Chapter 17
“How’s it feel to be wearing the world’s smallest pair of handcuffs, Noah?”
Leah laughed when Noah nuzzled her neck as they sat at one of several large tables under the large fabric draped canopy. String lights ran the length of the ceiling and LED votive candles flickered on the tables, creating a play of light and shadow on the few dozen guests. “It hasn’t sunk in yet, Hendrix. It’s only been a few hours, but so far, I have no complaints.” Their wedding had been a simple affair, taking place at his family’s beach home just before sunset. Watching her walk down the beach towards him felt like a dream. She looked like a fairy as the breeze teased the hem of her gauzy white sundress while on Dayo’s arm. Her uncle hugged her close then did the same to Noah reminding him to take care of his Baby-Niece before placing her hand in his. The ceremony was officiated by Noah’s college roommate Neilson, and after a quick exchange of vows, the newest member of the Wesley family was presented to a round of applause led by Big Daddy.
“You know I wish you all the best,” Hendrix said, patting him on the shoulder. “You have a great girl. Leah is truly your other half.”
Noah saw the bit of sadness flickering in his friend’s eyes. His divorce from Sidney was still fresh, the ink being barely dry on paperwork and his ex-wife was already remarried to the man she had waiting in the wings. “Thanks, man. I appreciate it.” Hendrix raised his glass of vodka and Noah did likewise with his bottle of beer, clicking it against his friend’s drink.
“I didn’t think he would make it,” Leah said as they watched the bulky red head walk away, dressed in a tan linen trouser set identical to Noah’s white one.
Hendrix recently moved to Virginia, looking for a fresh start away from all the memories here but promised to be in attendance and came through. “He said he wouldn’t miss it for anything. Said witnessing me getting married was tantamount to seeing Halley’s Comet.”
“So, I bagged a prize?”
“You’re the prize, Foxy and I promise never to forget it.”
“You better not,” Dayo said, walking towards them, his light blue wide leg linen set catching the sea breeze. “My Baby-Niece will be worshipped.”
“Until I breathe my last.” Noah kissed her to punctuate his point.
“You better, especially after I gave her to you. The last thing I want is for me and my nieces to have to fight you. Or hear that lump of no good Daddy of hers say ‘I told you so’.”
The man in question and his wife made an appearance at the ceremony, his whole demeanor changing the night he’d been shot. Once introduced to Noah and discovering that he and his family owned several dealerships and were considered part of the upper echelon in South Carolina, he no longer had any ‘concerns’ about Leah being involved with him. Malcolm of course wanted an invite to the ball and once he paid full price, he and his wife were in attendance. Trying to ingratiate himself to his soon to be son-in-law fell flat when Noah inquired about his wife with Theresa standing at Malcolm’s side. When she pointed out his error, Noah feigned confusion stating, “My apologies. You look so different from when I saw you in the restaurant. It must be the gown.”
“Come on Baby-Niece. You got some skating to do.” Noah begrudgingly released his new bride to her uncle and when she tried to leave his lap only giving him a pitiful peck as consolation, he captured her face in his hands, hungrily tasting her mouth and stealing her breath. “Enough of that, Big Country,” Dayo said, loudly snapping his fingers. “And be careful of her hair. It took me hours to get her kiko twisted into that pretty updo. I’ll bring her back shortly. We need to get these pictures.”
Ending the kiss, Leah used a napkin to wipe the smudge of color from his lips. “Love you, Foxy.”
“Love you, Texas.” He watched as they made their way arm in arm to the portable roller skating rink that several guests were already enjoying. She’d designed silver crystal studded skates for the reception, wanting something special to commemorate the day, deciding to use some of the photos in the marketing.
“That’s a great girl you have, son.”
His father took the seat meant for Leah but she’d rarely occupied, Noah preferring to keep her in his lap. “Believe me, I know.”
“I wish your mama could be here to see how all of you turned out. I know she’d be proud of you. And I know she’d love Leah.”
“I know for a fact she would,” Noah said. Damn, his life was perfect. He couldn’t have been blessed with a better wife if he’d made a list and handed it to Santa. “Excuse me, Dad.” Noah walked barefoot across the sand towards the back of the house where the rink was set up, smiling upon seeing his wife floating across the floor. A literal fairy in flight. Stepping to the edge of the floor, he waited until she came to a stop and saw him. Only then did he let his feet lead him across the floor to her. No words were needed. Her arms circled his neck and his fell to her waist as their mouths met. Just on the fringes of his mind, he could hear the repeated shutter click of a camera. Weeks later, when looking through the photo gallery from their special day, they would notice, floating just above his shoulder, the soft glow of a firefly.