Chapter 51 Octavia
Fifty-One
Octavia
There is something so magical about weddings.
I realize that’s a cliché thing to say, but it’s true. When the wedding is your only sister’s wedding, that makes it even more enchanting.
It’s interesting seeing everything come together after so many months of stressing and planning. From the color scheme to the florals, the wedding dress, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and even the flower girl.
No stone was left unturned. Davina’s wedding planner had made sure of that and had done an incredible job.
We had twenty minutes to go before the wedding started, and I was working on the final touches for our flower girl. Her ponytail was drooping. I didn’t have any curlers on me, so I decided to roll her pony into a bun and pin it with bobby pins.
“Am I pretty, Tava?” Aleesa asked when I finally rose from my squat.
I was surprised I had managed squatting in my dress.
It was beautiful—burnt orange and silky—but it hugged me at every single curve, and it didn’t help that the bra I wore had push-up support so powerful it made my breasts look like double D’s.
Don’t get me wrong, the dress was sexy as hell and I loved dressing nicely, but even I had my limits.
“You are so pretty, my love. And smart, kind, and brave.” I gave her chin a squeeze. “I’m going to take you to Auntie Cat so you can hang out with her, okay?”
“’Kay.” She grinned and reached for my hand. I held her tiny hand in mine and left the preparation room.
Cat was already standing in the lobby, waiting, wearing an emerald green dress and gold heels. Her eye shadow was green, too, and her dark-brown hair was in tight coils.
“There’s my little monster!” Cat said.
Aleesa squealed and ran to her aunt. While she did, I took a peek out the door to where the wedding would commence, and the area was packed. Nearly every seat was filled. I spotted Naomi in a pale-yellow dress, walking to one of the seats, with her sister trailing behind her.
“Good grief,” I muttered. “So many people.”
“Yep. It’s filling up fast,” Cat said. “Everyone’s ready to see those two seal the deal.”
“I know it’s only one hundred and fifty people, but it looks like way more than that.”
Cat laughed. “This vineyard was an amazing pick. Seriously, the view behind the altar? I’m not really into the whole massive wedding ceremony thing, but I can see why brides go crazy over stuff like this.”
“Well, let’s hope my sister is still not going crazy and is still in sound mind.” I laughed. “I’m going to find her. Text me if you need me.”
“Go ahead. Tía’s got this.” Cat winked before turning with Aleesa and asking about her flower basket.
I breezed through the hallways, spotting through the windows a few guests walking toward the entrance. For some reason, my nerves were just as heightened as I’m sure Davina’s were. This was a big deal for my sister. This was her second wedding, and I knew she had a lot of emotions about it.
I reached the bride’s quarters and gave the door a knock.
The sound of heels clicking on the floor moved closer, and then the door cracked open.
“Password,” my mother said, one eyeball practically poking through the opening.
“Mama, please.” I laughed. “We don’t have time for this. The yard is filling up.”
“It is?” I heard Davina ask in a high-pitched voice.
Mama opened the door just wide enough for me to slip through. She was being so extra about this, I swear. She refused to let anyone but us see Davina before the wedding. Especially the groom. Deke and his groomsmen were on the other side of the damn building.
The only other people in the bride’s quarters were the photographer and Davina’s best friend, Tisha.
“Tavia, my nerves are all over the place,” Davina said, facing me.
“I told her she needs to try and relax.” Tisha stood right next to my sister and adjusted one of the curly tendrils in front of her face.
I’d seen Davina in her dress before, but now she was in the full ensemble, and it took me a moment to drink it in.
Her hair was styled in side bangs, with the remainder coifed at the back of her head and loose tendrils on the sides.
Some of the tendrils draped in front of her face as well, and a maroon flower pendant was attached to the side.
It was messy yet elegant, and I loved the hairstyle on her.
Her makeup was flawless, with gold tones, her lips painted a deep wine red. I had to blink a few times to adjust to her flawless state.
“Octavia?” Davina called, eyes widening.
“Sorry,” I said, rushing to her. “I’m just transfixed, girl. You look so good!”
Her eyes grew misty as I took her hands and held them. “I’m so nervous, sis. What if something goes wrong? Or Deke gets cold feet?”
“Please. That man is not getting cold feet,” Tisha said.
“Agreed,” Mama chimed in.
I smiled. “I’m with them. Deke has always been ready for you. The question is, Are you ready to spend forever with him?”
Davina’s mouth twitched as the photographer snapped another picture. Then she nodded and raised her chin. “I am. I’m just . . . ugh. I just can’t believe today is the day.”
I squeezed her hands. “It’s your day.”
“I’ll be right back. Just want to capture some final touches of the groom,” the photographer said, and she ducked off before we could get a word in.
“Oh, if your daddy could see you now.” Mama clasped her hands together. “You’re so beautiful, baby, and today is going to be a good day. You hear me?”
Davina nodded, and a tear slipped down.
“Okay, let’s not do that, please.” I wiped her tear away as carefully as I could. “You’re going to ruin your makeup!”
“I know.” Davina giggled. “And the artist already left.”
“Come here. Let me fix it.” I guided her to the bench in front of the vanity, then reached for my cosmetics bag. She closed her eyes, and I gave her a quick touch-up with a blender brush before saying “There. Just like new. Deke is going to lose it, Vina. I’m telling you.”
“I bet he will.” She looked at herself in the mirror, fingering her tendrils. “I’m . . . I’m so happy. Like, beyond it, really.”
“Aww.” I bent down to hug her but didn’t smoosh my cheek against hers like I normally did.
“Well, let’s get our happy asses out there so we can get in formation,” Tish commanded.
“I swear you are always acting like the assistant, Tish!” I teased.
She thumped me on the arm, and I thumped her back. This went on and on until my mother finally cleared her throat and said, “Girls. Really?”
“She started it,” Tish muttered.
I snorted a laugh.
“All right. Let’s go.” Mama opened the door, and because she was extra, she looked both ways down the hall before nodding and leading the way out, as if she were hired security.
The photographer hustled back our way, as well as the wedding planner, Justine. She was a beautiful biracial woman. Her hair was miraculously still in place, considering how much running around she was doing to make sure everything was in order.
“Ah, there you are. Yes, yes, yes! Beautiful bride. You look so amazing.” Justine flipped her wrist to check her watch.
“Just in time. The groom and his men are already lined up, so I’m going to have your gorgeous bridesmaids pair up with them while you stay here, until it’s time for your grand walk.
” Justine squealed. Yes, she was a squealer.
I suppose she had to be if she wanted to be in this line of work and keep the bride excited.
Deke’s groomsmen were Javier (of course); EJ; another Ravens teammate, named Jacobi Bennet; and Deke’s brother-in-law, Jack. All the men wore ivory suits with burgundy ties and pants.
Every single one of them looked crisp, clean, and handsome.
Especially my man.
Javier smiled at me as he hooked his arm through mine. I couldn’t help smiling back or feeling those damn butterflies again. He looked delectable in a suit.
“Have I told you how sexy you are in that dress?” he asked, his mouth so close to my ear it made my skin hum.
“You have. Several times today, in fact.” I pressed my lips, looking up so I could meet his eyes.
“I just want you to be aware so you can remember why I cannot take my eyes off of you.”
“Don’t be naughty.”
“It is impossible not to be, amor.”
My stomach fluttered again, and I bit back my smile. No, Octavia. You cannot jump this man’s bones at your sister’s wedding.
Music began to play, cutting our conversation short.
Deke and his mother stood before us and began their walk down the aisle. Everyone started quietly cheering for him, and Deke Bishop, being the man he was, soaked it all up with a big grin.
We followed shortly after. Javier held on to me, his chin up and a soft smile gracing his lips. The rest of the wedding party followed suit, lining up on their respective sides at the end of the aisle.
Then it was Aleesa’s turn.
She walked with her flower basket and a bashful smile. She was so adorable in her burgundy dress. She smiled the whole way, tossing flowers in chunks and waving at her dad in between.
Javier waved back a few times, chuckling to himself.
Aleesa reached the end of the aisle, and Cat swooped in to grab her hand and lead her away from the main area. She propped Aleesa in the seat between her and Paola, who gave her granddaughter a squeeze and quick praise.
The ring bearer was Deke’s nephew, Eli, a handsome kid with dimples, just like his uncle. He was going to be just as charming as his uncle, too, considering how well he absorbed all the attention he was getting from the guests.
And then, finally . . . there was my sister.
She approached the top of the aisle, with my mother on one arm and my brother, Abe, on the other. I held a hand over my mouth, wanting to smile and cry at the same time.
That was my family. My people.
Davina stood in the center like an angel. So much hope in her eyes after all the dark days she’d endured was truly a sight to behold. There was a point when I didn’t think she’d ever wear a full smile again. I’d tried to bring it out, of course, but her light had faded, so it had been useless.
But now . . . wow. She was glowing. She was stunning. She was restored, and that alone was beautiful.
I looked at the groom. His jaw was locked, but his eyes were filled with tears.
They shimmered in the sunlight, and he shook his head, trying his hardest to fight those tears, but the emotion eventually won.
Javier clapped his shoulder and gave it a proud shake.
Deke swiped at his tears, but not once did he take his eyes off his walking bride.
And yeah . . . I was pretty much sobbing now. He had so much love for her. Lewis was great for Davina, yes, but Deke was a perfect match as well.
My mother and Abe handed her off once they reached the altar, and my mother walked with Abe to their seats.
As the officiant spoke and I watched my sister and Deke hold hands and stare into each other’s damp eyes, there was one thing I knew for certain: Life can truly be a wondrous thing.
Yes, it’s hard, and some days are darker than others, but let me tell you something: When you have true love in your life, nothing can ruin you. Especially when the love runs deep and conquers all odds. Love like this should be cherished because it’s so insanely rare.
As those thoughts ran through my mind, all I could do was look at Javier. The man who I knew for certain was my soulmate. The man who made me feel whole after so many years of emptiness.
The man who protected me.
Kept me safe.
Nurtured me and brought me back to life.
He was for me, and I was for him.
Javier’s eyes connected with mine, and I wanted to throw my arms around him and hold on forever. I wanted to feel his arms wrap around me and for him to whisper in my ear how much he loved me and how he’d never let me go.
It amazed me how, when I first started working for Javier, falling in love had been comical and a thing of the past. The idea of it had literally made me scoff, because there was no way in hell falling for someone and investing all your time and energy into them was worth it.
But, you see, love was never the problem. It was fear.
Fear of the unknown.
Fear of being hurt again.
Fear of becoming so vulnerable that I also became breakable.
I had carried that same fear with me for years, thinking if I let another man into my heart, he would ruin me just as much as Luther had. Giving another man that kind of power over me had been petrifying.
But, without even realizing it, Javier had slowly brought me out of that depressing state of mind.
He’d been there through it all, so patient with me, caring, considerate, and understanding.
He’d never mocked me for my feelings and never made me feel like I was wrong for how I felt.
He’d simply accepted me for the damaged, flawed woman I was and held my hand through it.
And being at my sister’s wedding, witnessing the real, genuine love floating between them, reminded me how important it is to have this kind of love—especially when it’s with someone who only ever wants to see you happy.
Sure, the love you give can be weaponized when you place it in the wrong hands; however, when it comes from someone who promises to never hurt you, defy you, or betray you . . . well, nothing can beat that. Not even fear.
Deke and Davina shared vows, and they were beautiful. Truly, truly beautiful.
And their kiss . . . well, of course Deke went over the top with it. He tipped her back just enough to angle her face, winked at her, and then kissed her passionately.
Everyone cheered, squealed, and rejoiced.
Because they did it.
They made it.
And, my goodness, how sweet it was to witness.