42. forty two
forty two
LYSANDRA
A fountain of tears seemed to spill from his blue eyes as his features were overcome with happiness. Watching the emotions flow through him almost made me crumble. I held firmly to the bouquet made of roses and baby’s breath as I walked silently toward the front of the church.
There’d been candlesticks lined at the ends of the rectangular pews, their flames dancing with the soft breeze that came from the open paned windows. White petals were scattered under my trail.
Hundreds of eyes blinked at me. Droplets forming on their eyelids. Most of them smiled as I passed by them. I scanned both sides of the sanctuary and noticed many familiar faces. Camille, Zack, Miriam, Amelia, and Greer.
There was one person who was missing, which pained me deeply. But only because I couldn’t find her. Larissa.
I’d called her number countless times and searched for her on the Internet.
We even flew to The Valley to attempt to find her through the cab company that I’d called the day I left.
The manager said that she hadn’t been working for company for many years, which meant that she left months after she helped me.
She’d found another job and they never heard from her ever again.
I continued walking forward, stepping into my new life. I could feel my veil moving with me, my dress dragging across the aisle, and the jewels on me shining.
Camille had tears falling from her face.
She cleaned them with swiftness as her sweet stare engulfed me.
There’d been droplets covering her maroon silk gown.
She’d been standing not too far from Ezra as my maid of honor.
It seemed fitting to have my children’s aunt as my maid of honor.
She had earned the title after the many years she had endured as my loyal companion.
Zack stood on the other side of Ezra. Although I wasn’t quite fond of him in the beginning, he was supportive of our relationship, which made me appreciate him as he sent me a soft smile.
I could’ve sworn I saw his eyes glint under the soft chandelier lights.
When Ezra told him that we were tying the knot, he claimed the role of Best Man and swore that he would be the greatest uncle if the occasion were to arrive.
Although, I’m unsure if he truly kept his promise. You tell me.
I found Ezra’s gaze. Grand admiration etching his profile.
My formative years had been filled with darkness. When I met Ezra, my life had started to be filled with sunlight and life. It was unfathomable to believe that I had found my person. The other half of my heart.
Marriage used to be a ridiculous idea to me.
Love was a farce.
Not for the new Lysandra. The woman who allowed herself to love, care, and laugh.
Ezra extended his hand toward me. I could feel him trembling as I made it to the front of the altar. The pastor beside us began the ceremony by quoting a verse that perfectly represented our story.
“Love is patient. Love is kind. It isn’t jealous.
It doesn’t brag. It isn’t arrogant. It isn’t rude.
It doesn’t seek its own advantage. It isn’t irritable.
It doesn’t keep a record of complaints. It isn’t happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth.
Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, and endures all things. ”
And truly, we had endured all things. We made it. All those years of patience only proved our love for one another even more.
The rest of the ceremony went by in a blur, my focus had solely been on my husband as he shook with joy.
“It’s time for the vows.”
Ezra nodded at the minister, then pulled out a black pocketbook. We’d gotten a matching pair to write down our vows. I was aware that he’d begun to brainstorm his vows from the day we got back together. I may or may not have seen a locked note on his phone that said Wedding Vows.
The pastor handed the microphone to Ezra.
His voice shook with every word. “Lysandra, I think the best way to start this is by saying that… you are one hell of a woman.”
That earned the chuckles of many people in the cathedral, including me.
“From the moment I first saw you, I haven’t been able to push you out of my thoughts.
You’ve been my constant companion even when there was distance between us.
Your smile, your intelligence, and your courage have been a source of strength for me in my darkest moments.
Although it could be argued that you are the night and I am the day, you have been my light.
With a simple grin, you’ve been able to illuminate my life.
Your presence is strong and filling. Words would never do justice to explain who you are.
I love you, not just for your beauty, but for your spirit.
And here, in this beautiful day, I vow to always take care of you, listen to you, and love you in our worst days.
I promise to be your friend, your lover, and your husband until death do us part.
Although, I believe that even in death, you will be my eternal lover. ”
It took everything in me not to let my tears roll. It took the makeup artist two hours to get my hair and makeup perfect. I refused to be stuck on another chair for any longer. I was determined to enjoy my wedding to the fullest.
“Now, the bride’s vows.” The officiant gave me the microphone.
I cleared my throat. “This is something that I hadn’t shared with anyone before… I have to say that I had never imagined getting married. My childhood contributed to that idea. My mother left me. My father left me. My stepfather was—let’s just say, not the best.”
I felt like I’d throw up as I recalled the memories of my past.
“But you destroyed any repugnance I held toward the idea of love. You showed me that true love does exist. That love heals and doesn’t break.
Love is difficult, but in the end, it will always prevail.
I think all I can say is… thank you for teaching me how to love.
You’ve been selfless and patient. You saw me before I could see myself.
You helped me become a better woman. You were the brilliance that scared my haunting ghosts away.
And as I stand here, before you, I recall one of the first conversations we had.
I had accepted that the cracks in my soul would never be healed, but that was a lie.
I was proved wrong when you helped cure them.
Thank you. Thank you for believing in me…
even when I didn’t. I promise to be your friend, your lover, and your wife. Till death do us part.”
When I returned the microphone back to the minister, he said, “If anyone has any lawful reason to object to the union of Ezra and Lysandra, keep silent and forever hold your peace. Thank you.”
Our guests, Ezra, and I laughed. Ezra reached for my hand as we waited for the words we’d been yearning to hear for so long.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
There’d been a thundering roar of clapping beside us. People whistled, yelled, and stomped in our favor.
He was a reflection of everything I had been feeling that day. His face was brilliant. His ocean eyes shone. His smile was radiant.
“Ezra, you may kiss your bride.”
And he kissed me.