Christmas Day

Guacalito de La Isla, Nicaragua

 

The emerald coast of Nicaragua’s waves lapped at their feet before retreating back into the crystal blue waters. Standing on a dazzling white-sandy beach, Christopher and Norma held hands as they gazed at one another. Behind Christopher, his sons stood in line, suave in Tom Ford tailored suits, while Christopher stood sharp in Giorgio Armani. Behind Norma; Phoebe, Jasmine, and Eden stood along with Samiyah, Claudia, Desiree, Santana, and Octavia. The ladies were draped in Vera Wang pleated ivory dresses while Norma was adorned in a Carolina Herrera gown that also revealed her bare shoulders. With their family and close friends in attendance, the couple shared and exchanged vows with a slight wind chill at their back. Norma’s gown fluttered softly in the sailing winds as she spoke her eternal oath with tears in her eyes and an extra beat in her heart.

Christopher’s sight had also been blurred momentarily by the drops that fell from his eyes. As he spoke, Christopher pledged his love for Norma until the end of time.

As Christopher had known, the family took the news of their wedding with a happiness he couldn’t explain. After loving and hugging on Phoebe, they’d all shared congratulations with Christopher and Norma, knowing the two were perfect for each other. Norma couldn’t have been more delighted. Seeing Phoebe’s tears in the beginning had almost broken her heart, but they were tears of joy, which Norma was ecstatic about. The celebration had gone on throughout the night. Norma could honestly say it was the first time in a long while that she’d had anything remotely close to an alcoholic beverage. But it was an occasion like no other, so she obliged.

To say Martha Jean and Adeline Stevens were surprised was an understatement. For the entire time the family celebrated around each other, the two women sat stumped while mulling over the revelation. Martha Jean felt duped, and she thought about all the nonchalant times that Norma had giggled or merely watched from the sideline while she flirted relentlessly with Christopher. She had known the whole time that Christopher wouldn’t bite because the man only had eyes for Norma.

“Well played,” Martha Jean had murmured underneath her breath. It was just as well since for whatever reason her attention had gravitated to Antonio. “You might want to close your mouth before something flies inside,” Martha Jean told Adeline.

On auto pilot, Adeline had done what she said, closing her mouth but still astonished. It surprised Adeline that she wasn’t livid about what was happening. After all, for the longest time, she’d been under the impression that Christopher was single and open for the taking. It was then that Adeline had turned her attention to Clifford and a what if sailed through her mind.

For the rest of that night, they family sat, and ate, seemly in a state of joy.

Now on an island with her ex-husband, Adeline played around with what adventure she could get into with Clifford. They sat in the audience, half paying attention to the ceremony—same as Martha Jean and Antonio.

Slipping into the ceremony with a hand tucked in his pocket, Quentin Davidson slinked past a few guests and sat where he could get a full view of Phoebe. His entrance didn’t get past Phoebe. As soon as his heavenly brown skin strolled in, quickly ducking between the rows, she saw him. Their eyes met and held for so long Phoebe had almost went into a trance. Brazenly, Quentin’s gaze traveled over Phoebe, intent on burning her dress from her very flesh with the dangerous flare of his gaze.

Just then his lips moved: “Me… you… 2 o’clock.”

Phoebe’s nipples hardened, and a trail of heat sank down between her thighs. It was the first time Quentin had actually initiated a meeting with. Phoebe didn’t know if the meeting would be innocent or not, but she was determined to find out. Piercing her lips with a smirk, she turned her head away, taking her focus back on her father and soon-to-be stepmother.

“If anyone sees reason why these two should not wed,” the bishop said, “speak now or forever hold your peace.”

A gust of wind swirled in, and the waves rushed ashore as everyone sat in stark silence. Norma’s heart smiled and so did Christopher’s.

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Lee Rose. You may now kiss your bride.”

Christopher wrapped an arm around Norma and pulled her in snuggly as he covered her mouth in a soft, soulful kiss. Everyone in attendance stood to their feet, and the family cheered thunderously as two became one.

 

The End

 

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