Chapter 11
I’d never imagined what Heaven was like, but if I could guess, it would be a lot like what I’d experienced this morning. Kenzo had made a seven o’clock appointment for me at the hotel’s full-service salon and spa, and from the moment I’d arrived, I’d been treated like royalty.
When I arrived, I gave them my name and was whisked off to be pampered from my scalp down to my toes, and I loved every second of it.
My skin had never been softer, my hair had never been styled so elegantly, my nails were immaculate, and my makeup was beat to the gods.
I’d never felt more beautiful in my life.
I thought about how much my life had changed in a week’s time, and I wouldn’t believe a story like this had I not lived it myself. Each day after work, up until last night, Kenzo and I prepared for today.
We met with his lawyer and went over the contract. It was very basic and included everything Kenzo and I had discussed. There were no unnecessary clauses or big words that I didn’t understand, so I felt comfortable signing it.
He even had a private doctor do a full physical exam to ensure that we were both in good health and had no STDs.
I lied about not being on birth control because I still didn’t think bringing a baby into this situation was the right thing to do.
If things between us worked out and I changed my mind, I’d stop taking my pills.
Four hours after entering the spa, I felt like a new woman.
After such a glorious experience, I definitely wanted to make pampering myself a permanent part of my life.
If I’d seen anyone I knew on the way back to my room, I was sure they wouldn’t have recognized me because I barely recognized myself.
I was lucky enough to find a dress that fit perfectly and didn’t need any alterations. We didn’t have time for that anyway, so when I tried the dress on, and it fit like it was made for my body, I took that as a sign.
After slipping into my dress, I realized I needed assistance with the zipper in the back. I peeked into the hallway and spotted a housekeeper a few doors down.
“Excuse me,” I said.
“How can I help you?”
“I need a little help zipping my dress. Can you help me?”
“Of course, sweetheart.”
“Thank you.”
She headed toward me with a bright smile. When she reached my door and saw all of me, she gasped.
“My God. You look absolutely beautiful. Are you getting married today?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m Malyah.”
“I’m Wanda. No one is here to help you get ready?”
“No, ma’am. My fiancé and I are meeting at the courthouse.”
“That’s all fine and good, but where are your people? You don’t have anyone here to support you on your big day?”
A wave of sadness came over me, but I brushed it off quickly.
“No. I haven’t talked to my mother in years, and I’m an only child.”
“Your friends?”
I shook my head. “My only friend had to work today.”
“Oh my. Well, I’m glad I’m here. Turn around and let’s get you zipped up.”
I did as she asked, and after she zipped my dress, I turned around to face her again.
“Thank you so much.”
“It’s not a problem, sweetheart. Are you nervous?”
I shrugged. “Not really.”
I didn’t want to tell her the circumstances surrounding this marriage. She’d probably think I was crazy and talk some sense into me. I’d signed the contract two days ago, so I couldn’t back out now.
“That’s good. You shouldn’t be nervous about marrying the man you love. Tell me about him.”
She led me to the couch on the opposite side of the room, and I slowly eased down until my behind hit the surface. She sat next to me and took my hands.
“He’s nice, thoughtful, intelligent, and very handsome.”
“How did you meet him?”
“At work.”
“Ohh, a workplace romance. When did you know he was the one?”
I looked down at my engagement ring as I thought about her question.
I wanted to answer truthfully, but I honestly had no idea if Kenzo was the one.
He needed something from me, and when I refused the first time, he continued to look out for me when he could have easily left me to fend for myself.
I thought that was very admirable of him.
“When I realized how unselfish and generous he was.”
“An unselfish man who puts your needs above his is a keeper, and if he loves you more than you love him, your marriage will last a lifetime.”
“That’s the goal, right?”
I smiled, hoping she didn’t notice my uncertainty.
“It sure is. Would you like me to take some pictures of you before I get back to work?” she offered.
“I’d like that. Thank you for offering.”
I gave her my phone, and we went into the hallway for a mini photo shoot. The lighting wasn’t great, but we made the best of it.
“Thank you for this, Miss Wanda,” I said.
“You’re welcome, and thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day. It’s been an honor.”
We exchanged a warm embrace, something I didn’t realize I needed until I was wrapped in this stranger’s arms. I had no idea why, but tears gathered in my eyes, and I refused to let them fall.
I released her abruptly and entered my room, letting the door close behind me and pressing my back against it. I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths, wondering why I’d become so emotional over a hug.
Probably because Miss Wanda is about my mother’s age, and being in her arms reminds me of what I’ve missed all these years, I thought.
Instead of allowing my mind to go down the rabbit hole of what-ifs, I pushed myself off the door and went to the mirror. Thankfully, the tears that had been threatening to fall had disappeared.
I admired myself in the mirror, fluffing the A-line sweetheart dress with the long split exposing almost my entire right leg. I loved the chapel train because it added an elegant appeal without being overwhelming. The top was strapless, exposing my neck and shoulders, giving off some sex appeal.
As I took a few selfies, my phone rang, and the name of the car service Kenzo had mentioned flashed across my screen. All this time, I hadn’t been nervous, but that had suddenly changed.
“Hello.”
“Ms. Brownlee, this is Calvin from Luxury Fleet Car Service. I’m here to take you to the courthouse per Mr. Goode’s request. Do you need any assistance?”
“No, sir. I’ll be down shortly.”
I ended the call and took another deep breath.
“Okay, Malyah. You agreed to do this, and you’re a woman of your word.
That man gave you fifty thousand dollars, owes you fifty thousand dollars more, is going to pay your tuition, eats pussy like a man on a mission, and his dick is very likely going to have you walking funny for a few days. There’s no turning back now.”
I gave myself a pep talk as I looked in the mirror. After a few more deep breaths, I grabbed my purse and fake bouquet of flowers and left.
“Damn! You look—wow! You’re beautiful, baby.”
Kenzo’s expression when he saw me said everything that needed to be said. He looked as if he were in awe, and his words made me blush.
“Thank you. You look more handsome than usual.”
His daily uniform was a three-piece suit, but the one he wore today had a little something extra that I couldn’t put my finger on.
“Thank you.”
We stared into each other’s eyes for a moment before someone cleared their throat, gaining our attention. The man next to him, who I hadn’t noticed before, extended his hand toward me.
“Malyah, is it?” he questioned, and I offered a nod. “I’m Ronin, Kenzo’s cousin and best friend.”
I shook his hand, responding with, “It’s nice to meet you, Ronin.”
“My bad. I forgot he was here when I saw you round the corner in this dress. I hope you don’t mind, but I asked Ronin to be our witness.”
“I don’t mind at all.”
“Ronin also dabbles in photography and agreed to capture a few memories for us,” Kenzo informed me.
“Dabble? You know damn well I do more than dabble, and I expect to be paid my worth. Malyah, I assure you, I am a professional, and the pictures will turn out great. Let’s take a few while we wait to be called back.”
Ronin picked up a camera bag that I hadn’t noticed on the floor, slightly behind him. A few minutes later, I had my second photo shoot of the day. We started with individual photos before taking some as a couple.
“You feel good in my arms,” Kenzo said as we posed with my back against his chest and his hands on my waist.
“It does feel good.”
He leaned down and kissed my neck as our names were called.
“Kenzo Goode III and Malyah Brownlee,” a woman’s voice said from several feet away.
Kenzo took my hand, and we walked toward the lady with Ronin behind us. As we moved through the hallway, the woman gave us a few instructions. We entered the courtroom, and a Black female judge was seated at the bench.
The woman who escorted us to the courtroom gave the judge a folder, which I assumed had all our necessary paperwork. The judge took a moment to look over the papers, and the ceremony began.
“Good morning. I am Judge Brooks, and I will perform your ceremony today.”
“Hello, Your Honor,” Kenzo and I said simultaneously.
“We are gathered here today to witness the union of Kenzo Goode III and Malyah Nichelle Brownlee. Marriage is a serious commitment that brings two people together. It is an honorable and joyous life-long commitment based on love, trust, and respect. Please join hands and face each other.”
Kenzo and I turned to face each other, then he took my hands in his. We looked into each other’s eyes, and what I saw in his surprised me. He may have proposed to me out of convenience, but his eyes told me this was more than that. He wanted this.
“Do you, Kenzo, take Malyah to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish her, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” he responded with a smile.
“Do you, Malyah, take Kenzo to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish him, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.”
“Will you be exchanging rings?” Judge Brooks asked.
“Yes,” Kenzo and I responded.
My dress had pockets, which was another thing that sold me, and I reached into my right pocket for the wedding band I’d purchased for Kenzo. While I retrieved his ring, he removed mine from the inside pocket of his suit jacket.
“Kenzo, please place the ring on Malyah’s finger and repeat after me: I, Kenzo, take you, Malyah, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, from this day forward, as long as we both shall live.
I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. ”
“I need you to take that ring off and put it on your other hand,” he said.
I was confused until I noticed he held two rings between his fingers. One of the rings was a diamond wedding band that had more diamonds than I’d ever seen in my life. The other was a solitaire diamond ring that had to be four or five carats, and it looked very familiar.
“What did you do?” I asked.
“You chose the most modest ring in the jewelry store, but I wanted you to have something more.”
“Kenzo—”
“Baby, the judge is waiting.”
I removed the ring we’d picked up a few days ago and put it on the ring finger of my right hand.
He took my hand and gently slid on each ring, with the wedding band being the first, and asked Judge Brooks to please repeat what he was required to say.
She giggled, but did say the vows again, and Kenzo repeated them.
“Malyah, please place the ring on Kenzo’s finger and repeat after me: I, Malyah, take you, Kenzo, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, from this day forward, as long as we both shall live.
I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. ”
I recited the words as I placed the wedding band on Kenzo’s left ring finger.
“By the authority vested in me by the State of Illinois, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Mr. Goode, you may now kiss your bride.”
Every time Kenzo and I kissed, he left me longing for more. Our eyes locked as he reached up and slipped his hand to the nape of my neck. I anxiously anticipated his lips covering mine, and when they did, fireworks exploded inside me.
For a moment, I’d forgotten we were in a courtroom, and when he didn’t pull away after our tongues went around and around and around again, I figured he’d forgotten as well.
“Aye, man. Save that for later,” Ronin whispered.
Kenzo finally pulled away, but before he stepped back, he pecked my lips several times.
“Let’s sign the marriage license and get you two lovebirds out of here,” Judge Brooks said with a smile.
Five minutes later, we stepped outside the courthouse as a married couple. Ronin took pictures as we exited the building and several more in a few other areas that offered good photo opportunities.
“I appreciate you coming through, man,” Kenzo told Ronin as they exchanged a one-armed hug.
“You know it wasn’t a problem. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“Malyah, it was nice meeting you. Don’t let the details surrounding this union stop you from fully embracing it. I’ve never seen this man so smitten over a woman, and it only took a day or two for him to start falling. I’ll send you the pictures as soon as I can.”
“It was nice meeting you too, Ronin.”
He was walking away and lifted his hand in the air to let me know he’d heard me. I turned to face Kenzo, and he was already looking at me with his dreamy eyes.
“I can’t get over how beautiful you are,” he said before I could ask why he was staring.
“Thank you. What’s next?”
“How about a candlelit lunch with just the two of us?”
“Sounds perfect.”