun. She’d been so supportive—they’d worked hard these last few months to continue to repair their shattered sibling relationship, and rebuild trust. Best of all, Silva adored Nadia, and the two of them were looking forward to getting to know one another even better.
When everyone had gathered and gotten settled, the song changed. Lennox felt a spasmodic trembling in his gut, so he breathed deep a few good times to get control of himself. In his efforts, he became fixated on the partially open car door, and the driver standing there with his snow-white gloves. A big smile spread across the driver’s dark brown face as he held the back door open for the one missing member of the marching band.
Lennox could practically taste Nadia as she sat back, unseen and out of view. His stomach somersaulted. He swallowed his emotions in a hard gulp, then checked his reflection shown in one of the freshly cleaned windows of the restaurant, needing a new focus while he got his emotions in check. There he was, dressed in a Sebastian Cruz Champagne Oro Paisley Dinner Jacket, paired with a black shirt, black pants and a black champagne handkerchief tucked in the pocket. His dark hair was coiffed to perfection—the sides cut short, and the top grown out and brushed away from his face. His mustache and beard were neatly trimmed. Pure perfection. He looked rather sharp if he said so himself.
Turning back around, he caught sight of his cousins, who were his groomsmen, as well as a couple of employees from the nightclub and the gym he’d worked at before setting off on his own. Once they were all standing in position, the music faded and the new song playing was ‘Happy,’ by Pharrell Williams.
People laughed and clapped as Nadia’s little cousin, a cute little caramel-skinned girl with sandy brown Shirley Temple curls approached the guests in a frilly light blue dress, frilly white socks, and black patent leather shoes. She was holding a blue basket full of wrapped red and white peppermints like the ones they used to give away after meals at the restaurant. Bouncing down the aisle, dancing to the music, she tossed pieces of the candy here and there. Once she was finished, Lennox’s friend’s son, a little pink-cheeked boy with short dark brown hair and bright hazel eyes came into view. He held a small-sized carry-out restaurant box which contained the bride’s wedding band. He too was full-on smiling and dancing to the music, providing a fun lightheartedness to the vibe.
Once the boy’s expedition was complete, the minister smiled at everyone, then raised his hand high.
“Please rise, as we welcome the bride.”
People got to their feet and a new song began to play: ‘Adore,’ by Prince. The limousine door opened a bit wider, now the inside in full view. The driver leaned forward and extended his hand. Nadia stepped one champagne high-heeled shoe out the door, placed her gloved hand into his palm, and got to her feet. Moisture stung Lennox’s eyes, but he quickly blinked it away. She was the most beautiful woman in the world to him… Standing there in a champagne-colored gown that belled at the bottom like some princess, she reminded him of Cinderella. He was honored to be her prince, her knight in shining armor.
Nadia’s hair was pulled back into an elaborate braided bun, with tiny cream flowers sprinkled on top of it, and a sparkling tiara atop her head. Loose spirals of hair framed her modestly made-up dewy face. This has to be a dream. I need to pinch myself. Her brother, dressed in similar attire as the groomsmen, stood up and made his way to her to loop his arm into hers. They grinned at one another, then laughed. Lennox understood the love between a brother and sister all too well. Nelson leaned in and kissed Nadia on the cheek, and then they began to walk forward.
Step by step, they made their way down the aisle, everyone looking at the sight to behold. Camera flashes of light ensued from the professional photographers busy at work, and the videographers and DJ kept busy, too. When she reached Lennox and Pastor Johnson, the latter gripped his Bible with both hands and posed a question.
“Who gives this lovely bride away?”
Nelson stated, “I do.” Her brother kissed her cheek once again, then went back to his seat next to their mother.
“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen,” Pastor Johnson began. “Fine friends, family of the bride and groom, and loved ones alike. We’re gathered here today to celebrate Lennox Wilde and Nadia Deere in their lifelong commitment of love to each other.” The pastor went on to share a little insight about the both of them, and urged their guests to read the programs/menus to learn more about the couple.
“I’ve known Lennox for many years. He was my personal trainer, and he helped set up some tents at one of our church carnival events a long time ago. He and I got to talkin’ over time and I enjoyed him, and his conversation. I knew he was special from the first time we spoke. Though he isn’t a member of our church family, and I’ve slacked off with my workouts, we’ve kept in touch, and he’s always come and assisted for many of our events. When he called me to ask if I would officiate his wedding, I readily obliged. I am honored to be here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”
Pastor Johnson began the wedding ceremony with a prayer, with all the guests joining in, bowed heads and a resounding “Amen,” at the end.
After the prayer was over, the couple were invited to each light a candle. One of the bride’s maid’s handed one candle to Nadia, and the other to Lennox. On a nearby table, a third candle was standing there waiting to be lit. The table was covered in a red and white checkerboard cloth, and there were forks and knives placed on the napkins, as well as glasses filled with cola.
Lennox chanced a glance at Nadia, and quickly regretted it. He turned away, resisting the emotions that bubbled just below the surface. His heart literally thumped like mad every time he dared to look into her eyes since the moment she exited the limo. They stood side by side, placed their candles together, then lit the third candle that was on the table. Once they were done, they handed their candles to the pastor who hurriedly extinguished them, and set them aside.
He went through the traditional wedding vows, and each of them said, ‘I do,’ when asked.
“Now we’ve come to the part where I ask Nadia if she has any words she wishes to share with Lennox. Would you like to speak?” Nadia nodded, then turned towards Lennox. “Go right ahead.” They faced one another, their eyes welling.
“You look so beautiful,” he whispered. He exhaled a long sigh of joy.
“Thank you,” she whispered back. “Everyone, I had written my vows down, but I decided last minute to just… talk to Lennox the way we normally talk. No pretenses. Just love leading the way.” She cleared her throat and looked into his eyes. “Lennox, it’s so cliché, but in our case it really is true. Today, I am marryin’ my best friend. You were there for me when I wasn’t there for myself. I was young and didn’t have everything figured out. I still don’t have everything figured out, but I have a clear direction on where I want to go in life, and who I want to take that journey with. The person I want right by my side. That’s you. My life partner. I want to take this ride with you, and only you. You are my strength when I am weak. You are my smile when I feel down in the dumps. You’re my encourager, and my truth teller when I feel discouraged, or need a dose of reality.
“We’ve been through a lot separately, and we’ve been through a lot as a couple—but the mountains we had to climb together were for growth, not because we didn’t love each other enough to see the tough times through.” He nodded, his heart full and about to burst. “I feel so incredibly blessed to have you in my life. To be able to soon call you my husband. To know that from this day forward, you and I are a team, not just in words but before God. You are my bodyguard when I feel afraid but am too scared to admit it. You just step in, knowing what I need, when I need it. My prayer…” She paused, briefly closed her eyes and swallowed. “Sorry.” Her voice cracked. “My prayer is to be a good wife to you. A good support system. A friend in every sense of the word.
“Someone you can trust and rely on. I may not be that young lady anymore that you met in the pantry of this very restaurant, who was cryin’ her eyes out over life’s misfortunes and uncertainties. But I still have the youthful optimism of a child when it comes to hopes and dreams, and I still get butterflies every time I look at you.” The guests aahed, and some patted tears from their eyes. “Today is a good day. The best day. A new start. Today, we are here with our loved ones to celebrate our union, and today, you are here in my heart and I in yours. Forever. We’re making a promise. Taking an oath. I love you, Lennox. There are no words to describe just how true and deep my love for you is. Just know that what God put together, nobody, no matter how meek, mild or Wilde,” she smiled and winked at him through her happy tears, “can dare to tear us apart.”
Their guests clapped and yelled out happy praises.
“Lennox, do you have anything you wish to say to Nadia?” Pastor Johnson asked.
“Yes… yes.” He took her hands into his and looked deeply into her eyes. His lower lip trembled and tears streamed down his cheeks. He looked away, then heard voices telling him it was okay, and to take his time. He faced her once again.
“The very first time I saw you here at the Red Rooster, I thought, ‘Damn, she’s cute as hell!’ Sorry for the colorful language, Pastor, but that’s what I actually thought.” People erupted in laughter, and so did he. Nadia’s cheeks flushed with color as she succumbed to the merriment. “But then, we got to know each other, and I saw you as more than just a pretty face. I saw you as a true friend. You used to put music on CDs for me, and we spent a lot of time opening the restaurant together. Just you and me…You intrigued me so much, Nadia. I had never met anyone like you in my entire life. I loved that you had a different background from me, and a different culture too, even though we’re both red-blooded Americans. We appreciated each other’s differences. Learned from one another.
“You were going through a lot of things… Personal stuff, and for some reason, even though I was going through a lot of stuff, too, I saw it as my job to help you feel better. To make your time here at the Red Rooster somethin’ to look forward to. Eventually, our time here together came to an end. Neither of us admitted to one another that our feelings were more than just those of two young adults who’d become compadres. They had grown.
“Strengthened. Developed into a grown man and grown woman sort of adoration. We’d fallen in love, but due to so many things, like being somewhat in denial and other factors, some of them not our fault, the friendship, companionship, all of it, was put on ice. Well, ice melts. The sun came out, and things heated up.” A few people clapped and whistled. “Something in the universe reignited those old flames, and I was thawed out fast.
“I ran into you one night, after all of these years, and I went from ‘ She’s cute as hell ,’ to ‘ God, thank you ,” his voice rattled, “ you brought her back to me .’” Applause ensued, the emotion on overload. “I told you then, and I’m telling everyone else right here, right now, that I prayed for you, Nadia. I asked God to bring me my wife. Some of my friends said I’d never get married. They said I wouldn’t settle down, or I was too picky. I made sure that I had myself together before I made the request. Sent the prayer to heaven. I wanted to be mature enough to be a good man for you. The man you wanted. The man you needed. The man you deserved . I had thought about you on and off over the years, and when… when I saw you that night at the club, sitting there alone, looking absolutely beautiful… I knew… I just knew, you were the one.
“They say, if you love someone, let them go. If they return to you, then it’s meant to be. Well, this is definitely meant to be. I want to be your husband. I want to be your lover. I want to be your best friend. I want to be the father of your children. I want to be your partner in every way possible. I will be there for you—morning, noon and night, twenty-four seven. We’re both independent people, but you have saved me in ways you don’t even understand. I’ve been in love before, but never, and I mean never , like this. I didn’t even think it was possible to be this deeply in love, but you showed me right quick and in a hurry that not only is it possible, but you were the one to give me such an amazing gift: The gift of your heart.” She blinked tears away. “All of your life, you’ve endured storms. The clouds come, and you dread what’s to follow.
“I’m your umbrella.” He squeezed her hands as a tear traced her cheek. “I’m your shelter. I’m Noah’s ark when that storm turns into a full-fledged flood, and there seems to be no escape. My shoulders are big enough for you and our family without me breakin’ a sweat. You can count on me to keep you safe. Protected. You’re no damsel in distress, but you’re my woman and I’m your man, and that’s what a real man does. He makes sure his bride knows she’s got someone in her corner. Someone who walks in front of her—not to control you, but to take the brunt of whatever is comin’ our way.” He placed his hand across his heart. “My mama enjoyed a song by SWV called, ‘Rain Down on Me.’” The acapella version of the song began to play at that moment. Lennox let it play for a while as he gripped his queen’s trembling hands. Nadia began to sob and shake her head. A new smile on her face, but old pain in her eyes.
“My mama absolutely loved this song. I’d like to think that she’s here with us today. Celebrating our day. In fact, I can feel her. She’d love the wife I’ve chosen, because you’re a good woman. Just like her.” Tears streamed down his face, and this time, he didn’t look away. “Mama had her own storms to endure—everyone does. You never have to face yours alone, Nadia. I’m here today. I’m going to be here tomorrow, and I’ll be here forever. When I look at you, because you’re so incredibly beautiful and sexy to me, I feel absolute, all-consuming yearning for you, and I make no apologies for it. My love for you is loud like thunder. It’s huge, like the ocean.
“When you need a moment alone, I’ll give you your space and become a tiny raindrop, giving you room to breathe. However, please understand, when we have a monsoon, baby, some sort of argument or disagreement that has us at odds, we’ll always come together eventually and talk, communicate, and work things out, like grown folks do. I’ve waited all this time for you. I will fight for you. I will fight for us. I’m not leavin’ without a battle. It took too long to get here, to make our way back to one another, and ain’t no stopping us now. When you have a good thing, you treasure it. God brought us back together because it was finally our time.
“He was savin’ our love for a rainy day. And now, that day is here.” He took a deep breath, then continued. “You told me once that I was the calm before the storm. When it rains, it pours, but you ain’t gotta worry about getting not even one strand of hair on that pretty lil’ head of yours wet, Nadia, ’cause now you’re safe and protected. Why? Well, that’s obvious. Go on and let it rain cats all it wants. They won’t land a scratch. Why? Because you’ve married the Top Dog…” The crowd burst out in applause, laughter, and whistles.
She tossed her arms around him and squeezed. He hugged her right back, so tight, resisting the urge to seal it with a kiss. Taking their rings from the Matron of Honor and ring bearer and repeating the words of Pastor Johnson, they exchanged them, both shaky with excitement.
“I must say, those were some wonderful vows! Just beautiful,” Pastor Johnson announced before going into a final prayer. After he finished, he made the closing statements and declaration. “Since Lennox and Nadia have exchanged their vows before God and respected witnesses, have sworn their commitment to each other before us all, and have professed the same by joining hands and exchanging rings, I now pronounce Lennox Wilde and Nadia Wilde, as husband and wife!” People clapped and cheered. “Those who God has joined together, let no one put asunder!” the pastor yelled over the noise. “Lennox, Mr. Top Dog,” the man laughed, “you may kiss your bride!” Kage began to loudly bark and howl like some beast.
Lennox pulled Nadia to him and gave her an all-consuming kiss. His heart swelled, his body was on fire for her, and his soul merged with hers. He could hear the cheers and feel the love all around him, and it was the best feeling on God’s green earth. He squeezed Nadia, bringing her as close as he possibly could while his body, heart and soul screamed her name.
Reaching into his pants pocket, he pulled out the two stones he’d gathered from the ground when he’d proposed to her. He handed her the one he felt was most like him, and kept the one he believed was most like her. “We’re rocks. Rockstars. We’re strong. We’ve got endurance. But even rocks need protection, affection and love. Even rocks can swept away with the storm. Thank you for lovin’ me, Nadia, and bringing out the best in me. I promise to choose our love, every single day of our lives…”
She can’t stand the rain
It’s like tears that turn the iron and metal of love into rust.
She can’t stand the rain
Because it can’t drown heartbreak, troubles, and lust.
He can’t stand the pain
It comes as deceased mothers and weak fathers, hidden in the sorrowful, mourning fog.
He can’t stand the pain
But now he can endure it with Queen Lust by his side, for he is the Top Dog.