All of Me

“I think Damian’s going to fall in love with it, as well.” Janae wiped a hand across her forehead.

Noticing the slight frown on Janae’s face, Karen turned from the mirror. “Are you okay?”

Janae waved her off. “I’m fine. Just a little light-headed and queasy.”

“Janae? What are you telling me?” Janae paused, and Karen called her name again.

Finally, she smiled faintly and said, “You’re going to be a godmother.”

Karen’s eyes filled with tears, and she hugged her friend. “I am so excited for you and Terrence.”

“Thank you. But today is all about you. Don’t go ruining your makeup with all this crying,” she said, laughing. “No tears allowed.”

Karen pulled a tissue from the box sitting on the counter, handed Janae one and turned back to the mirror. She dabbed at the corners of her eyes, being careful not to smudge the mascara and liner.

“So, are you ready to admit I was right?” Janae asked.

“What are you talking about?”

“Remember Terrence’s concert on the cruise? I reminded you about what happened the first time we went to his concert—one of us ended up married. I told you to be careful because it would happen again, and you didn’t believe me.”

She laughed. “I totally forgot about that, but I guess you were right. I’m really glad you were right.” She thought about all that had happened since the first day she saw Damian on the cruise and realized it had all been leading to this moment. What began as a cruise-ship fling would end in a lifetime of love and happiness. He was everything she could want and more, and she couldn’t wait to start their life together.

Over the past year, even with the times apart, she and Damian had grown closer. Karen had settled well into her job as principal, even more so with Nikki gone. As Melissa had predicted, all Nikki’s lies and drama had cost her her job. Karen’s mind went back to her soon-to-be husband. After much discussion, she and Damian had decided to live in San Jose for at least another year, and then reexamine their options. A knock sounded on the door, and Melissa entered.

“I think it’s time,” she said with a smile. “Your dad is on his way.”

Karen shared one more hug with Janae and Melissa, and they left just as Karen’s father entered.

“Ready to go, angel girl?”

“I am, Daddy.”

She linked her arm with his, and he escorted her out to where Damian awaited.

* * *

Damian paced the length of the floor in the room, waiting for his wedding to start. He didn’t remember being this nervous last time.

“You’re about to wear a hole in the floor, and I don’t think the pastor would be pleased,” Kyle teased. “Sit down. You’re making me dizzy.”

Troy laughed. “What’s the problem? You’ve done this before.”

“I know, but not like this.” He couldn’t explain it, but this time felt different.

“Are you having second thoughts?”

“No, nothing like that. I can’t wait to make Karen my wife.” He stopped. “Are you sure you guys are okay with me working from San Jose?” They had agreed to use Skype for most of their meetings, and Damian would join them at the conference sites, only coming to the North Carolina office when necessary. Troy had insisted on hiring someone part-time to do some of the local workshops to give Damian extra time with Karen. Kyle’s younger brother had completed his final tour in the military and agreed to house-sit until Damian and Karen moved back.

“Damian, we’ve gone over this ten times.” Kyle put his hands on Damian’s shoulders. “Relax, man. It’s all good.”

Wiping beads of perspiration off his forehead, he nodded. “I know. I know. Do you have the ring, Troy?”

Troy threw up his hands. “Lord, please let this man hurry up and get married so he can drive someone else crazy.”

“I’m not that bad,” Damian grumbled.

Kyle and Troy shared a look and said, “Yeah, you are.”

The three men burst out laughing and turned at the sound of the door opening.

The minister entered. “Are you ready, son?”

“Definitely,” Damian answered.

“That’s what I like to hear. Let’s go meet your bride.”

Damian, Troy and Kyle followed the minister to the sanctuary and the candlelight ceremony began. Janae and Melissa looked beautiful in their dresses, as did the little flower girl—one of Karen’s young cousins. The ring bearer, another one of her family members, walked solemnly down the aisle and took his place next to Damian.