Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 81488 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 407(@200wpm)___ 326(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81488 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 407(@200wpm)___ 326(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
“If you don’t stop flirtin’ with yourself and come the hell on!”
He and Tony jogged back to the hall from the limousine and stepped inside. Tony walked away from him in the direction of his wife, Penny, while he quickly found his mother mingling with the other guests. After kissing her on the cheek, he handed her the journal and envelope, and asked her to keep them in her purse for safekeeping.
He stepped away and looked around, finally able to take it all in. He was in awe of the tall arched mirrors along the cream walls, the cream and wine drapes that hung from each doorway frame, and the gold and wine runner that was placed down the aisle. Fit for royalty. A stone waterfall trickled against the far right side, and the ceiling had a vast skylight, allowing rays of sun to filter in and halo the heads of their guests. The front of the room showcased a large, artificial but realistic white tree. It dominated the area with its twisting and winding branches. On each limb were sparkly gold and wine colored leaves. It was simply breathtaking… the wedding coordinators had done an amazing job, following Genesis’ vision to a ‘T’.
He quickly joined the officiant, a tall white man with kind eyes and a gentle voice, and waited as the greeting to their guests was made, opening introductions, and the wedding party was announced.
Avant’s ‘You & I,’ featuring KeKe Wyatt, was the chosen song that filled the venue with lovely lyrics and romantic tones. The groomsmen and bridal party entered; their arms looped around one another. Walking in unison, they strolled down the aisle, until everyone from each side had entered and was standing in position. Roman slapped hands with Lennox, Kage, Phoenix, Jordan, Dakota and Maddox. All were looking sharp, wearing cream suits with wine ties. Several of Roman’s cousins, friends, colleagues, associates and relatives were already seated. Some gave a wave, others whistled or simply sat, smiling.
Mama was sitting in the front row wearing her hair in pin curls and showing off a retro vintage wine dress with a cinched black belt. She’d lost 24lbs in two months due to her latest carnivore diet obsession and was hellbent on showing off her newly defined waistline. Ronald sat next to her, holding her hand. Two singers from the performing arts college approached the front of the room, microphones in hand. They began a duet of Calum Scott and Leona Lewis’, ‘You Are The Reason.’ A hush fell over the room. When they were finished, the guests applauded their performance, including Roman.
The officiant waved to the DJ who stood off in a corner. Music began to play.
“And now we will have the Velde Dance Troupe, paying homage to the mothers of the bride and groom.”
Seven black dancers dressed in flowy, sheer wine colored dresses entered the room as Victoria Monét’s, ‘On My Mama’ began to play. People laughed, clapped and got excited as the women moved in seductive and sexy ways. Then the women surrounded his mother and Genesis and sprinkled dark red rose petals at their feet. Many applauded, enjoying the unique tribute to the matriarchs.
Monica’s, ‘A Dozen Roses’ then followed as three flower girls, all dressed in frilly cream dresses with wine sashes pirouetted down the aisle, tossing white rose petals and baby’s breath. Roman’s heart warmed as he observed the beautiful little girls, one of whom was his niece, with her blond hair in bouncy pigtails, and the other two Tony’s daughters, donning curly puffs adorned with glitter and rhinestones.
Once the flower girls were seated, the ring bearer stood like a little soldier, dressed in gold and black cowboy attire, in the back of the space—a cream satin pillow in his hands. It was his nephew, Tyler. Four men dressed in fringed cream vests, jeans, cowboy hats and boots burst through the doors, making their way past the ring bearer. One with a fiddle in hand, two with guitars, and the other sat behind some drums. They began performing Alan Jackson’s, ‘Chattahoochee.’
Tyler started to dance, his cowboy hat bopping on his head with each spin and shimmy, and his little legs just a goin’ as he held that pillow, stone-faced and serious about his moves. The guests erupted in laughter and cheered him on. Roman was laughing so hard, he got a little hot in the collar. He and his brothers were clamoring all over each other, cracking up as they watched the fantastic spectacle. Tyler soon finished his performance and sat down with his mother.
“Everyone please rise. Let us welcome the bride.” Everyone who was sitting got to their feet and looked towards the double doors in the back of the room. Roman could feel his smile melt away, and his heart gallop in his chest.