The music changes as John Legends “Love Me Now” comes over the sound system. Everyone stands and the moment she turns towards me, my breath catches. I know I call her Goddess, but right now she looks like an ethereal angel. She stands at the end of the aisle with her eyes closed as she takes in the song, knowing what it means to me. I chose it because it was the one playing the night I put my ring on her finger. The night I told her, she is the woman who was born for me and me alone. To bind herself to me for eternity. She smiles as she and my dad begin to ascend the aisle. Her dress is breathtaking. It is a champagne colored dress with sparkles all over it. My child is making her stomach protrude, as her face radiates happiness. The henna she had done makes her look all the more regal. She reaches me and my father places her hands in mine.
“Cherish her, son. She should be above all else.” Looking her in the eyes, I answer him.
“Above all else, dad.” There is no one, no one who will ever equal what she means to me. Nodding his head, he leans in to kiss her cheek as she does him. He pats me on the back and takes his place beside my mother.
“Wow, baby. You look…” I can’t seem to find the words to describe how absolutely enchanting she looks. Her skin is shining, glowing really. Happiness is shining through her. My chest puffs out knowing my love is the reason for her happiness. It makes me feel...important...special...worthy.
“You don’t look so bad yourself.” she says, her voice filled with sass.
“Shall we begin?” we both turn to the minister and nod our heads.
“Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today to witness the union of Marquise Roades and Chrissy Brooks. They have chosen to write their own vows to one another. Marquise.” he says my name signaling it’s my turn to speak, but I am simply speechless. She has literally taken my breath away. The longer I stare at her the more in awe I am, that I am the one she chose.
“Marquise?” her forehead is wrinkled and worried.
“Sorry baby. You have taken the air from my lungs, literally. From the moment I laid eyes on you, you have been the reason I smile. The reason I have found new life in the one that had become mundane and filled with blankness. So here, in front of our family and friends I give everything I am to you, my Goddess. My light. My everything. I promise to protect you, love you, and cherish every breath you take. Thank you for loving me back.” I hear sniffling and turn to see every woman wiping their eyes. Turning back to my love, I wipe her wet face.
“Chrissy, your turn.” she sniffs and raises her tear-filled eyes to me. Though I know they are tears of happiness, I still hate anything but radiance coming from them.
“I know now is the time when I should tell you that ever since your hands touched me the first time, I knew in my heart you were sent to me by God himself. I should tell you that every day you took care of me and worked hard to show me something new, you restored my faith in humanity and proved to me I was worthy. I want to assure your loved ones that I plan to treat you like the king you are and make every day special. I should say all of that to you but instead I plan to show you, until I take my last breath how much I love you and how grateful I am that you chose me.” Jesus. I find myself wiping my eyes.
“Nothing else needs to be said. The rings.” the minister says clearing his voice. Putting my ring on her finger, I feel like I have finally accomplished my purpose in life, besides my daughter. Feeling the slide of the platinum band on my finger is more satisfying than I ever thought it would be.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.” Not waiting another second, I pull her into my arms. With my hands on her stomach I take her mouth in what I plan to be a soft demure kiss, given we have an audience, but it turns into one of need and desperation. It isn’t until the minister taps me on the shoulder, that we release one another.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Marquise Roades.” I grab her hand as we walk down the aisle, people hugging and congratulating us. Needing more than a moment alone with her, I guide her into the music room of the ranch. I asked ahead of time if we could occupy it before photos. I barely get the door closed before I am all over her.