Page 58 of Love Sanctioned

“About time to get this show on the road, huh? Second time’s the charm, baby girl.” Kolton looped my arm in his and we left the room.

This was probably one of the longest walks of my life, but it meant the most. The moment we left the house, exiting through the backyard, I was in awe. It didn’t look like the same space but instead had been transformed. Though the sun was setting, I could see everything. Deep red roses, black calla lilies, and other greenery along the path while several rows of dark chairs lit at the end by massive candles lined the yard. There were candles everywhere, sure to lead me straight to him. It was beautiful and packed. How in the hell they’d done this I would never know.

At the end of the aisle he stood in all black, next to the officiant also wearing black at his left and Junior at his right. He matched his father well. Killah and another gentleman stood behind Junior.

We walked up the aisle, my eyes locked on Posydiann. Damn everyone here right now, all of my attention was on him.

It felt like it took forever when I finally reached him. My brother handed me off before taking a seat next to my mother at the front.

From there, everything seemed to speed past, my heart thumping out of my chest while Psy held my hands, staring deeply into my eyes.

“Who gives this woman to this man?” the officiant asked, interrupting my trance. I hadn’t heard a word else he said because from the moment I locked eyes with Posydiann, it was only him and me here.

My mother and brother stood. “We do.” That was the first time I looked away from Psy. It was only brief.

“Please be seated. If anyone present today has a reason as to why these two should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

Laughter filled the space, making me look around to see what I was missing. That was when I peeped Killah and the gentleman behind him. They each had one hand slightly raised while the other lifted the hems of their shirts to expose their firearms at their sides as they turned in a slow three-sixty.

“You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around. That’s what it’s all about.” Killah finished the song before they both dropped their shirts.

“Carry on, Pastor,” the other guy said, also making the crowd laugh even harder.

The officiant cleared his throat, attempting to stifle the smile trying to spread across his face.

“Well, that’s settled.”

My eyes went back to Posydiann. His expression and focus were the same. Me.

“Posydiann, do you take Karsyn to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to honor, love, and protect her for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” Those serious eyes remained on me the entire time.

“Karsyn, do you take Posydiann to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to love, honor, and stand beside him for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” I said with my whole chest.

He coughed almost immediately. “Better had.”

More laughter ensued and once again I felt these pesky ass tears.

“May I have the rings?” the officiant asked.

Immediately Killah removed the boxes, handing them over.

In seconds, Posydiann slipped the ring on my finger, then I slipped the ring on his finger.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Posydiann didn’t wait for that part of the statement, his lips were already against mine, sealing the lifelong decree we had just made before our family and friends. This moment felt magical, like somehow everything had fallen into place. This was where I belonged, not in the mold created for me, but here in this space, becoming his wife.

After the wedding we were ushered to a massive white tent on the side of the house. There, the food and festivities kicked off.

“I told you this was happening today.” He kissed the side of my face while he spoke into my ear.

“That you did. As crazy as it sounded, I never once believed it wouldn’t happen.”

“Good. Always believe in your man because I have every intention of making that shit happen.”