Page 38 of Sweet Surrender
15
JUDAH & ALEX
ONE YEAR LATER
JUDAH
It wasn’t easy getting to this day, but it was worth it. As she walked down the steps of the deck into our backyard, my chest grew tight. Everyone counted us out in the beginning, but I knew that we had what it took to make it, if she would just let go of the past and her family’s approval.
Once she did, our relationship blossomed and grew in the most unexpected ways. Alex chose Kelli to be her bridesmaid, and I chose Gabe as my best man. Our wedding was small but perfect. With all the large, destination weddings she planned, she didn’t want that for herself. She assured me she wanted something small and intimate, in our backyard.
My seven brothers were in attendance with their significant others, as was Jonathan and Tyra, and our parents.
Alex moved in with me six months ago, and it had been a beautiful ride. We worked out together, ate our meals together, prayed together, attended church service together, and plannedour week ahead together. She was woven intricately in every part of my life, and I was also in hers.
She stopped in front of me, wearing a beautiful ivory, chic contemporary sheath made from soft crepe that glided along her feminine curves. The spaghetti straps and notched neckline showed off her beautiful, chestnut-brown skin.
I couldn’t wait until later to take my time unbuttoning every button down the back of her dress, past her ass, to reveal the rest of her glorious skin and body.
I half-listened to the minister as he asked who gave her away, and her father stated, “Her mother and I do.” After seeing how I took good care of Alex, her mother had come around, and she couldn’t stop singing my praises.
I tuned back in when the minister asked us to exchange our vows.
ALEX
“Alexandria, I have watched you grow through the years, and your role has increasingly changed as you’ve grown. From my little brother’s pesky friend to a close family friend, to the woman I love and adore, and today becoming my wife. I have never been more honored than that you chose me to shepherd you, to build a family with, to provide for you, and to protect you. Although God hasn’t finished perfecting me and making me into that masterpiece for you, He’s made me ready for you, you who are His masterpiece.
“With this ring, I solemnly vow to always honor you, love you, and inspire you. I will always be the one who makes you laugh when there’s nothing to laugh at, to make you smile whenthe world is upside down, and the one who helps you find a reason to carry on when there seems to be none. I will love you with all my heart, my soul, and my very being. Every tear you shed, I vow to kiss away,” Judah vowed, leaning forward to do just that as a tear made an appearance on my cheek. My heart swelled with love for him.
He slid the ring on my finger, and the minister nodded at me. I held Judah’s ring up and then spoke.
“Judah St. Charles, you were mine before I understood what that meant. My soul and my heart always cried out to you. It always rejoiced in your presence and felt uplifted whenever you shone attention my way. The world said that we could not be, but my heart would settle for nothing less than that. You are my joy and inspiration.
“With this ring, I solemnly vow to always respect you, honor you, and love you. I will always introduce adventure within our lives, follow wherever you lead me, and pour into your soul so that you will always thrive and flourish and not just live. Never again will I turn my back on you or forget what I have vowed to you for the sake of another. My promise that I give to you today, I will carry out with my last breath,” I vowed, reaching up to run my fingers through his curls.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife, and you may now kiss your bride.”
He cradled my face, leaned down, and took my lips in a tender, but passionate kiss.
“Alex,” he stated softly for my ears only when he pulled back from the kiss.
“Yes?”
“I am thankful that the Almighty has blessed me with a second chance at love.”
“So am I, Judah. It feels so sweet surrendering to the possibility of us, of your love.”
He kissed me again as our family clapped all around us.
Our parents were the first to come up and congratulate us.
“I love you, baby. You did good, and I’m so sorry,” Mama apologized, kissing my cheek.
“I know you are. I love you too,” I whispered, smiling just before my father and then my brother came to hug me.
Judah’s parents and stepparents were next, and all four congratulated us, told us they were proud, and then moved on. Issachar was next along with Princess.
“I’m so glad God gave me the grace to move out of your way for what was best for you, Alex. Congratulations. I know that my brother will take good care of you the way that you deserve,” Issachar stated, hugging me and kissing my cheek.
