“You ready, Sweet Pea?”
“Yes,” I reply.
“You look so beautiful. I am so proud of you. I love you honey.”
“I love you too, daddy.”
He kisses my check. My mom has requested that none of the guest stand while I am walking down the stone walk way. I want to enjoy the view and remember every detail of this day. Red rose petals are scattered along the silver carpet stamped with small black hearts. Under the cement dome the pastor is smiling, bible in hand, ready to marry us. Cooper looks handsome in his dark silver tuxedo; his red silk tie stands out against the groomsmen’s black ties. All eyes are locked on me as we continue down the path of chairs arranged on each side of the walkway.
The closer I get to Pastor Jenkins the more excited I become. Beside my mother are two empty seats, which doesn’t make sense, since my father is the only person who will be sitting beside her.
When I reach her seat, she grabs something from under her chair. Walking past, I see it is a picture of Celeste. I smile and mouth thank you, but she points to Cooper. He is smiling at me with tears in his eyes. I love him so much.
Pastor Jenkins states, “The couple has written their own vows. Carmen when you are ready.”
I have memorized my vows and nervously I tell Cooper, “Cooper, you have shown me how to forgive others and myself. How to love and receive love. We are made to love each other. On this day in front of our family and friends I take you, to be my friend, my lover, the father of my children and my husband. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you, for all eternity. This is my solemn vow.”
Cooper says his vows: “My Carmen, you have brought unmeasurable joy into my life. You are beautiful, inside and out. Your loving me has made me a better and stronger man. I will respect you, honor you and always be faithful to you. I promise to love you for eternity. You and our family will always come first. This is my solemn vow.”
When Pastor Jenkins announces us as husband and wife, I thought Cooper was going to take me in front of everyone. We have a few pictures to take and then we will meet the guests at the reception hall. Lindsey snaps the final picture of us before the reception. It shows Cooper and me on the white horse and carriage. “Just married” is written in red in the background. We turn around smiling, completing the ceremony portraits. We share a kiss before the horse comes to a stop.
Our announcer introduces the entire wedding party, now for our introduction. He says, “It is my pleasure to introduce for the first time as a married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Cooper Jackson.” Cooper is shocked and kisses me. We walk to our table. On the left side both wedding cakes are displayed on a square table covered in silver. Valerie did a wonderful job; she also complied with my last minute change in adding Jackson to our names already written on the cake. This visual makes me smile.
“What made you change your mind?” he asks.
“Your happiness is important to me and I am proud to share your last name.”
“I love you so much, Carmen. I will always make you happy.”
We go up three steps to reach the table reserved for us. He pulls my chair out and waits for me to be seated before filling the chair beside me. In the middle of our place settings is a framed picture of Celeste encircled in white rose pedals. Red topiary rose balls in large mirror vases decorate the end of our table, which overlooks the guests. The tables closest to us are occupied with our parents on the left, and the wedding party on the right. Caesar salads are placed where selected.
While dinner is served a few of our favorite love songs are played. I am so blessed to have married the love of my life and to be surrounded by great family and friends. Everyone is so happy. My parents are kissing each other, and I feel so wonderful that their grossness doesn’t phase me. Even Timothy and Beverly are being more affectionate. My girls are laughing and having a good time. I have noticed them flirting with the groomsmen and so has Cooper.
We are told it is time for the father and daughter dance. Cooper pulls out my chair and my father leads me to the dance floor. My mother and Cooper stand by the floor for a better view. “I Loved Her First”, by Heartland begins to play. My father tells me that he and mommy are so happy for me. They can’t wait for grandchildren. I smile and rest my head on his shoulder and enjoy this time with my dad. When Heartland sings, “Someday you might know what I’m going through,” my dad gives me to Cooper. They shake hands and Cooper promises to love and cherish me forever. The song changes to “Because You Loved Me,” by Celine Dion. During the entire song, Cooper is whispering all the nasty things he is going to do to me. He has me blushing and I tell him he better stop. He kisses my neck and states he will never stop.
After our dance, David places a chair in the center of the floor. Cooper tells me to sit. The DJ tells all the single men to come to the dance floor. He begins playing upbeat instrumental music. Cooper slowly lifts up my dress and begins massaging my legs. Everyone is cheering him on. I don’t know if I am more horny or embarrassed. Once he reaches my garter he removes it with his teeth and throws it at the crowd. David catches it. He doesn’t look too thrilled. Cooper can’t stop laughing. Now it’s the ladies turn. The song “Single Ladies”, by Beyoncé is playing. Turning my back and closing my eyes, I throw my bouquet. I spin around in enough time to see Marcia catch it.
She looks in disbelief, and says “Fuck that.” As she throws it down. I catch David winking at her, this pisses her off.
We cut our cakes, one for the bridal party and the other for the guest. The party is about to get started.
Cooper says, “Mrs. Jackson let’s go change now so we are not rushing to catch our flight.”
“Are you coming with me, Mr. Jackson?”
“As tempting as that is, I think we should change separately.”
I pout. He smiles.
“Don’t pout, My Carmen we have the rest of our lives for all types of fun.”
As I walk away he smacks my ass. I change into red laced shorts and a white tank top with red lace designs around the bust area and bottom. My black open toe shoes have cute bows on top. My flip flops are packed in my carry-on bag. We dance so much my legs feel like they are going to fall off. Soon we will be leaving for our honeymoon in Hawaii. Cooper tells me that he has dedicated a song to us. John Legend, “Made to Love” plays. We kiss during the song and then say our goodbyes to everyone.
Can’t get enough of The Made Series…
Made for You
Marcia and David’s Story
Marcia has a secret past that she has hidden from everyone. It is filled with violence, intrigue and murder. Skeletons never stay buried. When previous events catch up with her, will she lose the one who holds her heart?
COMING IN FALL 2014
TURN THE PAGE FOR A SNEAK PEEK…
www.cnbookseries.com
Chapter One
Carmen and Cooper’s wedding was beautiful. It is good to see my best friend happy. They really love each other. Watching them dance to “Made to Love” by John Legend, makes me wonder if everyone gets a happily ever after.
Giselle is talking to Liam, Cooper’s cousin; I have never seen her grin so much. Of course I am headed to the bar, when I see David walking towards me with two drinks in hand. David is a sexy ass man. His bronze skin makes me think of a Greek God. He passes a drink to me.
“Are you trying to get me drunk and take advantage of me?” I ask.
He laughs. “I know how much you enjoy your beverages and no one could take advantage of you.” He smiles. “I don’t need to take advantage because you will be begging me to do things to your body.”
I take a sip of my champagne. David is always saying shit like this. I wonder if he has a big dick and more importantly, if he knows how to use it.
“David I don’t have time for this conversation, they are about to leave.”
He replies, “You always run away, Marcia. If you are scared say so.”
He knows how to piss me off and I walk away.
Finally after everyone has said goodbye, Carmen and I hug.
“You have fun in Hawaii and fuck your husband a lot.”
Carmen rolls her eyes. “Marcia, I am going to miss you. Stay out of trouble and don’t drive David crazy.”
Grinning I say, “Me cause trouble? Never.” I look at David who is talking to Cooper and say, “I am not thinking about him. He thinks he is God’s gift to women.”
Carmen gives me an all knowing look. Cooper returns to her side and they kiss.
“Cooper take care of my girl.”
“Always.”
We say our goodbyes and I watch them get into the limo. David tells me that he is in town for two weeks and he wants to take me out. I tell him maybe. This amuses him, cocky bastard.
Giselle and I walk into our apartment building. We wave hello to Frank, our doorman. He asks how Carmen’s wedding was. We tell him everything and Giselle gives him a piece of wedding cake. Before we get into the elevator, Frank tells me I have a delivery. He hands me a medium sized brown box. I thank him.
We change our clothes and drink rum and cokes.
Giselle asks, “Marcia are you going to open that box?”
“Yeah, pass me a pair of scissors.”
We stand around the box. I have a feeling that unfastening this box is going to change my life. Slowly I open the box and remove the card inside. It is typed and says: A life for a life. There is no signature.
Frowning, I move the white tissue paper to find a severed head with gouged out eyes.
Fuck, I don’t need this shit in my life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hello, my name is Candace Werts. I was born in Newark, New Jersey but spent majority of my life living in the metro Richmond, VA area. My background is in childcare and currently I own a daycare center. I am happily married with children.
During my free time, I enjoy reading fictional love stories with a little kink. I noticed there were not many books that feature interracial couples. I thought it would be exciting to write a series featuring multicultural characters. These books are about three friends who find love; but can they keep it? Each character has personal challenges to overcome. My first book, "Made to Love", features the enchanting Carmen and dashing Cooper.
Made to Love: Carmen and Cooper's Story Page 19