Francine took Samuel’s hands. He nearly shook with glee. Prado was happy for his brother.

He knew deep down he had to let her go. Couldn’t get mad over something that wasn’t his.

Pastor Reynolds opened his Bible and said, “We are gathered here today to join two individuals together in Holy Matrimony…”

Francine kissed Samuel’s lips.

“I love you,” she said flatly.

He responded with a breathy, “I’ll die for you.”

Prado held his brother’s shoulder.

Mr. and Mrs. Lester were pleased.

A photographer walked here and there snapping professional photos.

“Marriage is sacred and should be cherished,” the Pastor said. “It seems these days people get married for all the wrong reasons. Whether it’s because of good finances or good sex, building a foundation on deceit and lies corrodes a marriage into the untimely hell of divorce."

“Amen,” said Francine, eyeing Samuel, who seemed uncomfortable.

The Pastor closed the Bible. “Francine and Samuel, are you two getting married for the right reasons?”

Samuel looked Francine in the eyes.

“Yes.”

Francine looked Prado in the eyes, squeezing Samuel’s hands tightly.

Don’t ruin my big day, Prado! You
better keep your fucking mouth closed about our little secret rendezvous. I’ll be your Karyn White forever if you shut your jaws.

“Yes, Pastor.”

Is there anyone here today who wishes for these two not to be united as husband and wife? Here’s your chance to speak. Speak now or forever hold your peace.”

Everyone looked around.

Prado sucked in air and thought to himself. I will forever hold my peace. Congratulations, Francine and Samuel.

His heart hurt.

“May I have the rings,” said the Pastor and a very vibrant, handsome little boy by the name of George walked up the aisle, wearing a light blue suit.

People clapped and whispered love and adoration.

George walked up to the beaming Pastor. Succinctly, Francine said, “Um. Wait, before we go any further. I want to say a few words to my husband to be.”

Samuel smiled like the sun.

Francine looked him deeply in the eyes."

“I love you beyond anything. And sometimes love conquers all. Through all the ups and downs love shows a person a road past the crossroads. A door out of hell. A place beyond nightmares and unfaithfulness.”

“I love you too, Francine,” said Samuel. “I will love and honor you. You are my alpha and omega. I want no other woman but you. You complete me.”

Francine turned to Mr. and Mrs. Lester. “I adore you two. You have been married for decades. I hope to share that many decades with your son. I love him. I will die for him. He treats me like a lady and opens doors for me. He appreciates me, doesn’t talk down to me and treats me like his equal.”

Samuel was the happiest man alive.

He had children he had to be a father to. He had to get his life together
Mrs. Lester, huge tears flowing, touched Francine’s face. “You have always been a woman about action.
Polished military veteran, you wear many hats. I am proud to say you’re now becoming my daughter-n-law
who I love and admire as if you’re my own flesh and blood.”

Mr. Lester said, “Samuel got it right. I just pray my other son finds peace, joy and happiness.”

Francine hugged Mr. Lester. “He did find peace and love.”

Francine walked over to an open microphone and she said, “I wrote a poem for my husband to be.”

Prado was about to run out of the room. Everyone seemed to have found happiness and not him.