by D. Camille
“Don't act like you haven't been checking it out,” Lotus told him.
“Yeah, I checked it out but like I said, I'm cool.”
Lotus lifted a brow. “Oh, somebody got you on lock huh?”
“For real?” Trent asked.
She smiled. “Tell me all about her in the car.” She took off towards the door.
Trent looked confused. “She's crazy,” he said following her.
Trent showed Lotus to the waiting car. The driver opened the door for Lotus and he followed her inside.
Lotus turned to him. “So who is she?”
“Who is who?”
“The girl who got that sewed up.” She looked him up and down in his shirt, tie and slacks.
Trent looked at her. “Are you always this...nosy as hell?”
“Yeah.” She smiled. “For real though Trent, I want to know how a girl gets a dude like you sprung.”
Trent laughed. “I'm not sprung first of all. Secondly, what do mean a dude like me?”
Lotus shrugged. “I mean you're cute. You seem nice. You dress like you own a company or something.”
Trent looked down at his clothes. “You think I dress like I own a company?”
“Yeah. Your brother said you were turning eighteen but when I saw you I thought you were like twenty-six.”
“Twenty-six!” Trent yelled.
She shrugged again. “I'm just saying.”
Trent laughed. “You sound like Callie.”
“That's her name?” she asked.
Trent sat back. “Actually there were two.”
“Player, player.”
Trent shook his head. “Not really.”
“You smashing both?” she asked.
“Neither one.”
Lotus frowned. “Your game must be tired if you look that good and you ain't getting none.”
Trent smirked. “My game is tight. Don't get it twisted.”
Lotus folded her arms. “Then why you ain't hitting nothing?”
“I didn't know which one I wanted,” he found himself telling her.
“They both were on you?” she asked.
Trent sighed and looked away. “One broke it off...”
Trent thought of Callie, something that he'd done a lot of lately. Since she'd stopped spending time with him his life seemed empty. Although he still saw her at the office, she no longer flirted back or smiled at him the way she used to. He missed her smart mouth and her sass. Most of all he missed the warmth and ease he'd felt whenever he was with her. There was an ache in his heart that he'd never previously experienced.
“What are they like?” Lotus questioned.
“Well Isis is like...a princess I guess. She's beautiful, real graceful and classy like.”
Lotus nodded. “And Callie?”
Trent smiled. “Callie is... my shero.”
“A shero? What the hell is that?”
“Incredible...,” he said slowly.
Lotus' eyes widened. “And you didn't know which one you wanted?” she asked skeptically.
“Nah...”
Lotus leaned forward. “Uh, Trent, in case you didn't know, Callie’s got your ass on lock.”
“What? Why do you say that?” he asked.
Lotus laughed. “Cause you just said she was incredible, and you sang that shit!”
“I did not sing it! You tripping!”
“Yeah, you did. You were like 'Incredible'....” She hit a high note.
Trent frowned. “Whatever. I don't even know why I'm talking to you.”
“It's cool. I want a dude to sing I'm incredible too. You got a friend?” she asked.
Trent smiled. “Yeah I do.”
“Is he cute?”
“According to him he has pretty eyes,” Trent said grinning.
Lotus smiled. “He lives here?” she asked.
Trent shook his head. “Nah...but he'll be here for my birthday party. You should come back and come to the party.”
“I think I will. Old girl will probably have you performing concerts by then,” she cracked.
“Yeah...whatever. Nobody was singing,” he repeated grumpily.
Lotus continued to laugh as Trent turned to look out the window frowning and thinking to himself, "Did I really sing it?"
Chapter 24
Epilogue...
Sean and Lily's wedding day began with a beautiful sunrise. Lily awakened still in disbelief that she was marrying the most incredible man in the world. A man who loved her unconditionally, a man who vowed to protect her with his life and a man who made all her dreams come true.
During the wedding planning Sean had been patient and involved during every aspect making sure Lily received everything she wanted to make her happy. It had truly been a wonderful experience planning their wedding together.
Lily lifted her face upwards asking the Universe for a peaceful day. She was manifesting no problems, no worries, and no surprises but she would accept two out of three. Happily she jumped from the bed and dressed to check out the venue.
Sage picked her up in the security car a few hours later and they headed to the beautiful grounds where the ceremony would be held. The pair walked around checking everything out and making sure it fit all of their expectations. Satisfied that everything was to their liking they headed inside to begin dressing.
Lily's mother and sister arrived a little later while Lily was being prepped. She sat in the chair while her hair and make-up were being taken care of by a stylist. There was a knock on the door and Sage answered to find one of the staff with an envelope. She took it and read the name on the front before smiling at the staff and thanking her. Sage walked over and handed the note to Lily who looked at her in surprise before opening it and reading to herself.
"Beautiful Lily, I've waited for this day for my entire life and there is no one else I would want standing next to me today. As you are preparing, I want you to know there is nothing that you can do that will make you more beautiful than you already are to me. I love you and I can't wait to start our lives together as warrior and Goddess. Sean."
Lily smiled and lifted watery eyes to Sage.
Sage smiled. "You'd better not cry and mess up that makeup," she admonished. "That damn Sean. He's too thoughtful."
Lily laughed through her tears. "No, he's not. He's perfect," she choked out pressing the note to her chest.
Sage looked at her friend. "Yes he is, for you."
"Now we need to get you dressed so you can marry this perfect man," Sage told her.
*********
Sean stood outside dressed in his black designer tuxedo with purple bowtie, white shirt and black vest. Jordan and Trent stood next to him in matching tuxedos. The three were a handsome sight indeed. Sean looked around the grounds as Ray joined them.
Ray nodded at Sean. "Everything's secure. No worries today bruh."
Sean smiled. "Thanks Ray."
"We're gonna get you married to that pretty little woman without any problems," Ray assured him.
"She's worried and I don't want that," Sean told him.
Jordan patted him on the back. "You made sure Shana's not one of the servers today right?" He laughed.
Sean gave him a look. "I did check the names of all the staff here."
"Smart dude," he cracked.
"Just make sure you and Sage don't run into any old boyfriends," Sean told him.
Ray laughed and Jordan turned to him.
"Make sure you're watching my baby during the ceremony," he said glancing over at Diamond sitting on a chair with Isabelle.
Ray looked at him. "Shut up Jay."
Jordan shook his head. "If your sister wasn't so damn fine, I swear..."
"Not today," Sean warned.
Jordan and Ray shared a look before nodding at each other. Sean turned to Trent.
"Since you're walking down with Lotus you should meet her inside."
"Cool. I'll wait for her there." He took off to go inside.
"Jordan,
you and Sage will already be standing up here and Lily will walk down with her mother."
Jordan frowned. "You do remember we practiced this yesterday?"
"Then you should be able to do it right," Sean said pointedly.
"Okay Sean. Damn! I got it." Jordan said smiling. "I hope you only get married once."
Sean smiled. "That's the plan."
Jordan shrugged. "I guess everybody can't be as cool as I was."
Ray and Sean looked at him. "Cool?" Sean asked.
"Yeah."
"Jordan, you had to ask the woman at least twenty times before she even agreed to marry you," Sean pointed out.
Ray laughed again looking at Jordan.
Jordan frowned at Ray. "At least I did find a woman to marry."
Ray shook his head. "Oh bruh, if I wanted to wife somebody I could. Believe that."
"Nobody wants you Ray," Jordan told him.
"You think so Jay?" he asked before turning to look over where Isabelle was seated with Diamond. He smiled at her and she immediately smiled back before looking him over and smiling some more.
He turned back to Jordan. "You were saying?"
Jordan had watched Isabelle's reaction and frowned. "Shut the hell up Ray."
Sean and Ray laughed as the coordinator walked up to them.
"Everything is set Mr. Jackson. We should be able to begin on time."
"Thank you," Sean told her before she scurried away.
Jordan turned to Sean. "Congratulations man. Let's handle this."
Sean smiled. "It's handled."
All three men nodded and went to take their places.
Sean watched as the few guests were seated before the music began to play. He stood still as Lotus and Trent walked down the aisle then went to stand next to Jordan and Sage. When Lily appeared in the doorway, his breath caught. She wore a white strapless sweetheart neckline dress made of lace. It fit her curvaceous frame perfectly. Her hair was in some type of upswept style that showed her beautiful face. She smiled at him and his heart flopped.
Lily looked at the three handsome men waiting for her at the end of the aisle and one in particular made her lose her breath. He looked like a dream to her and he was just that, a dream come true. She glanced at all her family, her mother walking next to her and Carolyn sitting in the crowd smiling. Ray, Isabelle and Isis were sitting with little Diamond and Sage, Lotus, Jordan along with Trent were all standing under the bower with her love waiting for her.
Lily reached the front and watched as her mother took a seat and Sean took her hand helping her up onto the platform. She looked up into his dark brown eyes and smiled showing both her dimples. The pair had decided to read their own vows and Lily went first. She was trembling as she began.
"Never in this existence did I think that the Universe would send to me such a handsome, brave and brilliant warrior; a warrior who would be my shield and hero; who would defeat my every foe. You are truly my love and I will love you through eternities. In every life I will seek your loving energy as the shelter for my heart." She paused to gather herself.
"Thank you for sharing this life with me. I promise to be the Goddess deserving of such a magnificent prize. I will always be your love, your peace and your refuge. Nakupenda Sean."
Sean looked down at the treasure before him and shook his head in amazement before he touched her face.
"My beautiful Lily, you are the flower that blooms in my heart. From the first moment I saw you, I knew that you were unlike anyone I had ever known. You love my heart, my mind and my soul. You provide everything that I lack and you build up everything that I have. I will always be your strength and your protector. Thank you for coming into my life and allowing me to be who I am. My love for you is eternal. You are my Goddess and I want to dwell forever in your kingdom. Nakupenda Lily."
Sean kissed his bride slowly as she threw her arms around him holding on tightly. He smiled down at her as everyone clapped and cheered. Sean lifted her easily into his arms and carried her back down the aisle as she happily waved at everyone. Inside he led her into a private room and sat with her on his lap.
"I told you everything would be fine," he told her.
She smiled. "You did. Thank you."
"Now I can't promise anything after this point."
Lily laughed. "This was perfect and so are you."
"May I call you Mrs. Jackson now?" he asked.
Her smile lit up the room. "Yes you can my love." She wrapped her arms around him thanking the Universe for this wonderful day.
All of the guests were ushered inside for the meal and festivities. Once everyone was seated, Sean and Lily were introduced as they entered the room. They took their seats on the platform reserved for the bride and groom.
Jordan stood and lifted his glass. "Congratulations to Sean and Lily. It was a perfect day for a perfect couple." He nodded at them both and they both smiled at him as he took his seat.
Lily stood and everyone immediately looked at her. "I don't know if it's customary for the bride to give a toast, but if anything we're all unconventional so here goes..."
She looked around the room. "I'm so happy that all of you are here to share this special day with us." She smiled down at Sean. "When I woke up this morning I had a mother, a sister and a best friend." She looked at her mother, Lotus and Sage.
"Now I feel like I have another sister." She looked at Sage. "Another mother," she glanced at Carolyn. "Three brothers," she smiled at Jordan, Ray and Trent and they smiled back at her. "And a new friend." She nodded towards Isabelle.
"I feel like I have a true family. I love you all."
She sat as everyone clapped then Sean leaned over and kissed her softly. Dinner was a festive event as everyone engaged in conversation. The first dance was Lily's favorite song, Somi's Ginger Me Slowly.
Sean led her out to the dance floor and took her into his arms. Lily laid her head on his chest smiling happily. He glided her across the room in smooth movements to the slow beat. Sean stopped, looked down at her then dipped her gently. She laughed as he lifted her up and picked up where they had left off moving to the music.
After the dance they stood and bowed as everyone stood around the dance floor applauding them. Another song began to play as Jordan and Ray led Sage and Isabelle to the dance floor.
Trent sat at the table with Lotus, Isis and Diamond. He smiled at Diamond as she played with his tie while sitting on his lap.
Isis smiled. "She really loves you."
"Yeah, I'm her favorite." He turned to Diamond. "Isn't that right Diamond girl? Trent is your favorite."
Diamond smiled. "Tint."
He nodded then Lotus and Isis laughed. Isis then turned to Lotus.
"So Lotus, how long are you staying?"
Lotus looked at Trent. "I'm leaving in a couple of days, but I'll be back for Trent's birthday."
Isis looked surprised. "Oh, you're coming back for Trent's birthday party?" she asked looking at Trent.
Lotus smiled. "Yeah, he invited me personally so..."
Trent turned to Lotus. "So that you can meet my friend Kent, right Lotus?" he asked.
Lotus' eyes turned naughty. "Yeah, and so I can see Callie."
Isis' head snapped around to Trent. "You know Callie, Lotus?"
Lotus laughed. "No, but Trent was 'singing' her praises the other night so I can't wait to meet her."
"Really?" Isis said looking at Trent who was staring at Lotus.
Trent wanted to strangle Lotus. He knew she was doing this on purpose. Why did he ever talk to her?
"Excuse me, I'm going to the ladies room," Isis said leaving her seat.
"Not cool Lotus," he told her when Isis was gone.
Lotus shrugged. "What's not cool Trent?"
"Why'd you do that?" he asked angrily.
"I don't like her for you."
Trent looked at her. "You just met her like thirty minutes ago!"
"I wish Callie was here."
"You are really cr
azy aren't you?" Trent asked confused.
Lotus leaned forward. "Stop playing with that girl Trent. You don't want her."
"How in the hell can you tell me who I want? I've known you like three days Lotus."
Lotus shook her head. "The heart never lies Trent. Remember that."
"I don't even understand you," he told her shaking his head.
Lotus laughed as Isis returned to her seat. She stared at Trent across the table. Lotus looked between the two then stood.
"I think I'll get some more punch." She walked away from the table and Isis watched her leave before turning to Trent.
"You told her about Callie?" she asked confused.
"I told her about both of you."
Isis frowned. "Why?"
Trent shrugged. "We were just chilling going to dinner. It was just conversation."
"Yet you told her so much about Callie that she wants to come back to your party to meet her?" Isis accused.
"I really didn't tell her anything about Callie."
"You told her something Trent! It's obvious." She turned away. "And whatever you told her about me, she doesn't like me."
Trent looked at her. "Isis, really I didn't say anything. I told her that you were beautiful and graceful and classy."
Isis turned back to him. "And what did you say Callie was?
Trent looked at Diamond. "It doesn't matter."
Isis laughed. "Just because you're a genius Trent doesn't mean everyone else is stupid."
Trent sighed. "It's nothing Callie really."
Isis' eyes narrowed. "My name is Isis."
Trent lowered his head. "I'm sorry Isis."
"I mean really Trent. If you're in love with that girl, then just say so."
He looked up at her in question just as Jordan came to the table to get his daughter. Jordan looked at Trent's face and then at Isis before lifting a brow at Trent. Trent shook his head and handed Diamond over to her daddy. Jordan gave one last look before walking away from the table.
"Do you want to dance Isis?" Trent asked.
"Sure. Why not?" she said standing as Trent held out his hand for her. He led her out to the dance floor where Ray and Isabelle were dancing. Ray glanced at Trent's face and shook his head. He focused back on Isabelle.
"Thank you for dancing with me tonight Belle."
"I find that I like dancing with you."