Made Of Honor Part 29

I turned to face Roch.e.l.le. "So what does this mean? You and Jordan being here?"

"It means that we love you. Very much. Nothing more."

"But where's his girlfriend? She wasn't at the church. I haven't seen her since-"

"They're getting married. Next spring."

I gulped back a mouthful of stale airplane air. And a few tears, both of regret and relief. What a weird feeling. Not that I was too hot on the idea of Jordan marrying that woman, especially if she insisted on dressing like Elvira, but for some reason I was glad that Roch.e.l.le would be moving on. My face sobered. Or would she move on to another weirdo from the singles group? Even worse, would she move on from our family? From being my friend? "How do you feel about all this?"

She stared over at Jericho, smiling in oblivion next at Shemika. "I really don't know. I've got bigger things to worry about than your brother now. Shemika and Jericho will make it through the school year, but next year will be harder. Mother Holly can only do so much. Shemika may end up moving in and Jericho moving in with Jordan for a few months. I don't know."

I nodded. This year, this trip, was a turning point for us all.

I laced my fingers between hers, trying to ignore the rising voices of Tracey and Ryan behind us. "Well, whatever happens, know that I'm here for you. And I support you."

"I really hope you mean that." Roch.e.l.le smiled a tight smile. She eased back on her pillow and closed her eyes.

I stared out of the airplane window into the clouds, trying to interpret my friend's last words. Pineapple scent wafted back to me from the seat ahead. "We'll have our time soon," he mouthed when no one was looking. We planned to announce our wedding plans after my ceremony, but everyone, including our pastor, seemed confident that we wouldn't make it back to the States without being wed.

One of Adrian's wide, brown hands reached back and clutched mine. My mind ceased pondering Roch.e.l.le's puzzles. I had mysteries of my own to figure out.

Chapter Eighteen.

"Is it really that blue?"

My father stared doubtfully at the sequined gown of turquoise lapping against Negril's white sand.

Jordan walked in tandem with Roch.e.l.le and Jericho to the right of us. "It's real, Dad."

I was with my father. The view was incredible. Even the occasional gusts of wind felt good, though the sand shifting between my feet and the sandals Roch.e.l.le had made me was a little distracting at first. We marched silently, as the waves rushed to the sh.o.r.e, then eased back, like somebody getting up from a table after a good meal. Across the beach under a rose-covered arch, I could see the waiting minister, bent and brown with graying dreadlocks. Strains of the accompaniment band whispered in the mist of the ocean, so salty against my lips. I'd picked the right place and the coordinator had done an excellent job. Everything seemed too good to be true. Especially Adrian.

I smiled at our little crowd, made bigger by the surprise arrival of my aunt Cheryl and my two cousins last night. Only Renee, who'd been too deep in Fingerhut bills to attend, was missing. One never knew when people would come through for you. That's what I'd like to think anyway. In truth, they were here to go home and give a full report to the gossip mill, but hey, the more the merrier.

We ambled toward the ceremony location, taking time to appreciate the surroundings and G.o.d, who had created them. A few feet separated Adrian and me. He shielded his brow from the sun with one hand, taking in the view. "You picked well, Dana. This place is unbelievable."

We reached for each other's hands at the same time. Adrian's grip was sure. He was trying to be let my family have me, I could tell, but more and more, I wished we had this beautiful scene all to ourselves. "Thanks for your help. It made all the difference." Jamaica was nice, but it was Adrian who was unbelievable. More so every day since I'd told him I'd marry him. Walking on this beach, I couldn't remember exactly why I wasn't marrying him today.

Adrian kissed my hand. That dull ache that always gripped me when I picked the wrong answer on tests, hit my midsection. Suddenly, I wanted nothing more than to run to the makeshift altar across the sand, though it wouldn't do us a bit of good. My desire must have shown of my face.

"There'll be time for that," he whispered. "Though I have to admit, this is so beautiful, I've got honeymooning on my mind, too."

Yes, there would be time. For now, all I had to do was enjoy this day with my family, my friends, my man and G.o.d. How hard could that be? Real hard, when a big fine man, smelling like pineapples and cherry wood-must be something from the hotel-is holding my hand. I can almost hear my mother's voice in my head, "You should have married that boy last week!" And as always, she'd be right.

I flashed a look at Austin, who was snuggling with her husband a few paces ahead. As if she felt my glance, my new friend looked back and smiled. She knew what I was thinking, I could tell by the curl of her mouth and her wistful stare. "Do it," she whispered.

Do it? Do what? Marry Adrian? If only I could. The file with our marriage license and birth certificates was back on my desk in Illinois. Though it would have been nice to have a ceremony here and get married later, that wasn't going to work, not the way Adrian was looking in that suit. It was the gray one I'd spilled punch on at Tracey's wedding. I felt just as breathless seeing him in it today as then.

Tracey walked up and took my left hand, trying to gain balance for her bulging belly. Ryan lagged behind her, chatting with Trevor about his latest alb.u.m. She smiled, but sadness flashed in her eyes. "This is so beautiful. I'm so proud of you. For waiting. For holding out."

The underlying tone in Tracey's voice left me speechless. Was that...jealousy? "Well, I've only been holding out for four years, but I'm thankful for G.o.d's grace to keep me. It was only Him."

Tracey snorted, then looked back at her husband. "Yeah, well, be thankful." She hung her head a little. "I'm ashamed to say it, but I envy you a little."

So there it was. No need to wonder. I just nodded, understanding totally. Too bad I hadn't been woman enough to admit the same thing at her wedding. Tracey's hand dropped from mine, but her smile stayed fixed. "It's okay. You know what? On your day, I envied you a little, too, Tracey. I was happy for you, but a little jealous. I didn't realize it then. So forget it. I understand."

She nodded and let out a long breath. "Yes, that's it. Happy and hurt at the same time. I feel like I'm losing you all over again."

"She's not married yet," Adrian whispered across us the way the waves played against the beach.

I winked at him, forgetting for a moment that Tracey was there.

Tracey patted my hand a final time then let go and waved toward her husband. "Come on, Ryan. Walk with me."

"Sure-sure babe." My friend's husband bounded towards us with a reluctant grin, one he'd worn in my presence since their wedding day. He knew that Tracey and I discussed him often and didn't think I liked him anymore.

I flashed all thirty-two teeth to prove him wrong. "Thanks for coming, Ryan."

He forced a smile. "Thanks for inviting me, Dana. And for-for being such a good friend to Tracey."

As we closed in on our destination, the minister motioned for us to come closer. His eyes, though brown, sparkled like the bright blue water of Seven Mile Beach. The band, clad in ochre, crimson and a crisp, happy green moved little, but released a gentle thunder of steel drums and other instruments I couldn't identify. Dahlia, who'd been somber through most of the trip, broke out in a round of giggles, then stepped across the sand toward me.

I eyed the minister for a rebuke on how long we were taking, but he merely smiled. The band continued to play.

My sister moved tentatively at first, and then with purpose. "I know there's not a lot of time but I feel like I really need to say this, I'm just going to say it."

"Go ahead." Even Dahlia couldn't dim this moment.

"I'm embarra.s.sed about how I've acted. I don't know why I try so hard to outdo you, Dana. Maybe because Mama always loved you better-"

"Now you're talking crazy, Dahlia," my father spoke softly.

"Maybe, but that was how it seemed. Anyway, I just wanted you to know that whenever you and Adrian do get married, you don't have to worry about me."

Adrian kissed my temple. I found my voice. "I'll always be concerned about you, Dahlia. We both will. Thanks for coming."

My father cleared his throat again, this time sounding like a radar siren. "Yes, thank all of you for bringing me to this beautiful place. Just make sure the next time it's for a wedding. This marrying Jesus business is a good thing, but we could have done this at the Holiday Inn for what it cost."

The truth of his words stung a little, but I kept silent. Adrian kissed my cheek.

Daddy smoothed his worn Stacey Adams shoes over the white sand. "By the time y'all get around to getting married, I might not be anymore for this world-"

"Daddy, please." I tried to make the words sound frivolous, but they choked in my throat. I hadn't expected my stroke or Mama's death. Though Daddy seemed healthy, he was getting older. And what about me? Just because I'd made a good recovery and some lifestyle changes, every day was a gift. An urgency washed through me. Adrian and I would marry as soon as the plane touched down in Illinois.

"Seriously, moppet. All our days are numbered. Who would have ever thought that your brother and sister would be here like this? That you and Adrian would end up together after all? Just don't be foolish and wait too long. That's all I'm saying."

"We won't, Dad. We hear you," Adrian spoke before I could find my voice. I waited to see if he'd tell about our plans at the end of the month...well, as far as Adrian knew. I'd be marrying that brothah at the airport if I could swing it.

I stroked Dad's wrinkled hand, extending from the cuff of his favorite suit, one Mama had picked out for him for Jordan's graduation. After all this time, he wore it well. "We're getting married soon, Daddy. We hear you."

The minister nodded, but didn't say a word. Maybe those "Jamaica, no problem" commercials were accurate. In the States, the preacher would have been long gone by now.

My father nodded back at the older man, stopping short at the rose-covered arbor. "I hope G.o.d hears me, too." He turned his face to the sky. "Lord, they're all here. All my children. I thank you for bringing us together and for saving my baby's life. And whenever these two get married, whether I'm there or not, I give my blessing and acknowledge Adrian as what he's always been to me...my son."

Adrian released my hand, took a few steps and gathered my father's frail body into his arms. His wet eyes were fixed on me as he spoke to my father. "Thank you, Dad, for those words. And for..." Jordan, Roch.e.l.le, Tracey and I closed a circle around them.

"For being a father to me when my father died, and even before, for opening your house to me, for feeding me, for loving me and most of all for forgiving me."

The music played on softly. The minister nodded as though it was this that we'd come for and his job was only to watch.

Tears played down my face. Forgiveness? Had Adrian gone to my father and told him about what had happened with him and Dahlia? Or worse, with him and me? I bristled at the thought of it, but knowing Adrian, that was exactly what he'd done.

My father pulled away and straightened his tie. "You hurt me, son, I can't lie. I promised Nella I'd take care of these girls, you know? But I can't hold a thing against you, knowing all that G.o.d has forgiven me. Welcome to the family."

G.o.d? Daddy had slipped back into my life at the worst time. All my tracts had been thrown away and my witnessing tools long forgotten. I'd stopped trying to convert him and just loved him like before. Had G.o.d, in His lavish grace, seen fit to save my father while I was out to lunch? Though I prayed it was true, I knew it probably wasn't that simple. But we had a place to start. Dad's last statement alone was worth this trip.

Adrian took his place at my side, making no effort to wipe his tears. Tears that I'd seldom seen. Tears I longed to kiss away. Tracey sobbed softly. Roch.e.l.le and Jordan stood shoulder-to-shoulder, both wiping their eyes.

A stem of one of the roses from the arbor pressed into my side. I took a breath and waited for the pain, but there was none. I was dressed in satin again, but this time there were no thorns. Warmth blew in off the water, tugging the tulle off my shoulders.

"Are we ready?" The minister finally spoke with an echo much the same as the steel drum.

I nodded. Adrian stepped back. My heart broke. Suddenly, I wanted more than me and Jesus. I wanted Adrian by my side, too. "Stay," I whispered to him. He pivoted quickly, retaking his spot.

At my nod, the minister produced the anointing oil I'd prepared and broke open the seal. He smiled at the pineapple-jasmine scent that escaped the bottle. The best of me and the best of Adrian. Peace.

He touched it to my forehead. "Do you, Dana Ann Rose-"

A voice I later recognized as my own broke the moment. "Wait!" An awkward pause slipped between us as I gathered my resolve. I bit my lip. "Can you do it again, only for me and him?" My thumb pointed to Adrian. "Maybe we can make it legal when we get back." Waiting weeks for a honeymoon wouldn't be easy, but this was torture.

Adrian closed his eyes as if saying a silent prayer. He turned to Ryan, who waved a folder-had he had that in his suit or what?-in the air. He traced my eyebrow with his finger. "I know I said I'd stay out of it, but I meddled a little, just in case."

I smiled. I knew his nerdiness would come in handy sometime. "What did you do?"

He made a cute face. "Since you got the Wedding Moon package, I went ahead and submitted our marriage license and birth certificates to the travel agent. She set up everything for a valid wedding in case you changed your mind. You'd paid for it already, after all."

My father clapped his hands together and looked up at the sky. "I knew the boy had some sense."

"It's all here," Ryan said. "And I checked with the travel agency and government here. I'm a notary public and can sign the Illinois paperwork, as well. You'll be legally married after the ceremony."

The minister smiled as though he dealt with such crazy people every day. "What do you say, young man? Is this what you want?"

"I say Hallelujah. Let's do this thing." A beautiful, crooked smile danced across Adrian's lips.

I was still back on him bringing the marriage license. "How did you know?" I whispered.

He kissed my forehead to the applause of the crowd. "I didn't know, but I hoped." He reached into his pocket again, this time for two rings, mine a diamond cl.u.s.ter with a middle stone as big as a sugar cube. He'd lost his mind, but I wasn't complaining. The inscription drained any shred of resolve I had left. Thank G.o.d for my big fingers. I needed every word.

For Dana, Made of Honor, Bride of Christ and Wife of Mine.

The words blurred before me. I pressed my face into his shirt. This was my family, but he was going to make me cry like a baby in front of them. So many times, I'd pa.s.sed the ball, but not today. This was my shot.

"All right, preacher." It was Daddy's voice, overflowing with contentment. "Don't pay these two any mind. Let's get on with it."

Adrian nodded, taking my hand.

My husband-to-be gave me a little wink. Ryan stood near the minister with his seal-had he hid that in his shoe? Adrian pulled a napkin from the plane out of his pocket and handed it to the pastor.

The old man unfolded it and began to read. "Do you, Dana Ann Rose and Adrian Luke Norrell take this Jesus to be the G.o.d of your lives, the Love of your souls and the Head of your marriage, whether sick or well, poor or rich, distressed or blessed, for as long as you both shall live?"

They were my vows, the ones for my service with G.o.d, adapted to include both of us.

Adrian tucked my arm under his and stared into my eyes. Our voices flowed together like a melody. "We do."

The preacher took hold his makeshift pulpit. "Do all those here pledge as witnesses, commit to pray for Dana and Adrian, to encourage them in times of despair, to correct them in love when needed and to forgive them when they fail?"

"We do." The voices rang out stronger than the numbers. Daddy's and Jordan's deep voices formed the foundation. Shemika took the high top note, with my aunt and cousins mixing in. How beautiful their voices sounded.

"I now p.r.o.nounce you man, maidservant and maker. Married to each other and to an Almighty Husband who'll return soon for a church without wrinkle-and has His own iron to get things straight. Delight in Him always. You may kiss the bride." The old man smiled in satisfaction.

The reggae band struck an upbeat rendition of "Holy, Holy, Holy" as Adrian took my face in his hands and kissed me until my toes curled in my sandals. Austin and Tracey's laughter and Josh and Trevor's whistles melted into the background as I accepted my husband's loving kiss. I smoothed his bald head, returning his kiss. The truth of the moment crashed against my mind. Adrian was my husband.

As we broke our lip-lock, a white bird settled on the top of the arbor. The dove I'd paid an extra fifty dollars to have released during the ceremony and forgotten about. My eyes again blurred with tears. The waters of my heart had finally receded. It was time to emerge from where I'd hidden for so long. It was time for peace. For love.

I released my husband's hand and sank to the sand, arms outstretched to heaven. "Thank you. For everything." When I gathered my hands into my lap, unable to rise, just as he had that day at Tracey's wedding, Adrian gathered me into his arms, stopping only to pluck a rose from the arch. He slipped the stem into my hair then bent down for my bouquet, a circular braid of pink roses and baby's breath-I didn't want to injure anyone. He hurled it over his shoulder.

I struggled to look around his muscular arms. He turned in time for me to see Dahlia miss the catch and the ring of flowers. .h.i.t Roch.e.l.le square in the forehead. I laughed through my tears.

Ryan ran behind us with his notary stamp and a pen. Adrian hurriedly signed his name. I scribbled mine just as quickly.

Adrian handed the paper back. "Is that it? Are we legal? I almost forgot that part."

Already walking away, Ryan laughed. "Yes, that's it. I'll fax it now and file the original at the courthouse. I've got to get back, the next ceremony is starting."

I poked my head up from the crook of Adrian's arm. "The next ceremony?"

Ryan nodded. "Yeah. Dahlia's going to do that commitment to Jesus thing since you didn't. She wanted to, evidently, but didn't want you to think she was trying to push in on your thing. The minister is down with it, so..." His voice faded into the wind.

Funny, when we planned all this, I had it backward. This was supposed to be Dahlia's honeymoon and it turned out to be mine. It was going to be the memorial of my commitment to Christ and it ended up being Dahlia's fresh start with G.o.d instead. When G.o.d says that His thoughts are not our thoughts, believe it. This is how it should be.