RIVER'S POV

"Here comes the bride, here comes the bride...." Demi hummed to herself as she helped me with my make up.

"You do know I won't actually walk down the aisle to that song right?" I challenged.

"I know but I can't help it, I'm happy. My best friend is getting married."Demi sniffed.

"Don't you dare cry, if you do then I'll start crying and you've spent too much time on my make up for me to ruin it."I scolded.

"Okay no crying. Close your eyes I need to finish up with the setting spray."Demi requested.

I closed my eyes as she said and let her do her to thing.

"And done, behold my master piece."Demi announced stepping aside to let me see my reflection on the mirror.

I looked good, Demi was better than any professional make up artist I could have hired and I was really grateful for her.

"Thank you, I look stunning."I commented.

"I know, time to put on your dress."Demi demanded softly.

We were currently at Sky Hotel, in the same room I'd occupied when I landed in Kenya. Demi was staying there at the moment since Dean's studio apartment was too small for all of us. The wedding had put a hitch in our relocating plans but we would be moving to our new house immediately we came back from our week long Honeymoon at Diani. I was finally getting to visit the coast and what better excuse than for our honeymoon.

I got up from the vanity and went to the bathroom to change into my dress. Demi had picked it up for me when she was in south Africa since the design I wanted wasn't available in Kenya. I didn't want a complicated dress, just a simple one since that was the whole theme of our wedding.

I was grateful for all the trouble Demi had gone through to ensure she was with me for the wedding without compromising my location. I owed her a lot for being such a dedicated best friend.

As I put my dress on I couldn't help but feel sad that none of my parents were there with me. I looked at my left hand where my mom's engagement ring was nestled and smiled sadly. I was so happy that Dean had let me wear it as my engagement ring. At least now I had my mom close to me. My dad's absence was his own fault but I couldn't help but wish he was with me. Every girl desired to have her dad walk her down the aisle. But his idea of walking me down the aisle was marrying me off to a gay man and I refused to be part of that.

But no matter. I was getting married to a man I loved, with my best friend by my side and his whole family there to witness the testament of our love.

"Demi, I need you to help me zip up."I called out when I couldn't reach the my back.

"Maid of honor to the rescue."Demi yelled excitedly.

She barged into the bathroom a second later and gasped when she saw me.

"River you look gorgeous."She exclaimed.

I did look good. My dress was a v-neckline dress with a thigh high slit and no train. I had paired it with gold heels and my blonde overly long hair was styled in loose curly waves framing my face. I looked like a princess.

"Thank you."I blushed turning around to let her zip me up.

"I'd marry you myself but I've got my sights on the best man."Demi admitted shamelessly.

"Demi, Dishan is Indian. He probably has an arranged marriage waiting for him somewhere."I reasoned.

"I don't want to marry the guy, I just want to fuck him and I will before the day is over."Demi announced unapologetically.

I didn't bother saying anything else because when Demi put her mind on something it was very hard to change it. Wherever Dishan was, he had better watch out because a very horny Demi was on the prowl for him.

"Well then, let's get me married and you fucked into oblivion." I grinned.

"Sounds like a plan but seriously River, congratulations. You know I'm all for going after your hearts desire and I can tell that you and Dean fit together. Most people might think this is a rushed and stupid decision but as your best friend I know you wouldn't do something without thinking it over. I wish you and Dean all the happiness in the world."Demi expressed.

"Thank you." I cried pulling her in for a hug.

Catching up with Demi over the past few days had been awesome and having her by my side as my maid of honor was a blessing.

In Kenya, the best couple needed to be married so as to offer guidance to the newly weds but due to the nature of our wedding, the Reverend marrying us had compromised on that and lots of other things. Honestly we were lucky he had agreed to marry us on such short notice but Jane, Mama Dean knew him and had been able to convince him. I didn't want a court wedding, so with Jane's help I was getting the church wedding I desired.

"River."Jane called out from the bedroom.

Speak of the devil.

"Coming."I yelled following Demi out of the bathroom after making sure I looked perfect.

"Oh dear me. You look beautiful, my daughter."Jane exclaimed as soon as she saw me.

"Thank you mom."I smiled twirling around for her.

She clapped happily and pulled me in for a hug.

"Ready to go?"She asked once we stopped gushing over my dress.

"Yes please."I nodded knowing there was no time to waste.

"Dean already drove the kids and Kinyua to the church. Dishan is waiting for us downstairs." Jane informed me.

"Let's go then." I said picking up my bouquet off the bed.

My bouquet was made of red roses and gyp flowers, cliché but held a special meaning to me, I was waridi after all.

All I needed now was my man and the officiant to make the day a success.

Dishan was waiting downstairs at the lobby with Felista and the photographer we had hired did for the day who was surprisingly Felista's brother. Felista was our tenth guest, the last addition to our wedding party. She had been so welcoming when I used to stay at the hotel that it felt wrong not to invite her.

All eyes turned to me as I got out of the elevator with Jane and Demi infront of me. The photographer and his assistant immediately to work while Dishan and Felista gawked at me looking impressed.

" One word, divine."Dishan said when he found his words.

"You look wonderful River."Felista gushed.

"Thank you guys. How about we put this dress to use and get me married?"I suggested with a smile.

"Of course, your chariot awaits princess."Dishan said sigh a polite bow.

A white prado V8 was waiting for us outside decorated with a beautiful selection of flowers and bows. I got into the backseat with Demi and Jane while Felista rode shotgun with Dishan behind the wheel. Felista's brother Julius and his crew would be riding in a separate car. We had hired them to cover the whole event so I knew there was someone already at the church with the rest of the family.

"Are you nervous?"Demi asked me as we merged into traffic headed for the church.

"Excited is the more appropriate word."I replied with a smile.

I was marrying the love of my life and nothing was giving me greater joy than knowing we would be spending the rest of our lives together.

The church was deserted when we arrived except for two cars, one of which was basically my second home after Dean's apartment seeing as we spent most of our time in there. It was decorated the same as the Prado with bows and flowers. The second car I presumed belonged to the Reverend who would officiate our marriage.

The Land Rover was empty meaning Dean, his dad and the kids were waiting for us inside.

"Ready for this?"Dishan asked as he helped me out of the car.

"Yes."I nodded with a smile.

"Good now let's do this."He replied as I took his elbow.

We walked to the entrance of the church and while everyone else walked inside, Jane and I were left outside.

"Thank you for agreeing to walk me down the aisle."I cried grateful to have her by my side.

"Darling it's my pleasure, I'm sure your mom is looking down upon you right now with a smile."She replied.

"I know she is."I nodded holding my bouquet tighter.

Demi had offered to play the bridal chorus on the piano for me to walk to down the aisle but I chose to go a different way. Dean actually chose the song when I told him I didn't want to walk down the aisle with the traditional song. As soon as marry you by Bruno Mars started playing over the churches speakers I took a deep breath, linked my arm with Jane and stepped in view of altar from the entrance.

I smiled when I saw Dean standing next to Dishan looking devilishly handsome in a three piece suit, a black bowtie and a red rose clipped to his suit jacket. He grinned as soon as he saw me blowing me a kiss. It took everything in me, to walk in line with the songs tempo and not run down the aisle. When I looked at the faces of everyone who mattered to Dean and I looking at us with love and encouragement, I knew we were doing the right thing. Nobody else's opinion mattered except for those who were in the church with us.

I made it to the altar and Jane graciously handed me over to Dean.

"Take care of her, take care of him, love each other and be happy."Jane expressed.

"We will."Dean and I chorused smiling at each other.

He took my hand and helped me up the two steps as we stood infront of the altar. Demi stepped away from the speakers leaving a soft tune playing in the background to join us standing on my side while Dishan stood with Dean. I gave her my bouquet to hold for me over the duration of the ceremony.

"You look ravishing."Dean whispered looking at me.

"Thank you Deanie, you look very handsome."I replied earning a wink from him.

"Let us pray."The Reverend announced as soon as everyone was settled down into their positions.

The prayer was short and sweet dedicating the ceremony to God.

After that the Reverend ushered our guests to their seats while Dean and I remained standing.

"Dearly beloved, family and friends, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony." He began.

We had requested for the short version of the ceremony since we had already gone through all the procedures like couples counseling before our big day. We both knew what we were getting into and there was no need for all the theatrics.

"First Corinthians 13:4-8, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Let these words be the guiding light to your marriage, as Christ chose to love us unconditionally so should you love each other. Let's pray."The Reverend announced once more.

I loved the fact that he didn't go on and on for a whole sermon, we were trying to save on time for all of us.

"Now, are you two ready to get married?"He asked looking at us.

"Yes."Dean and I answered while everyone clapped for us.

With our confirmation, the Reverend turned to Dean.

"Dean Kamau Kinyua, do you take this woman to be your wife, to live together in holy matrimony, to love her, to honor her, to comfort her, and to keep her in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?" He asked.

Dean looked at me with a smile so big, I couldn't help but smile back.

"I do, without a doubt."He answered

My turn, I thought as the Reverend looked at me.

"River Mae Anderson, do you take this man to be your husband, to live together in holy matrimony, to love him, to honor him, to comfort him, and to keep him in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do." I nodded unable to stop the test that slipped down my cheek.

The Reverend then continued, addressing Dean,"Repeat after me. I, Dean Kamau Kinyua, take you River Mae Anderson, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part."

Dean smiled repeating word for word, his eyes on me the entire time until it was my turn.

"I, River Mae Anderson, take you Dean Kamau Kinyua, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part." I vowed meaning each word.

I wanted to kiss Dean but it wasn't time yet so I settled for biting my cheek.

"The groom requested a chance to say his own vows." The Reverend announced.

My eyes widened because I hadn't prepared anything.

"Deanie?!" I whisper yelled.

"It's okay baby, just listen."He replied taking my hand in his.

I nodded because even though I didn't like how he hadn't warned me in advance I still wanted to hear what he had to say.

"River Mae Anderson, my waridi. I love you so much, words can't even begin to sum up just how much you mean to me. These past three months with you have been heaven and you getting into my cab that day was the best thing that has ever happened to me. You said that I make you happy but you have no idea just how happy you make me. Your laughter is my medicine, your smile is enough to make me feel better after a rough day. You are everything I didn't know I wanted and more. Ill never be worthy of you waridi but I will spend the rest of my life trying to earn my spot in your life as your husband. I promise to love you, take care of you and carry you over each mountain when your legs can't take it anymore."

I couldn't help but laugh at that, through my tears. They were unstoppable at this point.

"I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together and grow old together traveling the world because we ain't stopping at Kenya. I love you so much waridi, forever and always."

"I love you too."I choked out unable to say much else.

Dean kissed my hands since he couldn't kiss my lips yet and passed me a handkerchief to clean my face. Once I was composed the Reverend moved to the next part.

"The rings please."He requested.

Dishan retrieved the rings from his coat pocket and handed them to the Reverend who prayed for them before handing Dean mine and asked him to place the ring on my finger and repeat after him.

"I give you this ring as a token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love."Dean vowed sliding the ring into my finger over my engagement ring.

I absolutely loved what Paul had made for us. They were perfect.

I took Dean's ring and vowed the same."I give you this ring as a token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love."

I slid the ring onto his ring finger and kissed the back of his hand.

The reverend asked us to join hands as he declared, "By virtue of the authority vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife."

He then turned to Dean."You may kiss the bride."

Dean didn't waste any time pulling me into his embrace and kissing me hard as our friends and family clapped for us.

"My wife."Dean whispered against my lips.

"My husband."I replied kissing him once more.

After signing the marriage certificate together with Demi and Dishan we were free to leave the church a happily married couple.

We took lots of photos at the church grounds before proceeding to House of Waine where we were having our reception, more like a late lunch to celebrate our union.

I rode shotgun with Dean and his siblings in the backseat while Dishan drove Demi, Felista and Dean's parents.

"We're married."I cheered admiring my ring.

"You're my passenger princess for life."Dean replied lifting my right hand to his lips.

"You guys are perfect together."Leah gushed from the backseat.

"Thank you."I replied glancing at them.

I was so happy they were all able to part of our special day.

On arrival at the hotel we were led to a secluded part of the gardens that we had rented out for the rest of the afternoon and evening. It was all food, drinks, music, dance and photos as we celebrated being newly wedded.

Our cake was a two tier chocolate,and vanilla frosting covered beauty. It was so delicious nothing much was left by the time we were done with it.

"Can I have everyone's attention please?"I called out hitting my champagne glass with a fork.

Everyone stopped talking as they all turned to me with curious faces.

"Thank you. I just wanted to appreciate all of you for being part of our special day. We couldn't have done it without you guys. I'm blessed to have a new family and home here in Kenya with all of you. As a thank you from Dean and I, we are taking all of you to Diani with us for our honeymoon. We'll have the rest of our lives to be alone together but we only have so much time where we can all be together as one."I announced.

Dean and I had discussed it at length and saw it best to take our family with us. We were always together, just the two of us, it would be good to enjoy a vacation with our family and friends.

"Are you serious?"Leah exclaimed.

"Yes."Dean affirmed linking our hands together.

"It's an all expense paid one week trip to Diani."I explained.

"Dean I forgive you for marrying the love of my life. When are we leaving?" Dwayne asked making everyone laugh.

"Tomorrow evening to give you all time to pack, we'll discuss all the details later. For now let's drink, dance and enjoy this night together. Cheers."I declared lifting my glass.

"Cheers."Everyone chorused lifting their glasses to join in the toast.

We didn't have speeches or a father daughter dance but Dean and I did have a first dance as husband and wife to the song Can I Be Him by James Arthur.

"Mine forever."Dean declared in my ear as we slow danced together.

"And Always."I replied tightening my arms around him.

We danced together until his dad cut in requesting a dance with me.

"Welcome to the family River."He said softly.

"Thank you Mr.... Thank you Dad."I corrected.

Zechariah was a man of few words so nothing more was said and nothing was needed to.

We danced together for the next two songs until Dwayne stole me away. The young man was only nine, yet he was almost my height and very charming which he was aware of.

"You sure you chose the right Kinyua?"He teased as we swayed together.

"Yes I am."I laughed.

"That's too bad, if Dean ever misbehaves, hit me up."He suggested with a smug grin making me laugh harder.

This boy.

"I promise."I replied kissing his cheek.

I saw Demi and Dishan reappear after being gone for half an hour looking disheveled but with winning grins on their faces and I knew Demi had managed to make true on her words to shag Dishan. Good for them as long as they were careful.

The day ended successfully without a hitch and me a married woman. It would take some time to wrap my head around that but it was the best decision I could have made.

I was now River Mae Kamau and I couldn't be happier about it. I was dropping my father's name and taking the name of the man who had saved me when I had no one. My love, my husband, my happiness, my saving grace.

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

They are married!!! You know what that means don't you....

No, the story isn't ending
wedding = Honeymoon.

Diani, here we come. I know it's a cliche honeymoon destination but you can't argue with the serenity of it.