Chapter 37

Every little girl has a dream of what she wanted her wedding to be like. Beautifully decorated chapel with hand-picked roses at the end of each seated aisle. A white ball gown wedding dress with white laced flowered heels. Her hair and makeup, done to perfection. That's exactly what I got.

It was only two days ago Valdo had asked me to marry him, but we still managed to have plan my dream wedding. My mother and Hannah played a huge role in the preparation. They practically planned it themselves. I didn't mind because Valdo and I were busy sorting out the legal side of things.

"Are you ready?" Kevin called from behind the door. Yesterday I asked Kevin if he could walk me down the aisle, and without hesitation, he said yes.

It was my time!

I looked at myself in the mirror one last time and smiled. I've never felt or looked this beautiful in my entire life. All eyes would soon be on me as I walked down the aisle, and that made me super nervous.

I took a deep breath then turn towards the door. I pushed it opened and looked up at Kevin.

He placed his hands on his chest. "You look amazing."

"Thanks," I said blushing.

"Are you ready?"

I nod. This day has been playing in my head for two days now. I was more than ready to make Valdo my husband.

He smiled and enlaced our arms at the elbows. We turned to the path leading to the aisle, and my heart started beating a mile a minute when I saw everyone's eyes at me.

Kevin chuckled, "I was just as nervous as you on my wedding day. You'll be okay." he assured. "Just take a few deep breaths."

I did what he suggested then looked ahead at the guests.

Zuria, Christina, and Emily were all waving at me. My mom and Hannah were taking pictures.

I looked ahead, and I saw him, Uvaldo Dakoda, my future husband, my rescuer, my hero and the love of my life. His enchanting blue eyes never left mine, and he had a big smile on his face. Suddenly everything seems a little better, and my anxiety was slowing disappearing. All the guest suddenly became a blur to me. The only thing I could see was Valdo smiling at me.

I smiled back.

This is Valdo.

The same Valdo who brought a pregnant homeless girl into his home without even knowing her real name or age. The same Valdo's heart was made of gold. He would never hurt me, and he'll always protect me.

At the end of the aisle Kevin hugged me, said "After this, you'll officially be my daughter. Welcome to the family."

I smiled and placed my finger at the corner of my eyes to prevent a tear from falling. Because of Valdo, I discovered the true meaning of family, and for that, I'll be forever grateful.

Kevin placed my hand in Valdo's and smiled, "Take good care of her. " he said before walking to take a stand beside his wife.

Valdo and I looked at each other with smiles on our faces, neither of us saying anything.

We turned towards the priest.

He looked ahead at our guest, "You can now be seated" They followed his request without hesitation. He looked down at us and smile. "Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Uvaldo Dakoda and Jakobia Taylor in marriage. This couple is not like your average couple. They haven't known each other for years. It hasn't even been a year in fact, but love has no time span. Today, as we create this marriage, we also create a new bond and a new sense of family - one that will undoubtedly include all who are present here today."

The priest took about fifteen minutes to complete the readings; then he started to tell us about of responsibility to each other as a couple. I listen to his words. I felt a little overwhelmed and Valdo would sense it because he squeezed my hands to calm me down. It worked.

When it was time to exchange vows, we turned towards each other. Since we didn't have much time on our hands, we decided to go with the traditional vows.

"Do you Uvaldo Dakoda, take Jakobia Taylor to be your lawfully wedded wife, promising to love and cherish, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?"

Without hesitation, Valdo answered, "I do."

The priest turned to me, "Do you Jakobia Taylor, take Uvaldo Dakoda to be your lawfully wedded husband, promising to love and cherish, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?"

I smiled, "I do."

"Let's have the exchange of the rings."

I turn slightly to look at Eric, who moved closer to us. He handed Valdo the ring then winked at me.

I held my hand out to Valdo.

He chuckled and held my hands, "I Uvaldo Dakoda give you Jakobia Taylor this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you."

A shiver went through my body as he pushed the ring on my tiny finger. When it was completely on, he looked up me and smile.

Zuria came closer to me and handed me the ring. Valdo stretched out his hands as I had done and I couldn't help but chuckle. I took his hands in mine and placed the finger on the tip of his finger. "I Jakobia Taylor give you Uvaldo Dakoda this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you."

The priest offered us a smile then looked at our guest, "If anyone objects to the marriage speak now or forever hold your peace."

It was then my heart really started beating fast. In movies, this was the time when things went downhill.

I looked down at our guest, and no one said a word.

Phew!

"By the power invested in me by the State of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Valdo leaned in and bent his head. His lips touched mine, and he kissed me softly. In the background, everyone cheered. However, I barely noticed; my full attention rested on my husband and his soft kiss.

After a while, we broke apart.

I looked in Valdo's eyes, not knowing exactly what to say. Sensing my shyness, he spoke first, "Are you ready to start your life with me?"

I smile, "Without a doubt."

He chuckled then turned towards our guest who was watching us keenly. I couldn't help but smile, seeing all our friends with big smiles on their faces. Especially knowing they were happy for us.

We enlaced our hands and walked down the aisle. Ready to start our new life together.

..

I jumped as I heard screeching screams behind me. I looked around to see Christina jumping in joy. "Congrats, Congrats, Congrats." she wrapped her arms around me, "I'm so happy you. You get a Prince Charming."

I smiled at her, "You'll get yours too."

She shrugged, "I doubt it. Men like Valdo are like diamonds."

"Diamonds are actually not as rare as people make them seem," Zuria inserted. "With that said, I think one day you will find someone who loves you unconditionally."

"What about you? I don't see you looking for anyone." Christina knew Zuria lost her husband so I know she wasn't trying to be mean.

"I've already met my forever love. He's just not with me anymore."

Christina looked at Zuria, confused, "So you'll never date another man?"

Zuria shrugged, "Gabriele was my first, and I promised him that he'd be my last."

"He made you promise that?" Emily asked, joining our conversation.

Zuria shook her head, "No. When he died, I stood by his grave and told him that I would never love anyone again. He was the jealous type. He didn't really like me talking to other men unless they were close friends or family. He was very protective, and I didn't mind because that's exactly what I need. He'd probably roll in his grave if he saw me getting closer to another man."

"I'm sorry, but he sounds toxic." Emily voiced.

Zuria didn't get offended, instead, she smiled, "When Gabriele and I met I was deep trouble. They were persons who wanted me dead, and he protected me. He was very protective of me because he knew what I had done and why I was on the run."I could tell she was choosing her words wising. I had no idea what her past was like, and she never once mentioned it to me. I didn't ask. "There were many times men tried to get close to me to use me for my expertise. It just became a habit, not that I mind. He was the only man I wanted around me. Imagine loving someone that much." she whispered. It's been three years since her husband died and I could tell she still hasn't recovered.

She lifted her head and smile. "Enough about me, you're the bride. Do you know where you will be spending your honeymoon?"

I frowned.

Honeymoon?

"There won't be a honeymoon." Eric wanted Valdo and I to sort out the adoption papers as soon as possible. A honeymoon never even came up in our conversations.

Emily laughed, "Do you really believe that?"

"I'm fourteen, and I know there is going to be a honeymoon." Christina giggled.

I shook my head, "No. We have to sort out the adoption of Jamaica as soon as possible. We don't have time for a honeymoon."

Zuria chuckled, "You just married a Billionaire. Honey, you're having a honeymoon."

"It's going to be a long night," Emily said, wiggling her eyebrows.

I blushed knowing exactly what she meant. "Emily, It hasn't been six weeks yet."

She rolled her eyes, "There are other ways to pleasure each other."

"Emily!" Zuria shouted and pointed at Christina.

Emily laughed, "Really, I'm sure she knows exactly what we're talking about. Her belly is proof."

I looked at Christina, who was blushing, "I only did it once, and it lasted for like a minute."

"That's awfully sad," Zuria whispered.

I looked at her with wide eyes. The few sexual encounters that I had with William hadn't lasted that long either, so I guess my sexual experiences were just as sad as Christina's.

"I don't think Gabriele was as good at anything as much as he was good in bed," Zuria muttered to herself. "He was really good. I miss that." She smiled at me and winked.

Emily smiled, "You're a lucky one, Jakoby. You get the perfect man, and you get to have sex with him any time you want. I'm jealous!!"

I laughed. It was a pity that Valdo and I wouldn't be able to consummate our marriage tonight. It still didn't make me less excited. We were going home tonight as man and wife; anything could happen.

"What are you ladies over here talking about?" Valdo asked as he came towards us.

"Oh, nothing. We were just leaving." Emily said. She used her head to point to the other girls. I couldn't help but laugh.

If I haven't met Valdo, I would never meet such amazing women.

I looked at him and smile, "You're amazing."

He blushed, "So are you."

I looked at his black tuxedo impressed by the quality, "You look great."

He pulled me closer to him and bent his head to my ears, "So do you. I can't wait to take that dress off tonight."