Chapter 4

A knockon my door broke my thoughts. I turned to see Kelcy walking through with a smile on her face.

"You look so beautiful!" she exclaimed.

I gave a faint smile. "Thank you."

She looked around the room. "Where is everybody?"

I shrugged. "It's just me."

Tear swelled in my eyes as I spoke the words aloud.

"Oh, honey…"

Kelcy pulled me into a warm embrace, and I tried my hardest not to fuck up my makeup with tears.

"It's okay," she said, gently rubbing my back.

She pulled away and grabbed a tissue to dab my eyes.

"I know it's disappointing. This isn't traditional, and it's hard for some people to accept the way others go about finding love. Remember this… this is your love story, Kachelle. Nobody else. This day is for you and your future husband. Whether two, twenty, or a hundred people show up to support you, this is your day. You and he have already committed to each other by seeking each other out. That was the biggest step. Everything else, you work out in your own time."

She grabbed my hands and gave me a reassuring smile.

"He's here. He's nervous, but he told me to tell you that he can't wait to meet you."

"Really?"

"Really. His sister says he's been pacing the room in anxiousness and praying that you like him."

I smiled a little. If I was being honest, I prayed he liked me too.

"Now, dry those tears, and let's go. He should be on his way to the altar as we speak. It's time to meet your man."

I took a deep breath. This was it, the point of no return. I grabbed my flowers and slipped his ring on my finger for safe keeping, before following her out of the dressing room. We strolled down the corridor to the room where the ceremony was being held. She placed me in front of the door and signaled to someone on the radio.

"She's ready."

"Copy that."

I heard a soft, angelic melody start up. Closing my eyes, I said a quick prayer. By the time I opened them, the doors of the venue were opening. I gasped as I saw just how beautifully it was decorated. Shades of cream and nudes covered the space in a bohemian theme. Beautiful flower arrangements were strategically placed. A huge crystal chandelier hung in the middle of the ceiling. Beautiful drapery covered the walls.

It was all so elegant.

Then it happened.

My eyes landed on the man standing at the front, nervously fidgeting with his hands. The young woman beside him reached out and pinched him, causing him to stop. They whispered something to each other before he turned his attention back to me.

My eyes widened as they landed on his. He was beautiful. If I had to guess, he was well over six feet tall with a muscular build. I could see the traces of tattoos on his hands. His skin was honey colored, and smooth, practically glowing with the cream-colored suit. Full, kissable lips drew me to the beard and mustache combo that adorned his handsome face. The locs on his head were pulled into a neat bun.

The closer I got to him, the more beautiful he became and the more familiar he looked. Where had I seen him before? His hazel eyes were kind, and when he smiled at me, I wanted to melt. His smile was warm and inviting. He reached for my hand to help me up onto the platform. I slipped my palm into his, and he gave it a gentle squeeze. Our eyes met as he looked down at me, smile still in place.

"I'm Jacob," he said, kissing my hand.

"Kachelle."

"It's so nice to finally meet you. I've been waiting for this moment all day."

His eyes slowly passed over me, and I felt my body heat up under his gaze. That was a good thing. At least there was mutual attraction.

"Damn," he whispered. "You are breathtaking."

I blushed. "Thank you. You're quite handsome yourself."

His face reddened slightly. The woman beside him eyed me curiously. From their similar facial features, I assumed she was his sister. Although she was standing next to him, I got the feeling that she wasn't the biggest fan of this wedding. Even if she wasn't, she at least cared enough to stand with him.

I looked back at my family, sitting quietly in their chairs. Stoic looks rested on their faces. My father shook his head, and my mother refused to look at me. My sister sat with her arms crossed and a tight expression. Her husband elbowed her, causing her to relax her face just a bit. It really hurt me that they couldn't be supportive right now. They could at least fake the shit for the ceremony.

I felt a soft touch to the side of my face. Jacob turned me to face him. Pulling the pocket square from his suit, he gently dabbed the tears I hadn't realized were falling. His eyes held sympathy as he looked at me.

"I'm right here with you," he said softly. "Nobody else matters but us right now, okay?"

I nodded. "Okay."

Finally, I turned my back to the audience. Now wasn't the time to indulge in sadness on behalf of my family's lack of support. Today was supposed to be about me and the future of my happiness. That's what I would choose to focus on.

Jacob lifted my hand and kissed my knuckles before leaning down and placing a light kiss to my temple. I smiled softly.

"Remember what I said," he whispered in my ear. "It's just me and you."

I looked up at him. "Me and you."

"Let's do this."