I walked around the reception hall admiring the details of the design. The setup was more than decorating; it was exquisitely designed to fill the angelic scene with cream and beige and a splash of lime that I requested.
“Ah, look at our lady of the hour,” Carlas said as he strolled over to me with a hand on his hip. “The lime colored daffodils are coming right at noon, so they will be fresh for your two o’clock on the dot wedding. Everything will be ripe and in order when the time comes, I assure you,” he added.
“Carlas, you are doing a fabulous job. I don’t have one complaint. As a matter of fact, I was just admiring the scenery. I can’t believe this is all for me.”
“And why wouldn’t this be for you, hunny? You caught the eye and captured the heart of Jacob Turner. You deserve it all and then some.” Carlas laughed. “Now, let me take you to see the beachfront. Prepare to be blown away,” he said as he adjusted his bowtie.
Gloating as we walked out the reception hall, I looked back at the beautiful scene and tears welled in my eyes. I deserved to be happy and so did Mama. I couldn’t wait until she saw how wonderfully everything was prepared for our day.
At precisely two o’clock, the wedding began. After the small wedding party walked out onto the sandy beachside, I walked down the aisle followed by Mom. We both took our places next to our grooms.
“We are gathered here in the presence of these witnesses for the purpose of joining in marriage of Destiny Baker to Jacob Turner and Clara Baker to John Turner today. We celebrate one of life's greatest moments, the joining of hearts and give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite these couples in marriage.
“If there be any among you who know of any reason why this should not be done, let them speak now or forever remain silent,” the minister said.
Mama’s eyes met mine briefly as we smiled happily at each other. I had chosen to wear a beige dress with a splash of lime and Mom wore a lime dress with a splash of beige. Our makeup, hair and everything was immaculate.
Then, I looked up at Jacob as he looked upon me with so much love in his eyes. I couldn’t believe this day was finally upon us. After a pause, the minister began to speak.
“All being in accord…”
“Wait,” a voice shouted out from the back of the sheer tent.
All eyes turned in that direction as Jacob’s mother, Tammy Turner came waltzing through the aisle in a Vera Wang black dress.
“Tammy, what are you doing here?” a shocked John Turner sputtered out.
“Mom, I know you didn’t come here to make a scene!” Jacob growled through his teeth. He was as shocked to see his mother waltzing through the crowd just as Mama and I were.
“I hope ain’t no shit gon’ to start today,” Mama muttered throwing and angry glare towards Tammy. “Excuse me pastor,” she said acknowledging the pastor.
“I am not here to start any trouble,” Tammy spoke up as she came face to face with us in front of the church. “Destiny,” she said looking at me straight in the eyes. “I haven’t been fair to you and Jacob. I did everything in my power to break the two of you up. I am so sorry,” she said as a tear slid down her cheek. “I know I may never be forgiven for the horrible things I have done, but I had to come here today to make amends for my behavior and I wanted to do it at this time so the whole world would know how sorry I am.”
I opened my mouth to try and speak, but she held up her hand to stop me.
“I am not through. Please hear me through while I have the nerve to say these words. John,” she said turning towards her ex-husband. Her voice trembled as she continued. “Please, forgive me for not loving you enough. Forgive me for cheating you out of forty years of being with the woman you truly love. One thing I did get out of our marriage that I will never regret is our wonderful son, Jacob. Our whole marriage was worth it because of him.”
“Tammy, I don’t know what to say,” said John as he looked at his ex-wife in wonderment.
“Don’t say anything, just accept my apology,” Tammy said.
“Does that mean we have your blessing, Mom?” Jacob asked. I hadn’t realized before that moment how important her blessing had been to him.
“Yes, you each have my blessing and so much more,” she said her voice thick with tears.
I couldn’t believe Tammy asked for forgiveness in front of all of these people. She must have truly had a change of heart.
“I forgive you,” I said stepping to face Tammy. “I can’t help but to forgive you. Your commitment created the man I love. He’s a part of you. Therefore, we are connected.”
Before I knew it, Tammy pulled me into her embrace and held on to me for dear life as she sobbed all over my precious wedding dress. I didn’t mind her tears. I knew each of us was going to be all right, even if we had to take it one day at a time.
Once the ceremony resumed, I knew love indeed conquered all.
THE END