by Londyn Skye
James returned a grand, brilliant smile.
“Most importantly, no matta’ how many times you stumble and fall ova’ our lifetime togetha’, I vow that I will always be there to uplift you with unconditional forgiveness and the strength ‘a my undyin’ love.” Lily looked up from her paper and into James’s eyes. “From the deepest depths ‘a my soul, I too promise that to you until the day you lay in my arms and draw your last breath, or I lay in yours and draw mine,” she added on her own accord.
Corrina took Lily’s vows from her hands, folded it, and placed it in the envelope along with the one that James had written. While she took a moment to secure them, James and Lily kneeled on two pillows in front of them and took a hold of each other’s hands. For the time being, in lieu of exchanging wedding rings, they had made the decision to give something else of themselves that they felt would be far more symbolic and meaningful for the sort of sacred nontraditional union they envisioned.
After securing their vows, Corrina held a four-inch lock of James’s hair near the back of his head. She then handed him a pair of scissors and let him cut it away. Lily then followed suit with the same ritual. When she was finished, she and James held the locks of hair by the ends next to one another and let Corrina tie them together tightly in the center with a piece of twine.
“James,” Corrina began, as he and Lily continued to hold on to the symbolic pieces of themselves. “Let this be a symbol of two souls unitin’ as one, as well as a symbol that you have willfully given all ‘a yourself to Lily. If you pledge to faithfully abide by the vows you have made to her here today, unda’ the watchful eyes of God from now until the end ‘a your days, please say I do.”
“Damn right I do.” His emphatic response evoked a round of laughter from his guests.
“Lily,” Corrina then said, turning toward her. “Let this be a symbol of two souls unitin’ as one, as well as a symbol that you have willfully given all ‘a yourself to James. If you pledge to faithfully abide by the vows you have made to him here today, unda’ the watchful eyes of God, from now until the end ‘a your days, please say I do.”
“Absolutely I do.”
With that, Corrina placed the intertwined locks of hair inside of the envelope along with their vows. She then handed Lily and James a lighted candle. In sync with one another, they lit a unity candle and blew out the ones they held. Together, they took hold of the unity candle, tilted it, and let a bit of its wax drip down onto the envelope that contained their hair and vows. They set the unity candle aside and pressed the wax down with their thumbs to permanently seal the envelope.
“This seal, our vows, and the symbol of our bond that we’ve placed within it, I vow neva’ to break, from now until the end of eternity,” they both recited as one.
With that, James helped Lily to stand.
Corrina looked at James with a smile. “You may now kiss your bride.”
James took a step toward Lily, placed his hands gently on either side of her face, leaned down, and smiled before sensually expressing his appreciation for the fact that she was now his wife. With an audience looking on, James was as tame as he could possibly be, but found it difficult to do so after missing the taste of her lips for three days. He lingered there like he would never again be afforded such an opportunity. Their matrimonial kiss was slow and passionate, and undoubtedly put an exclamation point on their vows. “I love you,” James whispered as he rested his forehead against Lily’s afterwards.
“I love you too,” Lily whispered in return.
Corrina then stepped up beside the newlyweds. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you all, Mister and Misses Jameson Michael Adams,” she announced with a smile.
James kissed Lily’s hand as the violinists started once again. Harrison and Isabel then made their way back down the makeshift aisle with James and Lily trailing shortly behind. They were all showered with an array of colorful flower petals again as they walked arm in arm between the people who genuinely cared for them. Every one of them had a delightful smile on their faces and a few had a mist of tears in their eyes, reflecting their happiness for the pair. At the end of the aisle, James spontaneously pulled Lily in close to dance for the first time ever with his wife. Lily rested her head on his shoulder and gathered her arms around his neck, smiling over the joy of being wrapped in her husband’s embrace. All their friends gathered around to watch the newlyweds swaying slowly with one another to what remained of Lily’s song, a song that she had originally written in honor of the man she had just vowed to spend the rest of her life with.
Following their brief dance, everyone made their way into another clearing that was surrounded by tiki torches. Corrina felt that no wedding would be complete without a post-ceremonial meal. Her and a few other slaves had worked hard throughout the day preparing a wedding cake, cornbread, and a massive pot of stew to feed the dozens of attendees who had gathered there for the unique event. The pot was being warmed over a bonfire in the center of the clearing. Under a full moon in a crystal-clear sky, guests found stumps and logs to sit on while they ate. Others just stood in the ribbon-decorated, open-air venue while imbibing on the fine wine that William had purchased. With the violinists continuing to provide background music, the evening was turning out to be far more elegant than Lily could have ever anticipated.
After cutting her cake with James, Lily decided to address all of her guests. “I know this ain’t at some fancy venue the way y’all are used to, but I can’t thank y’all enough for makin’ the trek here despite it. I can’t even put into words how humbled I am that you were all willin’ to make this journey here for me and James. You’ve all helped to make this yet anotha’ unforgettable and cherished moment in my life.”
“To be honest with you, it’s one ‘a the most authentic and genuine ceremonies I’ve eva’ been to,” one of the orchestra members expressed.
“So true,” another member agreed. “I don’t think I’ll eva’ forget this eitha’.”
“It was certainly worth the journey,” Isabel concurred, raising her wine glass.
“Hell, this stew alone was worth the journey!” Austin joked, shoveling his third helping into his mouth. “My compliments to the chef!”
Corrina took a bow.
“That’s Corrina’s Sunday specialty,” Lily explained.
“You gotta tell me this recipe!” Austin replied between bites.
“Everyone I’ve eva’ told that secret to becomes part ‘a the ingredients in the next batch,” Corrina playfully warned him.
Austin paused with a spoonful of stew just in front of his mouth.
“Yep!” James confirmed. “I used to have four brotha’s … but now I’m down to two.”
Corrina held up two fingers and nodded. “Still wanna know?” she teased.
The look on Austin’s face had everybody laughing.
Harrison shoved another spoonful of the stew into his mouth. “Well, your brotha’s sure do taste pretty damn good!”
Austin just shook his head. “Y’all are all sick in the head,” he replied as everyone continued to chuckle.
“This is what I sho’ do miss most about performin’ with all ‘a you…” Lily said after her laughter subsided. “All the silliness afta’ our shows and while we’s on the road.”
“Well, it won’t be long before you all have the opportunity to perform together again, if you’d like,” William announced, stepping up alongside Lily.
“It won’t?” Lily asked.
“No. In fact, I’m glad that all of you decided to make the journey here tonight,” William answered, turning to address everyone. “I’ve been eagerly waiting to let you all know that I wrote a letter to Landon Von Brandt. In the letter, I expressed our interest in resuming The Dream Symphony tour as planned in the United Kingdom.” William pulled an envelope from his inner coat pocket and briefly held it up. “And I’m happy to announce that Landon has finally written back. He informed me that he and the Queen are still very much interested in h
aving the show at Buckingham Palace to kick off the tour. In fact, Landon will be arriving in the ports of New York this coming Saturday.”
An eruption of excited murmurs was exchanged between the orchestra members as an array of smiles graced their faces.
William turned to Lily and took her by the hands. “Landon’s making his way across the seas as we speak. You, your motha’, and this sweet little baby will be sailing away from this dreadful place soon enough.”
“M-my motha’?” Lily questioned. “James said he tried to convince my half brotha’ to let ’er come here tonight, but he wouldn’t allow it. He thinks he’s burned the bridge with ’em completely.”
“Yes well, with enough money all bridges can be rebuilt, even the ones you’ve heavily burned. I’ll handle that situation in due time. But with the urgency of your condition, we’ll have to deal with the matter of your mother once you’re already in Europe. For now, we need to focus on you, okay?”
Lily nodded. “I unda’stand.”
William gently touched her face. “Don’t worry though, my dear. I promise you we’ll get her there one way or another.”
“Thank you,” Lily replied, sounding overcome with appreciation.
“For now,” William continued, turning to look out at the orchestra again, “I need to know which of you still has a desire to venture to the Old World along with us?”
Lily’s eyes slowly swept across the array of orchestra members to find every single hand raised. “Thank you … to all of you. It’s hard to imagine myself makin’ music with anyone otha’ than you all.”
“Neitha’ could we,” Austin replied.
“Well now, that was easy,” William smiled. “With that settled, all that remains is to discuss the details of your departure with Griff after the festivities tonight.”
“Now that will certainly be music to my ears!” Lily took a hold of James and William’s hands. “Thank you both for goin’ through so much trouble for me. I truly feel so blessed.” She looked around at all her friends again. “I’m grateful that all ‘a you are a part ‘a my life … incredibly grateful.”
Lily spent the next few hours sitting around the fire with everyone listening and sharing hilarious stories about the months she had spent on the road with all of them. With most everyone thoroughly intoxicated, a few would break away from the group and add to the humor of the night with drunken, off-beat dancing to the tunes that the two violinists would play from time to time. Lily realized in those few hours that it did not take a fancy venue for her to enjoy herself with her closest comrades. It was their presence and the blending of their unique personalities that made their time together so precious and unforgettable. For most of the evening, she did not even think twice about the fact that she was in the middle of the woods, surrounded by dirt, trees, and wild animals. Because of her company, her wedding night was no less special than one that would have been held in the most lavish reception hall.
The simple event had been so enjoyable that it was four in the morning before everyone decided to call it a night. Had it not been for the fact that Lily would soon be seeing everyone again in the Old World, she would have had a far more difficult time saying goodbye to all her guests before they trickled out of the woods. Austin was the only one in the band to stay behind. He had appointed himself as the messenger for the other orchestra members. He, therefore, needed to hear the details of Griff’s escape plan. He also wanted to lend his assistance to help Lily get to the ports of New York, if necessary. Once all the guests departed, Austin went to get Griff and the rest of the bandits. Everyone then gathered around the bonfire to finalize the details of Lily’s escape.
“I’ve already discussed some preliminary plans with Griff regarding getting you to New York,” William explained while looking over at Lily. “James informed me that his father has hidden your ownership papers away in a safe deposit box. So, Griff and I agree that it would be best for you to travel hidden in the back of a covered wagon.”
Lily’s eyes panned over to Griff.
“I know it ain’t the most comfortable means of travel, but we don’t wanna take any chances with someone seein’ ya’, little flowa’,” Griff explained. “I don’t wanna have to resort to blowin’ a man’s head off to silence ’em … but by God, I’ll do it if need be. I just prefer not to draw any unwanted attention.”
“How long’s the journey by wagon?” Lily asked.
“Five days if we keep that wagon rollin’ non-stop,” Griff answered. “I don’t want one second ‘a downtime between you leavin’ here and sneakin’ you onto the ship. So, along the way, you ain’t gonna be able to emerge from the back ‘a that wagon for anything.”
“Anything?”
“I’m afraid not Lily,” William answered, sounding embarrassed by the notion. “We’ll supply you with food and drink and everything else you’ll need for the entire five-day journey. I know it would’ve been easier to have Landon meet us in the ports of Virginia, but I just don’t trust it. He has a lot more power to buy people’s silence in New York, if need be. You know I’d never agree to these deplorable arrangements unless I thought it was best.”
Lily touched his shoulder reassuringly. “I know, William. It’s okay.”
Griff grabbed a satchel and pulled out several maps. “I’ve plotted on these maps the trade-off points along the way. If we’re gonna keep that wagon movin’ non-stop, we’re gonna need fresh horses at the spots I’ve marked with X’s.” He handed James a map. “James, you’re gonna be pullin’ outta here with Lily Tuesday at nightfall. You’ll meet Samuel at the first trade-off post with the first set ‘a fresh horses. You’re gonna need to hide away with Lily in the wagon at that point,” he further explained.
James nodded.
“How about just puttin’ ’er on a train once she’s far enough north ‘a here,” Samuel suggested. “It’d get ’er there quicka’.”
“Nah, can’t take no chances with somebody seein’ ’er. We don’t need anybody to be able to say they saw ’er, just in case James’s crazy-ass pappy comes lookin’ for her,” Griff replied. He then turned toward James. “No offense,” he added.
“None taken. Trust me,” James assured him.
“Besides, if we get asked for Lily’s papers, we’ll be up shit’s creek. Speakin’ ‘a that, I need to warn y’all…” Griff turned in a circle and eyeballed all the bandits and all the other men who were still left. “If y’ur too chickenshit to commit grand theft then I suggest you bow out now, ’cause what we’re about to do is a big-time felony. We’ve got five more spots we need filled at the trade-off spots. But if y’ur too much of a pussy to handle the possibility of doin’ hard time then just lay y’ur guns down and walk the fuck away right now, ’cause this ain’t for you,” he expressed harshly. He turned in a circle again, looking each and every man in his eyes. Not a single one of them showed a sign of cowardice. “Who’s up next then?” Griff asked when nobody objected.
“Me.”
Everyone suddenly turned and looked over their shoulders behind them at Elijah, who had been leaning up against a tree in the darkness. He had been so quiet during the festivities that Lily and James forgot he was even there. He had stood on the outskirts in the shadows most of the night, watching over his sister, absorbing every detail of the ceremony in stone-cold silence, until now. He stepped out into the light and the usual testosterone-driven staredown between him and James began immediately. James was standing behind Lily with his arms gathered around her, but the moment Elijah insisted on participating, he gently moved her aside and took a step toward his nemesis. Elijah fearlessly did the same as their staredown continued.
Griff snickered at the stand-off between the pair. “You sure you want in on this pretty boy?” he then asked Elijah.
“It’s no secret that I care about Lily’s welfare just as much as anybody else here,” Elijah replied while still staring harshly at James. “Besides.” He finally looked over at Griff. “You say you have five more s
pots to fill and there are only three ‘a you bandits left. We need Austin to relay messages to the orchestra, and the twins couldn’t handle a gun if their lives depended on it. Even if they could, they can’t risk their careers ova’ all ‘a this.” Elijah stepped forward and held out his hand for a map. “Looks like I’m your most suitable option.”
Despite Griff’s uneasiness about having him help, he slapped a map and some cash in Elijah’s hand. “The cash is for horses and food. You got a pistol?”
Elijah answered his question by pulling one out from the inside of his coat pocket.
“Shoot to kill,” Griff snarled. “Who’s next?”
When the rest of the spots were filled, and the plans were cemented, Lily got up to say her final goodbyes of the night. Isabel was the first one on her feet to give Lily a hug. “I’ll see you soon. You take care of yourself and this baby,” she told her.
“I promise I will.”
Isabel reached down and touched her belly. “How far along are you anyway?”
“Six months as of today, actually.”
“Six months! You’re so tiny! I thought I’d have a lot longa’ to get started makin’ some clothes for this little one. I guess I need to get to sewin’ A.S.A.P. Leave it to me and this baby’s gonna have a drawer full ‘a clothes by the time it gets here!” She touched Lily’s stomach again. “I just can’t wait to see this little face!”
“Neitha’ can I,” Lily agreed, giving Isabel a final hug.
Wilson and Emerson then walked over and gave Lily a kiss on either side of her cheek. “Take care of yourself,” they told her, each taking a turn to hug her.
“I will. See you both again real soon.”
“You have no idea how badly I wish to just scoop you up and take you away from this dreadful place right this instant,” William told Lily as he approached. “To leave you here, even for just these next two days, is torture to me.”
