Page 139 of For One Night

“You don’t feel hot.”

I jump up and take off to the bathroom. After some time, Lennox knocks on the door.

“You okay?”

“As long as I lay here, I’m great.”

He pushes the door open. “Oh, baby. Can I help you to bed?”

“Yeah, but I need to brush my teeth.” The thought makes me vomit again.

I finally get to bed late, Lennox by my side. The next morning, I feel great. The week goes smoothly, and I’m feeling great.

“The wedding’s next week; what is left that needs to be done?” Millie asks as she goes over a checklist.

“I think we’re good.”

“Are you ready?” She narrows her eyes.

“I am.”

She hugs me as I hold her tightly. “I love you.”

“I love you.”

“Let’s get hitched!” she screams.

I walk toward Lennox, he’s dressed in black with a silver tie. His face lights up when he sees me, my mermaid dress trailing behind me. I have a lace bodice with spaghetti straps, and my hair in a tight bun.

The closer I get to him, the more tears I shed. He’s crying and now I’m crying. I think everyone might be crying at this point. I stop midway, my dad taking my hand when the music changes, and we dance down the aisle the rest of the way.

Lennox takes my hand, spinning me around and dipping me. We start swaying to the music, and then to everyone’s surprise, we do the tango up and down the aisle. We finish with a round of 70s’ dance moves.

“We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Lennox James Daly and Lolita Felice Turner. Their celebration is one we can all draw from in our lives. The patience, understanding, and love they share with everyone else, they found it more special with one another.

“Lolita, I believe you have your vows.”

My breath hitches before I can say a word. “Look, you take my breath away just looking at me. Who would’ve ever guessed a night in Sin City would lead to a lifetime of happiness? You are my counterpoint, my soulmate, my love and most importantly, my King. Together forever, or it isn’t long enough. I love you.”

“Lennox.” The minister nods.

“My Queen, I am nothing more than a pawn in your hands. I look forward to you ‘checking’ this mate and keeping me centered for eternity. I’m a sucker for you, but I think you learned that early on. I’ll be here, waiting, no matter where we are or what’s happening. I’m yours. Forever.”

“May I have the rings please?” Lachlan lays the rings in the Bible. “Do you, Lennox James, take Lolita Felice to be your wife?”

“I do, forever.” He takes the ring, sliding it on my finger.

“Do you, Lolita Felice, take Lennox James to be your husband?”

“I do, always.” I place the ring on his finger, pushing it down.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Cheers break out. “May I present Lennox and Lola Daly.”

After we’re passed around, we make our way to the reception. Lennox takes my hand, and we stand together.

“Lola and I are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and affection given to us. We thank you for helping us, taking us in, and making us family; we love you all.” He squeezes my hand.

“We would also like to announce we have been qualified for adoption, and we’ve started the process of finding our family. With the help of the one Lola’s carrying, we plan to have a large and loving family.”

Gasps and cheers fill the air as everyone runs to us, loving us and wishing us well. Just when you think life can’t throw any more curves, you get blindsided.