“Well, I'm going to put her on the spot. Baby, I know you weren't expecting this, and I know we've never talked about it. Well, what I'm trying to say is … you need somebody to take care of you … will you marry me?”
There was a collective gasp. Then the crowd started screaming and shouting. “Say yes!” some of us called out.
Jewel ran up to the stage and gave him a great big kiss before she even answered. “Is that yes?” the DJ asked.
Jewel grabbed the mike. “Yes, fool. The answer is YES!” Jewel said, straightening her Afro wig.
Everyone cheered. The DJ started spinning “To Be Real,” by Cheryl Lynn. We started shaking our booties with renewed energy.
Five minutes later, Kevin got back on the microphone. “We have a second announcement. We have another couple in the house headed for the altar. Anthony Stanton and Capri Sterling!” The crowd cheered again.
“I'd like to make a request to the DJ. Could you put on some mood music, man?” Kevin asked. “I want to hear ‘Turn Off the Lights’ by Teddy Pendergrass.”
People clapped. The music slowed down and couples became entwined.
I sat down after dancing. I was happy, yet feeling a little melancholy at the same time. Just then, I looked at the doorway and saw Chris. I walked toward the door. He was dressed in regular clothes, but he had managed to scrounge up an Afro wig. He looked cute.
“Hey, I didn't know if you were going to make it,” I said.
“I changed my mind at the last minute. I don't know. I just felt like I wanted to be able to catch up with you tonight,” he said.
“Do you mind if we go outside for a little while?” I asked.
“No, not at all. I'm not a big party person anyway,” he said.
We walked to the pool area behind the clubhouse and reclined on the lounge chairs. We talked a little about our jobs and where we grew up. He was from Baltimore and had lived in Houston for several years now.
The conversation was flowing free and easy. Before we knew it, our discussion became a little more personal.
“So, do you have any children?” I asked.
“Nope, tryin' to wait until after I'm married,” he said.
Good answer.
“How 'bout you?”
“Nope. I'm trying to do it the right way, too. Not that I have anything against men with children, but I'd prefer to give my husband his first child.” Am I saying too much too soon?
“That's not such a bad thing. So, where do you go to church?” he asked.
Not if, but where! Do you hear that, Lord? Of course You do.
“I go to Living Truth Ministries … and you?”
“Lakewood. Pastor Joel Osteen.”
“Wow, awesome. I heard that was a great church.”
“You'll have to come visit with me one day,” he said.
I smiled in response to his invitation. “So what do you like to do, Mr. Reynolds?”
“Umm, I'm sort of a homebody. I like old black-and-white movies, Black romantic comedies, and I like to listen to music. Actually, when I do go out, I'm usually attending some concert or another.”
“What kind of music do you like?”
“Contemporary gospel, some old school r&b, all the jazz greats … even some of the modern stuff, like Jill Scott and Brian McKnight.”
Wow.
We continued talking. I felt immediate chemistry with him. It wasn't sexual chemistry, since I had to admit that I wasn't particularly blown away by his looks or his line of work. I mean, me and a cop? Nonetheless, there was a spiritual connection, and he seemed genuinely interested in finding out more about me. I had his unabashed attention.
We talked about the Bible and discovered we'd read some of the same inspirational books. I took a deep breath and realized this definitely felt different. He didn't wear suits to work, he drove a squad car for a living, and he wasn't drop-dead fine. But he was genuine and overtly spiritual. I was leaving my comfort zone for real.
Before we knew it, an hour had gone by. We finally decided to join the party, but not before we made a date for church and brunch.
Then we danced a bit to, of all songs, “Love and Happiness.” We were both a bit timid and shy, and I saw Capri smiling our way. Chris soon left to go home because he was beat. I walked him out and stayed outside a little longer, focusing on the moon. It was full and bright.
I felt abundant peace of mind. I was finally beginning to trust God with all areas of my life. My life was never, ever going to be the same again.
Amen.
CHAPTER FIFTY
ur Sundays at Etienne's had changed. Antonio had to pull two tables together because our brunch party was so big. Everyone had a guest, including me.
Chris was sitting next to me. He was a little quiet because he didn't know everyone else very well. I kind of looked at him and smiled. He grabbed my hand under the table.
“So, where are you two going to get married?” Angel asked, looking at Capri.
“Well, I really don't want a big wedding, but Tony does. I wouldn't mind getting married in the islands somewhere. A nice intimate ceremony.”
“Babe, you know I have a big family. They'd talk about me nasty if I didn't invite them,” Tony said.
“Yeah, but I just don't want it to turn into a big media circus,” Capri said.
“I can relate to that,” Jermane said as she looked at Rex. “Planning a wedding is hard work. Our ceremony was beautiful and it wasn't nearly as big as it could've been. But it was still tiring to pull off.”
“Well, we can hire a coordinator,” Tony offered.
“I had a coordinator and it was still hard,” Jermane said.
“Kevin and I are going to handle matters on our own,” Jewel chimed in. “We're on a budget.”
“Thank God,” I said.
“Very funny. I've learned my lesson,” Jewel said.
“It doesn't really matter, because I'm going to be in charge of the finances anyway,” Kevin said as he stuffed a big forkful of pancakes in his mouth.
“Kevin, we discussed this the other night. There will be no more surprises in terms of my spending. Do you have to smack like that? Wait, I have a fabulous idea!”
“Yes, Jewel?” I asked.
“A double ceremony in the Bahamas!”
We all stopped eating.
“I don't know, Jewel,” Capri said.
“Come on, it'll be fun. We can make it a year from now and we can all take a vacation. I'll do all the work,” she urged.
Tony looked at Capri. They both smiled.
“Alright, let's do it,” Capri said.
“Chris, you are going to come, right?” Jewel asked.
“Yes, hopefully we'll both be there,” he said as he looked at me.
“Well, it's about time!” Jewel said as Angel and Octavio walked up to the table.
“Hey, we got stuck in traffic. We went to Octavio's church today, all the way on the other side of town.”
“Well, you missed the latest announcement,” Jewel said.
“Well, what is it?”
“We're having a double wedding in the Bahamas in a year!”
“Hey, well work it out! That sounds like just what I need. Will you be able to come?” Angel asked as she looked at Octavio.
“I don't see why not. Seems like plenty of notice to me,” he said as he slid her chair out.
“I can't wait to start planning,” Jewel said. “Kevin, we're getting married with Anthony Stanton!” Kevin gave a thumbs-up as he gobbled down some more pancakes.
“Oh, brother,” Capri said, already regretting her decision. Tony just shook his head.
“Baby, remember when I mentioned what you're good at? Planning, talking, and spending money?”
“Kevin, are you trying to pick a fight in front of everyone?”
“Girl, just listen. What's wrong with becoming a freelance events coordinator. It just makes sense. Why are you fighting against what comes natural?” Kevin said as he mashed bu
tter into his grits.
She took a deep breath. “I don't know. I guess this planning thing does come natural. I suppose I thought I needed to work in the legal field. I mean, Mama would kill me if I threw away all that money.”
Then she paused.
“On second thought, I think she would be proud of me as long as I was doing something that made me happy … and spending other folks' money, shopping, and throwing parties would definitely make me ecstatic! See, this is why I'm marrying you, honey.”
“Lexi, can you go to the restroom with me, please?” Angel asked.
I got up without hesitation.
“Hey, do you two need company?” Jewel asked.
“Girl, mind your business,” I replied.
When we got into the restroom, Angel could barely wait to tell me her news. “I went to the doctor last week for more tests. I'm alright! I don't have to have the hysterectomy. God's healed me. My fibroids have shrunk dramatically. The doctor said the hormone treatments worked incredibly well, almost beyond belief. She said that I can think about having children.” She started to get tears in her eyes.
I grabbed her and held her tight. I looked up and whispered a quiet Thank You to the Lord.
EPILOGUE
oom service.”
I looked through the peephole, then quickly opened the door.
“It's about time,” Jewel said as she sprinted from the couch.
We all waited in anticipation as the hotel employee brought in the cart of entrees.
“I am completely famished,” Jewel said as she pulled her satin robe closed and walked toward the food.
“Me, too,” Capri said.
We tipped the young man, then resumed our festivities. We'd decided to have a pajama party before the upcoming wedding and had rented a hotel suite.
“This was a fabulous idea,” Jewel said while dipping her shrimp in cocktail sauce.
“Yeah, it was,” I said as I sat on the floor. It was a welcome break since coordinating the weddings had become too intense. Jewel and Capri were barely speaking to one another.
Jewel stood up and climbed over Capri's legs. “Excuse me,” she said, and went in the kitchen.
“This is ridiculous,” Angel said. “Jewel, get your behind back here.”
“What?” she yelled from the kitchen.
“You know what. Let's talk this out. What's your problem.”
“I'll tell you what the problem is,” Jewel said as she walked back into the living room, her robe flowing behind her. “Capri won't let me do anything. I mean, I have all these great ideas for the wedding and she won't agree to anything.”
“Jewel, you're exaggerating.”
“Well, wait a minute. Jewel honey, is there something specific that you wanted that Capri said you can't have?” Jermane said as she removed the silver lid from her plate.
“She wants a cage full of doves. Some freakin' live birds. I'm not feelin' that at all,” Capri said as she buttered a hot roll.
“You see? She's said no to the fireworks, no to the photo gallery. She just wants some plain old, boring wedding.”
Capri rolled her eyes and took a deep breath. “Why Jesus, why God?”
“Am I being unreasonable?”
“Jewel, is it that important?”
“Well, I don't ask for much …”
We all looked at her.
“Jewel, it's really not about the birds. Sometimes, you're just over the top,” Capri said calmly. “You know this. A simple example: Tonight. This is a simple girl's get-together. Look at Lexi. She has on cotton pajamas. Angel has on one of Octavio's shirts, and Jermane has on a nightgown. But you, you have to be in a fullblown negligee and matching robe. I guess it's just you, but sometimes you can take it down a notch.”
“I can't help who I am.”
Capri took a deep breath, “Two doves, not 22. I can do two.”
Jewel started to smile. “That sounds good. I promise. That's the last thing I'm going to ask for.”
“Right,” Capri said.
After we'd finished eating, we stretched out on the sofas and floor and relaxed. There was a quiet, peaceful silence, each one of us in our own little world. Capri broke the silence.
“Guys, I'm scared.”
“Of getting married?” I said.
“Yeah. I mean, this is it. I only plan on doing this once. Gosh, can you imagine me being around someone all the time? I need my space,” Capri said.
“Please girl, as big as that house is, you can have space anytime you want it. Looks like Kevin and I will be stuck in his starter home for a while,” Jewel said.
“Don't complain. You'd better praise God that that man knows how to manage money,” I said.
“So, how are you and the cop doing?” Angel asked as she playfully slapped my leg.
“Good. No complaints so far.”
“You better not blow this one, Lexi,” Angel said as she picked up a magazine to flip through.
“Why does it have to be my fault? Maybe God was just waiting to send the right one.”
“I guess so. He seems really nice.”
“He is. I mean, honestly, I think I had some maturing to do before I could receive His blessings. I had to let go of my own material cravings and focus on the person.”
“Are you two still going out on dates?” Capri asked.
“Yeah, we still go out pretty regularly, thank goodness. He likes low-key places, like cafés and quiet restaurants. And we're always attending this concert or that. I just saw Will Downing last week. And he's open to doing things I like. Except, well, there is one thing I can't stand.”
“Here we go,” Angel said as she sat up.
“He's always late. It's so frustrating, and sometimes he cuts me off when I'm talking. And he's not as tidy as I think he should be,” I said.
“Please,” Jermane said. “Rex is a slob and always leaves his drawers in the middle of the floor.”
We all started laughing.
“What?” Jermane said.
“The way you said drawers,” I said. “So high-class.”
“Oh, forget you, Lexi.”
“Speaking of drawers,” Angel said, “have you heard back from old boy, Black Zorro? You never did give us the full scoop. I know there's a juicy story in there.”
“A lady never discusses such things. Besides, there's nothing to tell.”
“Please, girl, you are lying,” Angel accused, “But I'm gonna let you slide. I'm just glad you and Rex came to your senses.”
“Well, what about you?” Capri said. “Give us the details. What's it like Living La Vida Loca?”
“Very funny. Octavio and I are still taking things very slow. I met his mother recently. Octavio didn't tell her I was Black, and I almost gave the woman a heart attack. When we left, she was clinging to her rosary beads. I guess she'll get over it eventually. We've been battling a little over what church to go to, so we've been alternating every Sunday. I'm sure that'll all work out.”
“I don't know. I guess you have to be very aware of what you ask for,” Jewel said, flashing her newfound maturity. “I suppose Kevin is someone I needed. Thankfully, he's someone I want, too, with his greedy self. That boy can eat you out of house and home.”
“Jewel, looks like you're finally thinking about someone besides yourself,” Capri remarked. “Too bad you can't do the same for our wedding day.”
After a few seconds, Jewel picked up a pillow and knocked Capri upside her head. The fighting commenced and we laughed and pillow fought to exhaustion. Eventually, we dozed off, one by one. I was too tired to get up, but as I lay in my bed, I prayed silently.
Father, You are forever faithful. Thank You for loving me, in spite of myself. In spite of my temper tantrums and struggles, You never gave up on me. I'm so blessed. I have good friends, a good church, and I am surrounded by love. You didn't leave me out, nor did You pass me by. I've come to know You in a personal way and am grateful I can call You my friend. Don't ever let me go
. I give You all the glory, the praise, and the honor. In Jesus's name. Amen.
t had been a long journey, but we'd finally made it. Angel, Jermane, Capri's sister, Trina, and I were bridesmaids. We wore fitted, salmon-pink gowns with thin straps that criss-crossed in the back-simple, but elegant. Aja was the flower girl.
Capri and Jewel fought almost until the ceremony. At one point, I thought Tony was going to have to hold Capri back from taking Jewel out.
There was a wide assortment of guests, including our significant others, Jewel's parents, Aja's mother, Toliver, and Capri's grandmother, who'd moved to Texas and was in better health.
Jewel chose a traditional dress, with lots of lace, a large skirt and train, while Capri's gown was straight, streamlined, and contemporary. Tony wore all black, while Kevin chose a black-and-white tux. The hotel was right by the water, so the wedding was held outside in the early evening, framed by a calm pink-and-golden sky over a beautiful blue sea.
The sun set as the two couples exchanged their vows. It was like something out of a novel. Throughout the ceremony, Chris kept looking at me and smiling.
The reception was extra-festive. Finally, I got a chance to spend time with my honey. He looked so sharp in his suit. His hair was freshly cut, his skin was smooth, and he had trimmed his mustache.
They played “Could” you be the one for me, by Brian McKnight, and I couldn't resist grabbing Chris's hand to dance. I cared for him very much.
Just then, Chris grabbed my right hand and kissed the back of it lightly. He softly kissed the side of my neck and whispered, “Do you know how much I enjoy being with you, Lexi? I love everything about you.”
I held him even closer. I felt safe. I felt like I could be vulnerable with him, because he was that way with me. Despite my initial reservations about him, I now thought that everything about him was perfect, including his big ears and officer's uniform. I believed that I had finally found my soulmate, or perhaps he'd found me, stumbling out of a police station in a crazy get-up.
The most beautiful part was that we hadn't slept together yet. I knew it was going to be difficult, waiting until marriage, but we both took a vow of abstinence and made God's word our first priority.
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