Chapter 59
Chapter 59
“I’m gonna throw up-”
“Nicki you’re gonna be fine, just breathe!”
“I can’t I’m gonna throw up!”
“No Nicki don’t!”
Shanell sighed as she held the woman’s hair while she heaved into a trash can. Nicki grabbed a tissue from the nearby tissue box, dabbing at her mouth. Fingers pressed gently against her stomach, Nicki tried to calm her nerves. She had been preparing for this day for months now. Longer if you count the total course of their relationship. Finally it was here. Finally they were getting married.
A distressed makeup artist rushed to her side, touching up her lipstick & tightening the water line of her eyes. This was the third time today she had to rush to Nicki’s aid. She was an emotional mess & her nerves were getting the better of her. But it was to be expected. It was her wedding day & lots of brides lost their cool, or, their lunch. She was just grateful she didn’t have to deal with a divalicious bridezilla. When she wasn’t freaking out, she was very sweet & polite, which was more than she could say for most brides. When she was finished, she dabbed at Nicki’s cheek sweetly before offering her a mint & scurrying away.
Nicki took one last glance at herself as a single woman. She could run. She could leave right now. But she wouldn’t. Nausea aside, Nicki had no second thoughts about what she was about to do. She just couldn’t believe that it was finally going to happen. She looked like a porcelain doll with her eyeliner winged out perfectly, her skin flawless, cheeks a natural blush. She rubbed her lips together, distributing the peony pink lipstick across her mouth more evenly. Her makeup artist, Joyce, didn’t have to do much. Ever since they set the date, Nicki had been doing everything she could to keep her body clean & healthy. The very first week, she had found the perfect dress she was doing everything to make sure she maintained her weight.
Nicki stood, admiring herself for a moment. The ivory Jean Paul Gultier ensamble complimented her frame perfectly. Her fingers traced over the delicate lace & the way it looped & curved around her body. She smiled to herself as she fingered the soft curls that fell from a number of intricate twists & pins of orchids over her right shoulder. She cinched the belt of her silk robe tight, examining her figure. Internally she sighed at the tiny pocket of fat she could never seem to lose after she had Malaki. But that wasn’t going to get her down today. She knew that no matter what, the man she loved would think she was beautiful.
“Forty, hand me those cuff links, man.”
“I got you.”
“My tie. Has anyone seen my tie?”
“It’s right here, son.”
“Damn, where the hell did I put those cuff links?”
“Drake, calm down, man.”
On this very important day, the bride wasn’t the only one feeling anxious. Drake had been checking & double checking things all morning. And it had only gotten worse as 3 p.m. approached. He huffed at himself as he tried feverishly to tie his bowtie in the mirror. Seeing the frustration on his face, Dennis came over to where his son stood & proceeded to tie it for him.
“You’re gonna be fine, son. She’s not going anywhere.” Dennis laughed.
“I know that.” Drake scoffed.
“Do you? You seem like you’re in a hurry to get down there.”
And he was. But it wasn’t all because he was afraid Nicki would flee. He’d be lying if he said the thought hadn’t crossed his mind. Nicki had changed her mind before. But this time, it was different. She had agreed. She had made plans. And he was willing to do anything to accommodate her. They only had one shot at this so he wanted it to be perfect. But he was tired of waiting. Above all else, he wanted this all to be over with. He had been waiting for so long to have her to himself. There was nothing he wanted more than to be standing at that altar already, waiting for her to walk down that aisle, cementing their union forever.
His posture softened. He tried to relax. Maybe he was getting a little antsy. But it wouldn’t be long now. And his father was right. She wasn’t going anywhere. He thanked Dennis as he admired his work in the mirror. The tie was perfect. He tugged & smoothed the lapel of his midnight shade tux one last time. It was tailored to perfection. His bouttioner, a simple orchid bloom, sat perfect upon his chest; the inner most part of the petals a soft pink that was an exact match to the peony complimentary color of the ceremony & the outer most part of the bloom was a beautiful creamy white that complimented his shirt perfectly. His facial hair was at a minimum, just the tiniest bit of stubble, just the way she liked it. A sweaty palm pressed against his freshly cut mane, smoothing the waves forward. He was in the process of picking invisible lint from the sides of his suit when a hand slapped down hard on his shoulder, another one in front of him, accompanied by a flute of champagne.
“Fifteen minutes and you’re gone forever. You sure you wanna do this? I got the whip gassed & ready right now!” Trey said to him, causing Drake to laugh.
“Nah man. But I appreciate that.” Drake said as he embraced his friend. They let go of each other, clinking glasses before taking a swig of the bubbly liquid. A swift rap at the door drew everyone’s attention.
“Ok gentlemen, they’ll be ready for you in thirty seconds. If you have any last minute checkups, it’d be best if you did them now.” the petite blonde informed them from the doorway.
Drake’s heart began to race once more. Adrenaline pumping through his veins. He gave himself a final once over, turning his cuff links just so. Emoting swirled in the pit of his stomach. Finally. Finally the time was here. The men lined up single file, heading out of the pavilion.
The sun was dazzling as it shone down on the small gathering of people suspended over the crystal clear water. The entire party was suspended above the ocean on a clear Plexiglas base. Gorgeous cerulean & astounding aqua swirled in the ocean beneath them, adding a pop of color to the ceremony. Extravagant white upholstered chairs with intricate carvings were aligned on either side, filled to the brim with friends, family & loved ones of the happy couple. Everyone was dressed in their absolute best, which is what could only be expected for the grandiose affair. Drake & Nicki weren’t the only ones had been waiting for this day to come. Everyone that knew them had known this would be the way their love story ended, even if it took a few years. The entire venue was like something from a story book. The platform was protectively surrounded by tempered glass panels, keeping everyone safe, yet not obstructing the view in any way. Bows of tulle & organza flowed effortlessly from isle to isle ; hydrangea, orchid & freesia blooms weaved all around them as platinum pillars topped with glass hurricanes held large white candles that gave the entire space the slightest of glow. The altar was a magnificent sight. Exotic camelia, magnolias, lilies & any other bloom you could think of crowned the structure, cascading down with the lightest of fabric that swayed in the gentlest of breeze, bathing it in beauty. But nothing could be more awe inspiring than the backdrop for the affair. An astounding panoramic view of the Polynesian pacific stretched on before them. With dusk approaching, the sky had just began to darken, taking on the perfect shade of pink champagne as the sun began to kiss the ocean goodnight.
A soft hum of instruments rang out around them, progressively getting louder until their ears were filled the sound of a light melody. The guests looked back to see Drake walking toward the altar, Sandi beautiful as ever on his right arm. Her body draped in a beautiful blush organza gown that made her appear as though she were the wind itself. She was illuminated, the love she held for her son flowed off her in waves. Dennis was on his left, dapper as could be in his freshly pressed black tux. Once they reached the altar, Sandi turned to look at the child she raised. The boy she once coddled & cared for was gone. He was now a man grown. And she couldn’t be more proud. Smiling softly, she planted a kiss on his cheek before she & his father headed toward their seats.
Drake’s heart began racing again as he looked out at all of their friends & family. This was happening. Right now. No turning back. Anxiety washed over him in roaring waves as their wedding party came down the aisle dressed to perfection in their ebony linen suits & cherry blossom chiffon dresses. He nodded to them all silently as they took their positions on either side of him, proud to have this assortment of friends represent them as he & Nicki sealed their bond to one another. Tears seared his eyes as he watched his son walk toward him on newly steady legs, accompanied by his maternal grandparents, clad in a white linen tux. His toothy grin elicited awwws from all around. Once Malaki reached Drake, he outstretched his arms, holding the pillow to which their wedding rings were affixed, reaching for his father. The man happily obliged.
As he picked up his son, the music stopped before changing into a whimsical, harp plucked melody, bringing with it a new surge of nerves. This was it. It was finally about to happen. Everyone in attendance stood up & directed their attention to the beginning of the aisle. A tiny flower girl moved along nervously, sprinkling velvety soft rose petals along the silk runner before taking her place next to her father, Dwayne. A unanimous gasp resounded when they finally saw her. His heart stilled, lungs empty of breath. She was stunning. Her eyes glittered with tears as she looked at them, arm linked with that of her best friend. The fabric moved effortlessly around her, giving the allusion that she was floating on a cloud of creamy organza & satin gazar. A bushel of white & light pink blooms cascaded over her shaking fingers. The bodice of the dressed fit her like a glove; hugging her chest, a diamond studded sash cinching her waist just so, & intricate draping accentuated her hips exquisitely before flaring out just above her knees. Malaki clapped & pointed in excitement as he called for his mother. Once they reached the altar, Carol quietly slipped her grandson from Drake’s grasp before allowing him to plant a sweet kiss on Nicki’s cheek & take a seat. Before releasing her, Safaree flipped the thin veil over her curly mane, planting a soft kiss on her forehead. Nicki swiped a tear away quickly, laughing nervously. Seeing her dearest friend filled with such joy for her made her heart swell. She wouldn’t have wanted any other person walking her down this path. They had shared so many good years of their lives together. She was so glad that they were finally happy. She gave his hand a final squeeze before turning to face her soon to be husband. She could feel his pulse beating through his fingers. It calmed her a bit to know he was just as nervous as she was; that she was sure thoughts of fleeing this moment out of fear had run through his head just as it ran through hers. But the look in his eyes was sure. He would not move. He would stand with her. Now and forever.
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