CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR: THE WEDDING

The church was filled to its capacity with guests that came to witness Sheila and George's wedding. Cherry could not help the tears of joy falling from her eyes on beholding the presence of the la creme in the society in the church. She knew she had but few friends who were nobody but the presence of the wealthy people from the Isaacs covered up for her poor status.

George on his own was standing with Gary by his side looking extremely handsome in a black shirt, white tie in a white tuxedo. He had taken his time to dress up this morning in order to look handsome for his bride. The pianist who has been playing 'Praise to the Lord' underneath was signalled that the bride and her train were ready to come in. George turned to the door and never looked elsewhere till he saw Sheila walked down the aisle on her father's arm. He felt goose pimples on him as he saw how beautiful and radiant she looked in her white wedding down. He swallowed his saliva several times before he looked at his front waiting for his bride. It was an experience he was happy to have because he was determined to give the marriage a chance of permanence.

When Sheila got to his side, she felt her head swell with pride that she was actually getting married to this extremely handsome man whether the marriage would work out or not.

The pastor began the ceremony. 'Beloved, we are all in the presence of God to witness the holy matrimony between our children, Sheila Banks and George Allen Isaac the fourth.'

The church was quiet except for the pastor that was officiating the wedding. In no time they exchanged vows. George said his vow first.

'When I first saw you, I never realized that we would be here declaring how much your presence in my life has been golden. You turned my life to be beautiful with your smile and words of encouragement. There had been a void in my life that you're the only one who filled it. My love, partner and inestimable jewel. I promise to cherish you for the rest of my life.'

'It had been my dream that one day I would meet the man whose half of his heart is mine and vice versa. But when I met you, I knew my dream had come true because you're the definition of true love. My ribs sharer and the man of my dream. I vow to be yours forever.'

After, they exchanged rings and were declared husband and wife.

Their families and friends came forward to congratulate them outside the church where some photographs were taken. Big George was full of smiles as he could not hold his joy for witnessing his grandson's wedding. He had promised them that he would take care of the honeymoon expenses which he had already paid for.

'You look stunning in this gown.' Big George complimented Sheila.

'Thank you sir.' She responded shyly with a smile.

'You can call me grandpa, you know.'

'Yes si..grandpa.' She corrected herself.

'You're the most beautiful bride I have ever seen.'

'Thanks grandpa and you're the most handsome grandpa that has ever existed.'

'George did you hear that?' He turned to George who was busy receiving congratulatory greetings from the invited guests.

'Did you call me grandpa?' George turned his attention to him.

'Your wife said I'm the most handsome grandpa that ever existed.'

'Did she add the most grumpy old man to it?' This brought laughter from those who stood near them that heard.'

'Could that be jealousy I detected there?'

'Grandpa, you know Sheila has eyes for just me, so don't be deceived with her compliments.'

Big George as usual waived George's comment off with his hand. 'You are such a kill joy for an old man like me.' And people laughed.

Gary held Alistair's hand to move her away from the crowd that surrounded the new couple. 'Are you okay Alistair?'

'Yes Gary. Why did you ask?' She looked at him questionly.

'I want to know how you're feeling and to tell you that I miss you.'

'But we saw yesterday?'

'We saw but I couldn't have time with you. And moreover, you were busy with your crew preparing them for today after the rehearsal.'

'I needed to make sure nothing goes wrong since I'm the bride's maid.'

'You look so beautiful in this gown.'

'Thank you and you're not looking bad in you tux.'

'Really?'

'You're very handsome Gary and every single lady will want to have you as their boyfriend.'

'Including you?'

She sighed in agitation knowing she had fallen into Gary's trap. 'It's just an innocent compliment.

'But would you be included?'

'Would it be a bad thing to give my friend compliments?'

'No, but this is a special compliment and I love it.'

'Thanks for liking it.'

'Alistair, I want you to be my date for the party tonight.'

'I have a ready made arrangement for that.'

'What do you mean?' Sounding possessive.

'Someone has beaten you to it already.'

'Who was that?'

'Lucas?'

'How could he ask you and you accepted when you know very well that I looked forward to have a date with you tonight?'

'But you never asked me Gary, you only assumed.'

'I'm sorry. I took it for granted that we have something going on for us.'

'Yes we declared our love for each other but you never asked me to be your girlfriend neither did you ask me to be your date for tonight.'

'And you never checked from me to confirm before you accepted his invitation?' He said with exaggerated frustration.

'Are you jealous?'

'Am I not supposed to be jealous when you agreed to have a date with someone you hardly know?'

'Oh poor Gary!' She started laughing hysterically.

'And what's so funny?' He looked at her with a frown.

'Kidding.'

'What do you mean by kidding?'

'I never agreed to have a date with Lucas. Although he asked me, but how could I have a date with Lucas when I have the love of my life around me?'

'Ah Alistair, you almost made me lose my mind.' He held her hand with his right hand while he put his left hand on his chest in a dramatic way which made Alistair laugh again.

'I'm sorry I made you worry.'

'It's okay my love.' He held both her hands and look deeply into her eyes. 'Please next time you want to make jealous, don't use another man. I can't help it if I see you with another man.'

'Seriously?'

'With everything I have. I have loved you for a very long time and now that I can finally be with you, I can't trade you with anyone.'

'I love you too babe.' He pulled her close and kissed her.

'Love birds, it time to move to the reception.' Bernard said making them break the kiss reluctantly.

Big George's garden was decorated with various flowers ranging from white orchids to jasmine. The guests were already seated awaiting the arrival of the newest couple.

The MC stepped on the platform constructed for the occasion to make announcement. 'Ladies and gentlemen, you're all welcome to this grand wedding reception of Mr and Mrs George Allen Isaac IV. This couple is the newest couple in the whole country and we know their story of love at first sight for the groom. Their love is a rare one in our society and I believe that today, is a special day in this country to have one of our groomed expected Senator tie the knots with the love of his life. The sitting arrangement ia as follows; the table on my right is fir thefamily members while the one onbthe left is for both groom's men and bride's maids. I will be announcing the names starting from the groom's family. Ladies and gentlemen, join me in welcoming big George the grand father of the groom!' Everyone expected him to walk out to the chair reserved for the family but was surprised when they heard a baritone voice singing from the entrance. Everyone started laughing and clapping. As if that was not enough, Mrs Banks with her husband holding hands walked in singing along with big George. As this was going on, the groom's men and bride's maids lined up bending their heads. Suddenly, they saw George come in worriedly looking for his wife and the DJ played Sheila's favorite song 'Thinking out loud' by Ed Sheeran and there was a choreography which sent all the invited guests into frenzy.

Anna was happy that people present were captivated by the bride and groom's entrance.

'I told you that we would perform beautifully regardless of time frame we rehearsed.' Stuart said at her back. She turned to him with smiles and appreciation that they all cooperated with her. 'It was beautiful thanks so much for your cooperation. I believe this will launch me into the society of elites as George has promised me.' Anna said breathlessly.

'Sure. That's one of the things George promises the youths that he would do once voted in as the Senator. He would promote people with talents who couldn't come to lime light just because no one to help them.'

'In that case, George has got a campaign manager in my community.'

'Beautiful, we are making that place our first call of campaign. I'll discuss it with the coordinator but, do your underground work for us before we get there please.'

'You can bet on that.' She assured him with a smile.

'Anna, will you be attending the night party?' Stuart asked scratching the back of his head.

'I don't think so because no one invited me'

'I did yesterday but due to your busy nature to make today a success, your mind was not on it.'

'Really? I didn't hear you and more over, I have a plan laid up already.'

'Pfft. I was looking towards you being my date tonight.'

'I'm sorry to disappoint you, my boyfriend doesn't allow me to stay out late.'

'You live with your boyfriend?' Stuart asked surprised.

'Yes. Just the two of us for the past four years.'

'Just the two of you? Is he sick?'

'Not at all, he is very possessive and needs my protection always.'

'Is he not the one to protect you?'

'We both protect each other.'

'Wow, I like that. Then he must have really won all the space in your heart leaving none for another man.'

'Exactly. He's the man I live for.'

'Why is he not here?'

'He's taking care of the home front.'

'If I may ask, what does he do for a living?'

'You're asking too personal question.'

'I'm sorry.' He raised up his hands in surrender.

'It's alright no offense.'

'But can we still see after today?'

'No. I don't want to give you a fake hope.'

'Thanks.' Stuart said with a small smile as he reluctantly moved away to sit beside Bernard.

'What happened buddy?' Bernard asked as he saw his friend's countenance.

'She's engaged.' Stuart answered with his eyes on Anna.

'But I don't see an engagement ring on her finger.'

'Well, not engaged like that but she lives with her boyfriend.'

'It doesn't matter unless you're not interested in her.'

'I really looked forward to having some time with her tonight.'

'Hmm. But supposing she doesn't like you?'

'I thought she would at least give me reason to try and win her heart as time goes on. I like her the moment I laid my eyes on her.'

'Stu, you can still pursue her. Living with her boyfriend doesn't matter. Don't give up on her if you really like her, fight for her.'

'You think she would give me a chance? I saw the light in her eyes when she spoke about her boyfriend of four years.'

''They are not engaged neither are they married, you still stand a chance.'

Stuart heaved a sigh as he thought over what Bernard told him realising his possibility of winning her over no matter how long it would take him. He patted Bernard on his back. 'Bro, thanks. You've lifted my spirit. I wonder why it's easy to get girls you don't care about and this one I want is proving difficult. You sure my deeds are not hunting me?'

'Chill buddy, it's part of life. You can't get what you want on a platter of gold if not, you would not value it.'

'What of you bro? It's time you got over Lucy. She's gone and gone forever.' Stuart changed the topic.

'I'm trying but it seems as if I still feel her presence around me, and it makes it difficult for me to see other women as important.

'It's because you have not moved on. She can't come back no matter how much you morn her. Think of the baby, as time goes on she will need a mother so, it's time you started looking for a replacement for her.'

'I've been thinking of just keeping nanny forever.'

'Come on Bernard, that woman was your nanny. She's old. Although she will give her the love she deserves but it's not the same. She needs a mother figure most especially when she starts school. You can't be both mother and father at the same time. She would twist nanny round her finger tips and she would not understand the word 'no' when it's necessary. Think about it.'

'Big George took care of George and he turned out well.'

'Ask him if he never missed the presence of a mother in his life. Look at how he dotes on Cherry, he sees her as a mother and if you look at it there is a vacuum in his life that his monther would have filled if she was alive to be in his life.'

Bernard bent his head in thought and after some minutes, he raised his head to look at his friend. 'Thanks Stuart, I think it's time I gave my daughter a thought and not being selfish in my loss. But, I'm afraid of losing anyone to death.'

'It was not your fault that her cancer was not discovered until when she was pregnant. She loved you and the baby so much that she risked her life just like George's mother. The least you could do for her is to give your daughter a family.'

'I will try my best.'

'The couple's dance has started, let me ask Anna to dance with me.'

'I've seen someone I can ask maybe she would be my friend after all.'

'Good luck buddy.' He proceeded to where Anna was.