Chapter 16

He was sweating. Just faint patches of moisture beneath his armpits, not noticeable to his best man standing next to him and not enough to show through his starched white shirt and immaculately styled black tuxedo jacket.

Not even enough to bead his upper lip or his forehead where his ink black hair was stylishly cut and brushed back from his face, but enough to alert him to the fact that he was nervous. Last night had been torture for him as he refused to go to sleep before hearing her voice.

"Promise me that if you happen to change your mind between now and ten in the morning, you will let me know." He had half teased her.

"I will send you a detailed message as to the reason why I will not show up tomorrow for the second-best day of my life."

"The first being when you surrendered your life to the Lord." She had told him that one day when they were talking.

"Yes. I will be there bright and early. I am not one of those brides who think it's fashionable to be late."

"I sincerely hope so. I will be conspicuous as it is with people staring at me."

"I promise to be there with bells on."

"I love you."

"I love you so much, Evan, and cannot wait to be your wife." He had taken those words to bed with him and woke up this morning remembering them.

Now he was standing front and center with the large space packed to capacity and waiting for his bride. He was puzzled to see Pastor William taking his place at the pulpit. Cassandra had told him that the man would be playing a dual role – as giveaway dad and the one performing the ceremony.

He smiled briefly as her friend appeared to take her place and straightened his shoulders in anticipation of his bride making her way towards him.

But when she did not appear, he could feel his gut tightening, until there was a hush in the church, the silence so profound, one could hear a pin drop. It was as if everyone had collectively held their breath and were staring at something on the pulpit.

A frown touched his brow as he started to turn and look at what had them so enraptured. Then her clear, beautiful voice sounded and had him turning fully around.

His breath strangled inside his throat as he beheld the most hauntingly beautiful sight he had ever seen. The dress, from throat to waist was made entirely of transparent lace with a champagne colored under covering to hide the flesh.

A thin gold belt was around her narrow waist and the shirt was full, with yards of tulle, drifting from waist to several yards behind her. The sleeves were long, coming to a point at her wrists. Her hair was braided to one side with garlands of flowers around her head.

Diamonds were at her lobes and her eyes were shining with love as she sang, her eyes holding his. He finally noticed that she was singing the lyrics of ‘Here and now' by Luther Vandross and putting her own incredibly beautiful spin on the popular song. The words were meant for him and was a promise to him only.

His throat became thick with emotions as she sang the words:

‘I look in your eyes and there I see,

What happiness really means.

The love that we share makes life so sweet.

Together we'll always be.

This pledge of love feels so right.

And ooh, I need you.

Here and now, I promise to love faithfully,

You're all I need.

Her and now, I vow to be one with thee (you and me)

Your love is all I need.'

By the time the song ended, he was a quagmire of emotions and tears were burning the back of his eyes. At the end of the chorus, she walked towards him with her hand outstretched as she finished the song and handed the microphone to someone who rushed forward to take it from her.

His hand held hers and he just simply stared at her, unable to function or even find the words.

Clearing his throat, Pastor William invited the guests to sit so that the ceremony could begin. He started with a prayer to bless the couple and followed up by reading of Ephesians 5: 25-33 and spoke about the husband loving the wife as Christ loves the church.

"Cassandra is more than a mere member of the church. She is the heart of it. This young woman has proven herself to be a mover and a shaker in the ministry and one cannot help but admire her." He paused and stared at her for a moment. "She is also a daughter to me and often brings me comfort during my rough times.

She is sweet and wonderful and genuine in her faith. I have learned a lot from her." He smiled. "It's funny the way the Lord works. He brought this young man into our lives, into hers unexpectedly and we never dreamed that we would be standing here at a time like this.

But he has proven to be the man for her. He loves her and that much is obvious. She loves him as well and we are going to pray that their union be blessed. Now enough of me and my speech, the couple desire to repeat their own vows."

Turning her to face him, Evan threaded his fingers through hers, his grip tight. "That was some surprise you gave me. I had no idea what was going on." His smile wobbled as he stared into her eyes.

Everyone else faded away and it was just them. "I came here reluctantly to hand over a check, to improve the image of my company and there you were, insisting that I take the tour.

I told myself that I would be here and gone in a few minutes, but you prolonged that, and it was the turning point of my life." He drew in a breath. "You have changed my life Cassandra Latoya Daley. I had stopped believing in God and miracles before you came along.

Now I see sunshine, hope and dreams every single moment of the day. I notice flowers blooming, even though we are in the beginning of winter. The air smells wonderful and your smile makes everything worthwhile. I listen to your melodious voice and am soothed by the cadence. You are light to my life.

I am not afraid of anything as long as you are next to me, cheering me on and I promise before all of our family and friends that I will love and cherish you for the rest of my days. I am asking the Lord for a long life so that I can fulfill that promise. I am here for you, and it is just you. I see you darling, I love you and I always will."

She drew a shaky breath, and the tears slid down her cheeks. "And he told me he was not a poet." She waited until the laughter had ended before resuming.

"Evan Andrew Davenport, I love you. It is not as simple as that of course, it's much more. I did not expect anything like this, but I knew from the moment I laid eyes on you, that you were the one. It took some time for you to get on board, but I forgive you."

She waited again for the applause and laughter to end before continuing. "You are my mate, my companion, the man God has given to me and for the rest of my life, I will love you with my body and honor you.

It's God first and foremost and then it's you. I will listen to you, be with you no matter what and I will continue to pray for you until I draw my last breath. This promise I make in front of God and all our guests. Your love will sustain me when I am feeling low and will be the anchor that keeps us from drifting apart."

There was silence for several minutes before Pastor William broke the profound spell and asked for the rings.

*****

The lavish reception was being held in the Great Hall, instead of the hotel the wedding planner had suggested. Cassandra had rejected that idea because she wanted the entire congregation to be in attendance and not feel out of place as some of them would have been in a fancy hotel.

"It does not matter that your company owns it," she told him. "I want my kids to be comfortable." And everyone had been so grateful to be included, they had gone out of their way to decorate the place.

The food had been catered locally by members of the church and had the out-of-town guests going for seconds and thirds. The atmosphere was one of conviviality and happiness, with the congregation welcoming everyone with open arms.

They had already adopted Evan as one of their own and elderly ladies treated him as their son. They were not intimidated by his vast wealth and status in life, and he was frequently referred to as ‘Cassie's gorgeous young man.'

They would be spending their wedding night at the cottage and attending church services on Sunday before jetting off to several destinations.

Evan made his way through the throng of people who insisted on stopping him every few minutes to offer words of encouragement.

He was impatient to be with his new bride. Hundreds of pictures had been snapped, they had cut the towering pink champagne cake and danced their first dance as a couple and afterwards, had been separated for what to him seemed like ages. He was impatient to get back to her.

And it appears that they were of the same mind. His smile bloomed when he saw her extricating herself from the women demanding her attention and came towards him.

"Hi, wife."

"Hi, husband," she whispered huskily. "I missed you."

"You read my mind." He linked his hand with hers. "How soon can we leave?"

She stepped into his arms, her hands going around his neck. She had taken off the added layer of tulle and her dress was now a simple gown without frills. "How about a few minutes from now? I will let pastor know that we are out of here."

"Sounds good." He gazed down at her, love and adoration shining in his eyes. "Have I told you how much I love being married to you?"

She tilted her head to one side. "I believe you have. But I love to hear it."

"I love being married to you." He told her huskily. "And I want to be alone with my wife."

"Say it again," she whispered.

"My wife. I will be saying it every single day until you tire of it."

"Not a chance," she vowed.

*****

He cradled her in his arms and waited for the storm to abate. A smile touched his lips, and he felt as if he was on top of a very high mountain looking down on lesser mortals. His bride had been shy and hesitant at first, until he had coaxed her into a frame of mind that had sent the passion raging through their bodies.

She was lying flushed against him, her arms wrapped around his body, her head resting on his damp chest.

"I was afraid of disappointing you."

He knew she wasn't asleep, because she had stirred several times in the last few minutes. She should be exhausted; he had been hungry and needy.

"How could you possibly think that?" He shifted so that he could look at her exquisite face. What he saw there made his heart swell, his body quickening.

Her dark brown eyes were limpid and sparkled with passion. Her hair loosened from the intricate braid tumbled artlessly around her face and her lips… He was having a difficult time describing the texture.

"You know why." She lowered her long lashes shyly. He was intrigued and awestruck by her. She was an innocent; he would be the only man for her and that humbled him. And yet she was so filled with wisdom, he could scarcely believe she was this young.

Tilting her face up, he smiled at her indulgently. "Fishing for compliments my love?" He teased her.

"Maybe." She smiled at him lovingly. "I was anxious to please."

"You did just that and more." He felt his heart racing as he thought back to the last hour. "So much more. In case you did not realize it, I was worshipping your body."

Her hand crept over his chest, loving the feel of his dense chest hairs. "I noticed. I want babies."

"We are off to a very good start." He chuckled. "But I want the chance to spend some time getting to know my wife."

In answer to that, she snuggled closer to him and in a few minutes, they were no longer talking.

*****

"Think you have enough pictures?" He was vastly amused and indulgent as he stared at her animated face. They were on the fifth day of their two-week honeymoon and so far, they had been to London, where he had a flat.

Rome where she fell in love with the architecture, museums, churches and stores and protested when he bought her so many things, they had to be shipped home. In Venice, they explored the area on gondolas, with her trying to learn Italian. He took her to Pompeii and Tuscany where the company had invested in a very lucrative vineyard.

They also went to Scotland where they explored areas so green, it was dazzling.

Now they were in Paris, and she was taking numerous photos of the Eiffel Tower and despite the cold, they bicycled in the Boulevard de Belleville.

After that very energetic ride, they were dining at Septime.

"I am going to make several albums and mark them honeymoon adventures." She flashed him an impish smile as she dug into her Croque-monsieur. When she had admitted that she had not really travelled. He had decided then and there to give her the full experience. And he was happy he did.

She was enjoying every minute of it, and so was he. He had traveled the world, but now he was seeing it through his bride's eyes. She was also receiving admiring looks from the French men dining in the restaurant. In fact, she attracted attention wherever they went.

It made him want to gather her against him as a warning that she was taken. But she did not seem to notice. Thankfully, she had eyes only for him. Her effervescent mood was contagious, and her laughter had people laughing with her.

"I am afraid we are going to need several albums."

Their days were filled with colorful adventures and the nights making love until it turned dawn. He could not keep his hands off her.

"You spoil me." She declared suddenly; eyes moist as she stared at him.

"Nonsense." He brushed back curls from her cheeks, his touch lingering. "I thought this is the way a husband is supposed to treat a wife. Unless I am mistaken?"

"I am the most fortunate wife in the world.

"And I am by far the happiest husband alive."

"How long are we staying in Paris?"

"Two more days and then we go to Spain and then several Caribbean islands."

Her eyes went wide. "No kidding."

"No kidding." He grinned at her. "I want to show you off."

Their photos had turned up in several magazines and there was no doubt that theirs was a love match.

He had another surprise waiting when they returned home, one he had worked feverishly to accomplish.

"I love you." She told him.

His eyes darkened. "I love you more." Later that night he showed her how much and had her weeping in his arms.

*****

"Are you going to allow me to take the blindfold off?"

"Patience my love." They were back from their honeymoon having spent Christmas Day in the beautiful island of the Bahamas. The miserable weather had hit them as soon as they landed at the private airfield. A car had been waiting to take them to his loft, where he had collected his vehicle and said that they had somewhere else to be.

By now it was snowing, tiny drops hitting the vehicle and melting instantly.

They traveled for half an hour before he stopped the vehicle. "Now."

She reached behind her and took off the black tie he had placed over her eyes. They were parked in a circular driveway with palm, oak and sycamore trees lining the drive and dripping with snow. The house itself was a red brick three stories building, with massive windows reflecting the dull rays of the afternoon sun.

"Where are we?"

"Shall we?" Unbuckling his belt, he came around to open her door and take her hand.

"Evan?"

"We are home, if it meets your standards."

"Home?" She gave him a dazed look as he led her towards the wraparound porch with the soaring columns.

"Hmm. Watch your step." He opened the double red oak doors, and they stepped into a marble entryway with a soaring ceiling. It was an open concept décor, the spiral staircase branching off in both directions.

To the left there was a wide, graceful kitchen with brand new ultra-modern appliances. To the right, a large and airy living room with a fireplace taking up one corner of the walls. A fire was blazing in the hearth, giving off a coziness that says – home.

"What do you think?"

Turning to look at him, she had no idea what to say. She came back thinking that they were going to be living in his loft, never expecting this.

Taking her silence for displeasure, he rushed to add. "I should have consulted you, but I wanted it to be a surprise. We can always buy something else…," he stopped when she flung herself into his arms and started crying.

"Darling…"

"I don't deserve this." She whispered brokenly. "I know the Lord is not biased, but I never expected anything like this. I never expected you." Lifting her head, she stared at him through tearstained eyes.

"Evan, I love you so much that I cannot breathe." She actually gasped as if her breath was stopping. "I cannot breathe. My love, my husband, my heart."

Lifting her into his arms, he carried her into the living room where a blanket was already spread. And right there he made love to her and held her trembling body against his, his heart bursting with love for her.

*****

"Tired, my love?" He asked gently as he took their sleeping son from her.

"A little bit." She murmured drowsily. She had given birth to him exactly nine months after their honeymoon ended. He had been worried at first that it was too soon, but she had assured him she was a happily pregnant wife.

He did not allow it to get in the way of them going out and having fun. She was still working at the church office and the relationship between her pastor and his wife had improved drastically. Pastor William had told her that she was a huge part of them seeking counseling and trying to set things straight.

Their daughter was back home and going to rehab. They were the favorite couple at church and Evan was now an active member. He would sit in the front pew and watch proudly as his wife worshipped in song. Each day with her was a revelation that he never stopped wondering about.

He would come home worried or disgruntled about a problem and she would find a way to get him out of that mood. He had hired a housekeeper, but she insisted on cooking for them several evenings a week. At weekends, she would give Mrs. Anderson the time off, because she wanted to be alone with him.

They traveled together and she was still preparing picnics for him.

Putting David William in his mobile cot next to the bed, he joined his wife, pulling her into his arms. He had gifted her with a sapphire necklace and matching bracelet when she gave birth to their son, but it was not enough. It would never be enough.

"You saved me." He murmured, kissing the top of her head, and shifting so that he could stare at his sleeping son. "I love you so much and I appreciate what you have done for me."

"You are welcome darling," she murmured, her eyes closing as sleep took over.

He held her close, very near to tears and smiled at how blessed his life was.

The end… but wait:

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