Loving Her

by Tracy Reed

  “Is anybody else a little misty? Rings, please.” Keith and Kendell handed pastor the rings. “Father God, we come before you thanking You for this union. We are in agreement with Moses and Alexandra for a blessed union and a happy marriage. We stand in agreement with them for Your best in their lives. In Your Son Jesus’ name, Amen. I want you both to repeat after me. I take you to be my friend, my lover, and my partner.” We repeated the vow together and changed partner to teammate.

  “Okay, I see we improvised that last part.” Pastor Brian teased and we smiled at each other.

  “Both of you repeat after me. I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph.” We repeated everything the pastor said and continued.

  “Moses, here.” He handed him the rings. “Place the rings on Alexandra’s left ring finger and repeat after me.” Moses took my hand in his. “Alexandra, this ring I give to you as a token of my love and devotion and pledge all that I am and all that I will ever be as your husband. With this ring, I gladly join my life to yours.”

  “Alexandra, these rings I give to you are a token of my love and devotion and pledge to you all that I am and all that I will ever be as your husband. This ring symbolizes our beginning and past, and this ring,” he took my engagement ring and placed it back on my finger. “…symbolizes the present, and this ring symbolizes our future and with it, I gladly join my life to yours.” He kissed my hand.

  “Alexandra, here.” Pastor handed me the ring. “Place the ring on Moses’ left ring finger.” Moses held out his left hand and I placed the diamond and platinum band on his left ring finger and repeated the vows. “Now repeat after me.”

  “I give you this ring as a token of my love and devotion and pledge to you all that I am and all that I will ever be as your wife. With this ring, I gladly join my life to yours.”

  “Moses, I give you this ring as a token of my love and devotion and pledge to you all that I am, and all that I will ever be as your wife.” I was doing fine until I said wife. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his grandfather’s handkerchief and wiped the tear streaming from my right eye before it rolled down and landed on my dress. I looked up and saw that beautiful smile and then continued. “With this ring, I gladly join my life to yours.”

  “Because Moses and Alexandra have desired each other in marriage, and have witnessed this before God and your gathering, affirming their acceptance of the responsibilities of such a union, and have pledged their love and faith to each other, sealing their vows in the giving and receiving of rings, I do proclaim they are husband and wife in the sight of God and man. Let all people here and everywhere recognize and respect this holy union, now and forever. You may kiss your bride.”

  Moses lifted my veil, pulled me close and dipped me.

  “Oooo.” I smiled and threw my arms around his neck.

  “I love you, Mrs. Adair.”

  “I love you, Mr. Adair.” Smiling, he gently pressed his lips against mine.

  “Passion.”

  “Exactly.” He kissed me again, then quickly lifted me back up. I felt a little light headed. Clutching hands we stood waiting for our next cue.

  “Wow,” said Pastor Brian. Everyone cheered. “Settle down. I am honored to be the first to introduce Moses and Alexandra Adair.” Everyone stood up, clapping. We walked out and hid in Moses’ office. He pulled me to him and kissed me like it was the first time, when he took my breath away filling my mind with fantasies about the future.

  He pulled back and gently stroked the side of my face. “Was the ceremony the way you imagined?”

  “Yes. Is it what you wanted?”

  “Yes.” He kissed me again. “Mrs. Adair we sh--”

  “Say it again.”

  “Mrs. Adair…”

  “Yes.”

  “We have a room full of people waiting for us.” He pulled my hands up to his mouth and I noticed the pink monogram on his shirt cuff. “What’s this?”

  He looked at his cuff and replied,” They were a gift from my wife.” Referring to the cufflinks.

  “No, the letters…ASMA?”

  “My wife’s initials.”

  “How romantic. Sort of like these.” I pulled out a piece of white satin ribbon with his initials MBA in his favorite color black. I had it sown into the top of my dress and tucked next to my heart.

  “Seems we were thinking the same thing.” We smiled. He kissed me, took my hand, and led me down the hall to the dining room. We walked in and everyone stood up, applauding as we sat down.

  The long dining table was dressed with a black silk tablecloth and matching napkins, a mix of tall and short clear glass vases filled with assorted bright pink flowers and candles. Grams went all out for the dinner.

  Bas stood up and clinked his glass. “I’ll start things. As one of the best men…I never thought I would be the best man at Alex’s wedding. I thought she’d be best man at mine first.” Everyone laughed. “When Moses entered our lives, I never thought I’d get a best friend and someone to help me with Alex,” everyone laughed again. “I have watched you two fight, hide, chase, protect and love each other. And today,” he paused. His voice was a little muffled, “I saw my friend, my sis, marry my best friend.” He lifted his glass. “To Alex and Moses.” He walked over kissed me on the cheek, and hugged us both.

  Taylor stood up. “My cousin, our cousin,” she looked at Kendell, “has seen her share of heartache and love. I know her and I know Moses, and I know God designed them for each other. To Alex and Moses.”

  Grams Stood up. “When Moses came back from Atlanta talking about this woman he met, I knew I had to meet her. So I told him to go get her. The first time I met Alexandra, I gave her some advice, which she didn’t take. That’s what I like about her. She’s her own person. And my grandson is the same. I told him something similar, and he ignored me as well. I’m glad neither of them listened to me, because now I have a new granddaughter and a grandson that smiles a whole lot more.” I wiped the tear from my eye and blew her a kiss.

  “Excuse me,” everyone laughed as Mama stood up and walked over to our side of the table and started to speak. “I believe that’s my daughter’s favorite phrase. When I first met Moses, I knew it was trouble. Alexandra tells people she asked God for something specific, but what she doesn’t know is, I did too. I asked God to send her someone who would love and respect her, and appreciate all she has to offer. She has a warm heart and is very generous. She’s also very stubborn. Once I got to know Moses, I discovered he’s a lot like her. Her father and I are very protective, and only want the best for her. We’re glad she and Moses found their way back to each other, and I’m glad to call you, son. Welcome to the family.”

  Moses’ stood up and hugged and kissed Mama. “I love you, Mom,” he said. I stood next to him waiting for my turn to hug her.

  Moses’ Dad stood up. He and Moses looked a lot a like...tall, light brown eyes, warm smile, and broad shoulders. The only visible differences between them was he was grey at the temples, had a beard, and was a little thicker in the midsection. When I saw him, I saw how Moses would look in twenty years...very handsome. He walked over and stood next to Moses’ chair.

  “Over the past year, my son and I have had several conversations about this beautiful woman, my daughter-in-law. Listening to him talk about her reminded me of a young man I knew a few decades ago who was pursuing a beautiful raven haired beauty with dancing dark brown eyes,” he looked at his wife. “I have to admit, hearing him talk about Alexandra made me long for those days of my youth. Like Mrs. Miller, I too asked God for something...to open my son’s heart. I’m grateful God answered all our prayers, because I don’t think any of us could bear another moment of the two of them apart.” Everyone laughed. “Alexandra,” Moses helped me stand up. “On behalf of my wife, the entire Adair family, and myself, welcome.” He kissed me on the cheek and whisper
ed, “Thank you for making my son happy.” He turned to Moses and hugged him.

  “I love you, Dad.”

  “I love you, Son.” He walked back to his seat.

  Moses cleared his throat. “My turn.” Moses looked at me smiling. “My wife, wow, that sounds good. My wife says I have to say something. You wouldn’t believe I get paid to write, but when it’s personal, I seem to have a little difficulty. On behalf of my wife and myself, thank you for coming and putting up with us the past few days.”

  He sipped his champagne.

  “Bear with me. Almost two years ago, a friend insisted I attend a party for her cousin who was coming to Atlanta to open a new store. I didn’t want to go, but I didn’t have a good reason she would accept. So I went. I knew only one person and she was a little preoccupied with someone else,” Moses said, and winked at Taylor. “She introduced us and walked away. Part of me was angry she left me standing there with a stranger, but the other part was delighted she did. I couldn’t believe this beautiful woman was being nice to me. Thank you, Taylor. A few weeks later, I was in Los Angeles on business and bumped into that woman at the airport. She says I kidnapped her, and I say I rescued her. Everyone wants to know what happened that weekend. We’ve decided it’s no one’s business,” he joked and winked at me. “Maybe at our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary party we’ll tell you. But, for now, it’s our secret. So here’s to a long and blessed life together. Thank you all. This means so much to my wife and myself.”

  He sat down, and I kissed him a little more intensely. I pulled back and whispered, “Passion.”

  “Exactly.”

  Chapter Seven

  Alex

  * * *

  AFTER WE CUT THE CAKE, Moses and I shared one last dance. I was expecting the song we danced to so many times. Instead, he surprised me by having the band play the first song we danced to at his sister’s party. And like that night, when the music started, he pulled me close. I rested my head on his chest and found myself lost in his scent.

  As the song came to an end he whispered, “I want to be alone with my wife.” He kissed me and there it was...passion. We said our goodbyes and left.

  I was excited and nervous to be alone with Moses. He pulled me to his side and looked up and smiled. My mind was full of thoughts I hadn’t allowed myself to have. Thoughts about my husband and this night.

  He looked at me, returning the smile. “What’s on your mind?”

  “How much longer before we get there?” He kissed me and suddenly, the car stopped. “Already?”

  Moses lowered the privacy screen. “Why are we stopping?” he asked, but the driver was gone. A few seconds later there was a tap on the window. Moses lowered the window and repeated his question, “Why are we stopping?”

  The driver opened the door. “Your ride is waiting.”

  “Ride? What’s going on?” Moses hesitated, got out, and looked around. “What are we doing at the heliport?”

  “Is everything all right honey?”

  “I’m not sure.” He turned back to the driver. “I don’t understand. Why are we at the heliport?”

  “I was told to bring you and your wife to the heliport.”

  “Who told you to do that?” I sensed the annoyance in his voice.

  “When the order was placed, it was with instructions to bring you and your wife to the heliport, see.” The driver handed Moses a document.

  “Honey, is everything all right?” I asked again.

  He leaned inside the car, “I’ve got this baby.” He redirected his attention to the driver. “Wait a minute.” He pulled out his phone and pressed the programmed number. “Hello Grams, what did you do...you didn’t...he did...let me speak to him...yes, we are...I see...thanks...I will and we’ll see you in a few days...bye.” He looked at me smiling, and then back at the driver. “I’m sorry.”

  “Is everything cleared up, sir?” the driver asked.

  “Yes.” Moses leaned inside the car. “Come on, baby.” He helped me out of the car.

  “Is everything all right?”

  He kissed me on the forehead. “Seems Keith made other transportation arrangements for us.”

  I wasn’t sure what was going on, but I followed Moses to the helicopter and got on board. There was barely enough room for my dress. This reminded me of our first date, when we took a helicopter to his parent’s house in the Hamptons. That must be where we’re headed. I got settled, and waited for Moses.

  “Will there be anything else, sir?” The driver asked.

  “No, that will be all.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out some money.

  “It’s already been taken care of. Congratulations.”

  “Thank you.” Moses boarded and we took off. I fell asleep and after what felt like several hours, I was awakened by my husband. “Wake up sleeping beauty, we’re here.” I opened my eyes and looked out the window, but it was pitch black. Moses grabbed my hand as we landed, just like he did on our first helicopter ride.

  Moses helped me out and I felt a slight chill. I knew this wasn’t the Hamptons, because you could see the beach in the distance at his parents’ place. The only visible light was from the star-filled sky. He took my hand and led me away from the helicopter. As it lifted up and the lights came on, to my right, I saw a beautiful cottage. Moses led me to the edge of the steps and we stopped.

  “What do you think?”

  “It’s beautiful, where are we?”

  “The Catskills.”

  “The Catskills?”

  We proceeded to the front door and he stopped. “Wait,” he scooped me up and threw me over his left shoulder like a sack of flour.

  “What are you doing?” I laughed.

  “This is how cavemen did it.”

  “True, but cavewomen weren’t wearing bridal couture and I don’t recall seeing pictures of cavemen dressed in custom formal wear,” I teased.

  He patted my behind, walked inside, closed the door and slowly placed me on my feet, covered my eyes and turned me around.

  “Keep your eyes closed.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  He removed his hand. “Open your eyes.”

  I looked around and was awestruck. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Come with me.” He took my hand and I followed him. “Here we have the kitchen with a fully stocked pantry and refrigerator complete with chocolate chip walnut cookies and banana pudding courtesy of Mrs. Joseph, the living room and patio.”

  The living room was decorated in very masculine tones, but the added feminine touches were obvious...silk pillows, fresh flowers, fur throws, candles, and a little pink pillow on the sofa with the initial “A”. We continued down the hall, and I noticed a trail of votive candles lighting the hall leading to a door with a small hang tag. “Do Not Disturb…what’s this?” I looked at him.

  “Open it.”

  I opened the door and stepped inside. It was breathtaking. I walked around, admiring the details and it became very real. This was our bedroom. This was where we were going to spend our wedding night. This was where we were spending our first night as husband and wife.

  This reminded me of my room at the townhouse. But, instead of pink, everything was white...monogrammed bed linens and pillows covering the largest bed I had ever seen. There were candles on every surface as well as a cozy fire. White rose petals were scattered on the floor around the bed and vases of white flowers were on both bedside tables. I covered my mouth with my hand, fighting tears. I took a deep breath and managed to spit out some words. “When I got your packing list, I thought we were going to your parent’s place in the Hamptons or a hotel…I had no idea...this is...”

  The first time I made love was in a dank flat in Paris overlooking the Seine. I thought it was the most romantic place in the world. That place paled in comparison to this beautiful retreat.

  “Do you like it?”

  “I love it. How did you...when did you...”

  “That’s my secret...your bag is in the
bathroom.” He pointed to the door on the left. “I’ll be across the hall...if you…when you’re…take your time.” He walked out and closed the door.

  I went into the bathroom and looked in the mirror, breathing hard. Then it occurred to me that I needed help getting out of this beautiful gown. I stepped across the hall, knocked on the door and felt a lump in my throat. A few seconds later, Moses opened the door and I almost fainted. He had started unbuttoning his shirt and it was opened with part of his chest showing.

  “Is everything all right?”

  My answer was delayed because my eyes were fixed on his chest. I tried to speak, but I couldn’t. This is what I get to sleep with...thank you God. “Uhm, it took two women to get me into this dress,” I chuckled.

  “Let’s see what I can do.” He smiled.

  I turned around and felt a chill run up my spine. I tried to relax as his warm hand held the silk panel in place as his finger slipped under the laces. I closed my eyes and all I heard was the sound of the fabric singing as he loosened the laces one by one. When he released the last lace, he brushed my hair to the side and gently kissed the back of my neck. I gasped and fell back against his chest, barely clutching my dress as the heat of his body penetrated my skin.

  He kissed my shoulder and my heart began to race. He slipped his hands around my waist and my mind quickly filled with the steamy thoughts I’d been pushing aside. When his lips touched my shoulder, a heat jolt traveled the length of my body. I tried to move, but I couldn’t. I liked the heat, and the thought of what would happen if I let my dress fall tempted me. I lowered one of my hands and my dress slipped a little lower.

  I sank deeper into his chest as he continued to nuzzle my neck. My dress felt heavy. It would be so easy to release my hold and make love to Moses right now. He kissed the back of my neck again and I let out a soft moan.

  He turned me around to face him and the combination of body heat and his cologne was overwhelming. I wanted to move, but I couldn’t. I clutched the top of my dress and looked up at him. I was desperate for him to kiss me, touch me, remove my hands from the top of my dress, anything.