Unforgettable, My Love Has Come Along

by Ann Marie Bryan

  “Your shower was beautiful,” Idalyn remarked, smiling as she stirred milk into her coffee.

  “Yes,” Maydine acquiesced and Bella nodded.

  “We had a great time. It was really great to see everyone,” I replied, biting into the fried plantains.

  “For the next leg of your journey,” Mr. Mohan said, looking at his watch, “we plan to leave for Kingston at 12 noon.”

  “Sounds good,” I responded. “That should give us enough time to check in prior to rehearsal.” Most of our family members, friends and guests were staying at the Parsion Kingston Hotel because of its proximity to the Genova All Suite Hotel.

  “Yes, that time should be okay,” Maydine agreed, before turning to face me. “Are you finished packing?”

  “No. I have a few more items to pack.”

  “You won’t need that much clothes for where you’re going,” she teased nonchalantly. Totally unexpected from Maydine!

  Time stood still as everyone waited for my reaction. I blushed and my mouth fell open as I looked around the table for an ally. It was me against the world. Idalyn snickered while Mr. Mohan chuckled and excused himself from the table.

  “I am way too young for this kind of conversation,” Bella declared. A wide grin stretched across her face.

  “Naughty mommy!” I pursed my lips and wagged my index finger at Maydine. “You will be in the naughty corner all day and I am taking away your mothering rights.”

  She giggled and patted my back.

  Half an hour later, Orane popped by to drop off Aunt Joy while I was scurrying around and packing. Hurriedly, he blew me a kiss and was on his way. He was travelling to Kingston with the groomsmen to pick up their suits before checking into the Genova All Suite Hotel.

  I had just zipped my suitcase when Maydine entered my room, wearing a troubled expression.

  “Is everything okay?” I asked comfortingly.

  Maydine’s light brown eyes stared into mine. “Vena is here to see you.”

  My heart sank at the mention of her name. “Why?” I stiffened. “Hasn’t she done enough?” Of all the people I might have imagined seeing today, Vena was not even in the distance. I plopped myself on the bed, recalling our last conversation.

  “Talk with her,” Maydine encouraged. “You did say that you had committed the situation to the Lord.”

  I sighed heavily, glancing towards the window. “Okay, I will be out shortly.” I silently cried out to the Lord. God help me! Strengthen my inner man so that I will communicate with Vena in a manner that represents you. I have no desire to give the enemy a foothold in my life…not now…not ever.

  Vena was sitting quietly on the sofa in the living room. She gave me a quick, uncertain look. “Hi Vena,” I greeted her.

  “Hey Anna. I know that you are busy but I needed to speak with you.”

  “Sure,” I responded, “we do need to talk.”

  “Can we talk in your bedroom?”

  Oh Lord! Will I be safe? Maybe I could take a chance, I pondered, assessing the situation.

  “Okay.”

  I escorted her to my room and motioned for her to sit in a chair near the window. I sat on the edge of the bed, away from her. Truthfully…I opted to sit on the bed because it was nearest to the door, just in case I needed to make a run for it.

  “I see you’re finished packing,” Vena commented, trying to start a difficult conversation.

  “Pretty much! You look great Vena. How are you?” I asked quietly. Vena aged well. At thirty-four years old, she could easily pass for a woman in her early twenties. Her petite frame looked very fashionable in a pair of denim capris and a red sleeveless cotton wrap blouse. Her long black hair bounced around her shoulder as she spoke.

  “I’m good,” she said, avoiding eye contact. “Anna, I just wanted to apologize for…”

  “Vena, it’s okay. I know you…”

  “No Anna. I know I was out of place.” She shot me a penitently glance. “I apologize for my behavior.”

  “That’s alright. I am sorry too that I disconnected the call.” I moved and sat on the side of the bed across from her. “How are things otherwise?”

  She was quiet for a moment before saying, “I thought that I would be married by now.”

  “Vena, look at me,” I said quietly. My request must have stunned her because she quickly looked at me. “I understand what you are going through but I don’t have an easy answer for you. I know you love the Lord and His love for you is immeasurable. You must continue to trust Him with this area of your life.”

  Vena nodded, then exhaled loudly. “It’s been so hard. I thought I met Mr. Right the other day but things just turned sour.”

  I gently touch her hand. “This is no consolation but we have all been there.” Shock filled her eyes. “Yes, even me. In due time, in God’s appointed season, you will meet your husband.”

  Agonizing, she said, “Sometimes, I’m afraid that it will not happen.”

  “I thought so too at one time or the other, even though in my heart, I knew that I would be married.” I paused to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. “You can trust God with your life. He will not disappoint you.”

  Vena smiled coyly. “I know. But, I still have that little fear that He will not come through for me in this area.”

  “Remember, fear is not of God. That is the enemy’s way of keeping you in chains, to hold you hostage. Even if you don’t get married, God will give you the grace to handle it.”

  Vena sighed deeply, the lines on her face softening. “I need to spend more time with the Lord. This has been a rough season.”

  I smiled at her. “I’m glad to hear, has been a rough season. That’s the way to go, keep your mind on the word of God and just continue to cry out to Him. He can hear through the fog, the rain, the darkness, through all your circumstances and situations. When you can’t pray just utter His name, Jesus…Jesus.”

  Reverent silence filled the room.

  “Thanks so much. I needed to hear that,” Vena said softly.

  “I’m just glad that you’re okay.” I got up and grinned at her with open arms. “Come here, give me a hug.”

  We hugged then prayed for each other. Vena wished me well before she departed.

  Then, it was time to roll!

  “Let’s go people,” Mr. Mohan said, signaling for everyone to enter Maydine’s Toyota RAV4.

  Our journey into Kingston was excruciatingly slow. Traffic was heavy on this very humid Friday afternoon. Two hours later, we checked into the Parsion Kingston Hotel. Orane called several times to check on our location. He had already informed Reverend Fuller that we were running late.

  Hurry was the name of the game as I freshened up for our wedding rehearsal. My family members had already gathered, when I arrived in the hotel’s reception area. “You look great!” Bella said, amidst the pleasantries, totally impressed by my deliberate transformation.

  “Thank you.” I smiled at her. I had created a chic chignon and donned grey accessories to complement my aqua blue Calvin Klein pleated bodice knee length dress with a sweetheart neckline and wide straps that crossed in the back.

  Half an hour later, we were greeted with hugs and squeals of delight from our wedding party, family and friends when we exited the vehicle in the church yard. Orane smiled and beckoned to me in the distance. He was surrounded by a group of men.

  “I shall return,” I said to Maydine.

  “Okay dear,” Maydine replied.

  I made my way to Orane and greeted the group. “Good evening gentlemen.”

  “Good evening,” they responded smiling.

  Face to face with Orane, I laid my head on his shoulder and he hugged my waist comfortingly. I moved even closer to him as he kissed the top of my head. A feeling of utter contentment came over me.

  “You okay?” he asked tenderly.

  “I am now,” I murmured, enjoying the warmth emanating from his body.

  “Great!” he said. “There are people here w
ho can’t wait to meet you.”

  “Really?” I asked innocently, moving out of his arms.

  “Babes, meet the best man for the job.”

  “Ridley, so nice to finally meet you!” I smiled extending my hand. Ridley and I had spoken a few times on the telephone.

  “The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Conway,” he drawled.

  Cheers went up from the group and I giggled with joy.

  Orane smiled and continued the introductions. “This is Pero and you remember Rayton. You met Ray at Mona and Devon’s wedding in Ocho Rios.”

  “Nice to meet you Inspector Pero.”

  “The pleasure is mine Annalisa.” Pero’s handshake was warm and sincere.

  “Ray, great to see you again.”

  Ray smiled and hugged me. “Great to see you too Annalisa, on this great occasion.”

  “Yes ma’am,” a familiar voice said. “You’re finally here.”

  I turned and was pleasantly surprised to see Petra, my prayer partner, ‘sister’ and friend of umpteen years, who resided in New Jersey.

  “P, what are you doing here?” I squealed hugging her. “I thought I wouldn’t see you until tomorrow.”

  “My BFF (best friend forever) has me on ushering duties. I need the details of my responsibilities face to face. Tomorrow is not an option.” Petra smiled happily at me. “It’s good to see you.”

  “Good to see you too P. This is my darling, Orane. Honey, this is Petra.”

  Orane shook Petra’s hand and in a deep exaggerated voice, “Pleasure to meet you, Petra.”

  We all laughed.

  “Nice to meet you Orane,” Petra grinned.

  “We are going to see the Pastor,” Orane announced to the group. “We’ll be back shortly.”

  “See you in a bit,” I said as Orane took me by the hand, our fingers intertwined.

  As we walked towards the church office, I glanced in the sanctuary and thought of all the worship services, weddings and other events that I had attended there; the many times that I had ministered in dance on the altar. Thirty two steps would take me from the entrance door to the altar. Happy, very happy memories! I looked forward to taking the long walk up the aisle.

  We entered a narrow passageway behind the sanctuary and knocked on the main office door.

  “Come in,” Reverend Fuller called out.

  “Good evening Reverend Fuller,” Orane said. “We apologize again for being late sir.”

  “Good evening Orane,” Reverend Fuller shook his hand and smiled. “I understand.”

  “How is the bride?” he asked, smiling as he hugged me.

  “I am wonderful Rev. How are you?”

  “I am doing great. Come this way please.”

  We followed Reverend Fuller to an adjoining office. “Please be seated.” He motioned us to two chairs before his desk. “Are you ready?” he asked, leaning back in his chair.

  “Yes!” Orane and I said in unison.

  We all chuckled.

  After Reverend Fuller’s final words of counsel, we discussed the step-by-step procedure for the wedding ceremony including our positions at different times during the ceremony.

  “All minds clear,” Reverend Fuller asked.

  “Yes,” Orane and I responded.

  “Great! Gather the bridal party and I will join you in a few minutes.”

  We thanked Reverend Fuller and exited his office to be greeted by more family members and friends.

  “Let’s meet in the sanctuary,” Orane shouted.

  “Let’s all sit together!” I told the group as we moved to the sanctuary. “Over here please.” I motioned to the pews at the front right hand section.

  “Well hello!” said a familiar voice.

  “Verona!” I screamed, moving towards her. She dropped in a minicurtsy and danced about before joyfully hugging me. I smiled at her. “It’s so great to see you. You look fabulous.” With her thick long dark hair, tall slender frame and large dark brown eyes, Verona looked striking in a polka dot denim bustier dress and matching sandals.

  Verona hugged me again. “Thanks! Great to see you too! Are you ready?” she whispered.

  “Oh yes,” I snickered.

  She nudged me, giggling. “Go on with your bad self!”

  “Girl behave,” I chortled, pulling her towards Orane. “This is Orane. Orane this is Verona, the sister that you haven’t met.”

  “Hi Verona, nice to meet you.” Orane greeted her with a hug.

  “Great to meet you Orane,” Verona responded. “Welcome to the family.”

  “Thank you,” Orane said smiling.

  “Anna, we’ll catch up,” Verona said mischievously as she took her seat.

  “Hello everybody,” I said enthusiastically, “so good to see you.”

  Murmurs of “you too”, “yippee” and other cheers greeted us as Orane and I stood before the group.

  “Go Annalisa!” someone yelled and laughter erupted.

  “Hey, I feel you!” I said smiling. “For those of you who don’t know him, this is Orane Conway, my husband-to-be and the love of my life.”

  “Hi Orane!” the group roared.

  “And, for those of you who don’t know me, I am Annalisa. I am the bride,” I said cheekily.

  “Alright now!” someone yelled bringing much laughter.

  I giggled and took out my little notepad. “We have a few things to discuss before we proceed with the rehearsal. First of all, thank you all so much for coming out and celebrating with us on this very special, ah my bad…let me say, this auspicious…”

  Hysterical laughter broke out with some yelling, “aus what?” I ignored their calls and continued “auspicious occasion. Okay, keep it holy.” I grinned at them. “Where are our groomsmen and best man?”

  “Over here.” The five men raised their hands.

  “Great.”

  “And where are our bridesmaids and maid of honor?”

  “Here! Over here!” they shouted joyfully.

  I introduced the members of our bridal party and went straight to business.

  “Let’s talk about our positions during the ceremony. Orane, Ridley and the groomsmen will be standing on the right side of the altar.” I pointed towards the altar indicating the spot. “The groomsmen will meet the bridesmaids half way down the aisle and present the ladies with beautiful bouquets of flowers. You will escort them to their places on the left side of the altar before returning to your spots. Are we clear?”

  Murmurs of “Say it again” came from the group. I demonstrated further and clarity came along with several “Oh I see”.

  I glanced towards the front of the church and saw Kevin Bassick, Simon’s brother and a longtime friend heading towards me. Kevin was in charge of finding appropriate songs for the bridal party’s march. I trusted Kevin’s judgment and musical abilities. He was the former musical director for Laybrook Presbyterian Church Dance Ministry and I knew he had a sound understanding of my taste in music. Kevin greeted us and assured me that he had found appropriate music.

  “Reverend Fuller is here,” Orane informed me.

  I introduced Reverend Fuller to the group and he walked us through the ceremony from start to finish. “You may now take up you positions,” Reverend Fuller said, moving to the altar.

  My spirit soared with excitement as the music started for the procession of the bridal party but that was short-lived. I watched as the bridesmaids walked up the aisle, some walking unsteadily. They definitely needed another rehearsal and the somewhat distracted groomsmen did not help. I stared at them, stunned by their unexpected frivolous behaviors.

  Lord help me to keep it together! You know I like things to be done excellently.

  My disgruntled thoughts were interrupted when Reverend Fuller signaled for me to walk up the aisle. I forced myself to focus and tune out all the distractions. My heart somersaulted several times as I walked with my hand tucked in the crook of Mr. Mohan’s arm. Before long, Orane and I stood before Reverend Fuller, listening
to further instructions.

  A strange giggle caused me to look towards the bridesmaids and immediately I became discontented. They seemed very self-absorbed and unfocused. I was getting “hotter” by the minute as their level of response during the rehearsal was not what I anticipated.

  As if that was not enough, the reading of the sand ceremony and scripture lessons lacked expression, the dancers needed more rehearsal and the ring bearer discovered a new toy, our ring pillow.

  This was not how I visualized our wedding rehearsal. I felt like I was running around screaming fire and no one was paying attention. I wanted to yell, “Stop! Everybody STOP!”

  Orane detected that I was incensed but his gentle nudges and encouraging words did little to allay my annoyance.

  By the time Reverend Fuller concluded the rehearsal, I was furious and just itching to speak with the bridal party.

  “Reverend Fuller can we do another rehearsal?” I asked.

  “Yes. But you will have to proceed without me. I have another engagement.”

  “That’s okay Rev. We can do it.”

  “When you are finished, please inform the church’s caretaker,” Reverend Fuller said.

  “We will. Thanks Reverend Fuller!” Orane replied.

  “Thanks Rev,” I echoed.

  Reverend Fuller smiled. “You are both very welcome. Have a good night and don’t stay out too late.”

  “We won’t,” I replied.

  I quickly gathered our bridal party at the front pews. I was having a hard time being anything but annoyed.

  “Babes, it’s going to be alright,” Orane whispered reassuringly as he hugged me. I gently rolled out of his embrace and planted a hand on my hip.

  Lord help! I feel like I am about to go Bridezilla any moment.

  I exhaled loudly and decided not to play around. “My bridesmaids,” I began, “what’s going on with you? You are acting very self-conscious. I am not feeling you. You are my cheerleaders. What’s going on?”

  Orane squeezed my waist and I glanced at him. His arched eyebrows and eyes reminded me to play nice. I sighed loudly.

  Nichelle spoke up on behalf of the bridesmaids. “We’ll get it.”

  My eyebrows rose and I inhaled sharply then exhaled slowly to press for details. She continued, “We were working it as we go along but now we have it.”