Chapter Thirty-Three
To Love, Honor, and Obey
I woke up wrapped in Ali's arms. Today was our wedding day. I laid there still and concentrated on the smell of oranges and chocolate and the feeling of his hot breath on my back. I thought back to the night before, looking at Brandon Q's lifeless and pathetic body slumped over in that chair. I took a deep breath and savored the sweet feeling of satisfaction. He would never hurt or torment me again.
I slid out of bed without waking Ali up, slipped on a robe, and headed down to the kitchen to sneak a cup of coffee before anyone arrived. When I got to the kitchen, I heard voices. I stopped and listened.
“Mother Hilda, she was eating nuts the entire time we were dressing her.” Mrs. J's voice was full of concern. Hilda started to say something and paused. “What is done is done. We did not see anything. There is no proof that it was intentional. How could she know about the allergy; or that he would force his tongue in her mouth and expose himself to the allergen. Jill, we will be leaving this one alone.”
I made enough noise to alert them that I was close to the kitchen. I walked in and greeted both of them. I really was getting good at eavesdropping. I went to grab a cup of coffee and Hilda stopped me. “Dear you should drink water, maybe put an orange slice in it. It will taste much better.” She went to fix me a water.
“I really do not understand why I cannot have a cup of coffee. I really want a cup of coffee.” Hilda handed me the water and smiled. Mrs. J spoke up. “Sweetheart don't you want Alejandro to enjoy going down on you?” I was confused, “What does that have to do with me drinking coffee?”
Mrs. J laughed, “Everything you put in your body is reflected in your secretions. Coffee is bitter, that makes “it” taste and smell bitter. Fish is fishy, that makes “it” taste and smell fishy. Fruit infused water makes “it” taste and smell sweet. The caffeine in coffee and tea causes dehydration, even low levels of dehydration will cause you to dry out during sexual intercourse. The water keeps you adequately hydrated.” I took the water and was satisfied by their explanation even if I still wanted coffee.
Mrs. J went over my schedule for the day. Staples removed, nails, hair, bridal tea, grooms cocktail reception, dress for ceremony, ceremony, dinner reception, after reception party, ascension ceremony. It was going to be a full day.
I took a breakfast tray with coffee, water, and fruit up to our room. Ali was still asleep to my surprise. I put the tray on the bed, and I climbed back in. I traced the lines in his face lightly. He stirred just a little. I kissed his face; he moaned. I moved my lips to his neck; he smiled.
“Good morning.” He sat up and took the cup of coffee. “Yes, it is a good morning, I get the staples out today!” He smiled, “Just in time!”
We had just enough time to eat breakfast and get a quick shower before the doctor would arrive to remove the stitches, and I had to go have my hair and nails done. Ale looked over my schedule and then looked at his. “Well, I guess after the staples are out, we will not see each other again until you are walking down the aisle.” He planted a kiss on my forehead.
We showered and I dressed in a crop top and yoga pants that exposed my belly. Easier access for the doc. We went downstairs and the doctor was waiting in the den for us. Less than five minutes later I was staple free, and Mrs. J was rushing me out the door.
I kissed Ali goodbye. “I'll see you at the altar.”
Everyone in the bridal party, including Ian met us at the nail salon. My nails were crimson red with intricate chrome filigree. Ian just got a manicure and clear coat; even though he really wanted some kind of artwork on his too.
We went back to the salon that I had gone to when Mrs. Q had her melt down. They were all glad to see us. I was whisked back to the shampoo station immediately and Ian went with me to keep me company. The receptionist brought me a water and Ian a double espresso.
I loved Ian. He was straight forward, bold, and brash. “One down and six to go my lovely man-slaying Mistress.” I gave him a look. He smiled “Got nuts?” I laughed and he started talking about this BIG gift that he had for me.
The same stylist that did my hair for the Gala repeated her magic. The stylist took her time and created a cascade of curls laced with crimson ribbon and small delicate cream flowers. I walked out and everyone was already done.
The tea was held at the hotel's banquet room. I went back to Ian's to get dressed for the tea. He had bought me a beautiful white form fitting, long sleeve, floor length dress that he had made special just for me. The waist had been cut out into an oval that reached from my naval to my mid back to expose my scars but remain stylish. He paired the outfit with 2-inch white open toe heels and a beautiful ruby necklace with matching earrings, bracelets, anklets, and waist chain.
We arrived at the bridal tea and guests were already arriving. Mrs. J met me at the entrance and surveyed my attire. “That boy has great taste. I should let him dress me. Mrs. Q. and Erika Q. will not be attending, please try to enjoy yourself, dear.” Her smile was knowing and reassuring.
Even at this blended event with no masks I could see how the indigo and the Chrome set themselves apart. It was the ribbon. The indigo wore an indigo ribbon of some kind. Belt, sash, scarf, ribbon choker, hair ribbon. And the Chromes had their own adornment.
I mingled in and out of several groups and several conversations. There were various topics but the most interesting was between my mother and Mrs. Smith. They were excited that they had won the trips to Jamaica and were making plans for a summer trip. I could not help but to get excited for them.
I found Rita with a group of indigo who were whispering about something. I walked over and all eyes looked down and the whispering stopped. “What is the topic ladies?” Rita looked up at me, “We were discussing that your sister and mother did not have a lot of jewelry. We were going through our mental inventories and figuring out what we could do to remedy that before the wedding.” I was touched at the kindness that they were willing to extend to my mother and sister. “Thank you all for being kind to my family.”
Finally, it was time to end this event. I stood at the entry way and thanked each person for being there. Each of the society members gave me a light kiss on the cheek and handed me an envelope. Mrs. J collected the envelopes as I met the next person. At the end of the tea, Hilda took a ribbon from Karla and wrapped the envelopes in a bow, then handed them to my mother.
I remembered this from our lessons. The envelopes were gifts born in tradition. It was part of the bridal ransom. It was my mother’s job to open each envelope and add it to the bridal purse. Mrs. J explained it to my mother as an old family tradition.
My mother and sister rode with me to the mansion to get ready for the wedding. Ian rode with Mrs. J and Hilda to give us some time alone. I looked at the time and noticed that it was time for the groom’s cocktail reception. The same envelope exchange would happen at that event, but my father would be presented with the envelopes.
My mother and Marta opened the envelopes and took the money from them. I do not think she expected what she found. The envelopes contained more than $100,000. “We should not have this much cash on us.” She was in a panic. “It will be okay mom; we will not be stopping until we get to the mansion.” She relaxed just a little.
Mom was curious, “Why would those people give you so much money?” I tried to explain. “It is tradition mom. It goes in the bridal purse for what they call the bridal ransom. Before Ali and I get married Ali will receive my bridal ransom from my father. If he chooses not to marry me then he can keep the ransom, if not he can choose to give the ransom back to Daddy and marry me instead. The bigger the purse, the more tempting it is for him to abandon me for greed. If he truly loves me then money is not what he will value.”
Mom started to cry, “That is so romantic.” Marta was busy texting, but she took the time to interject, “Nicholas said that Alejandro should keep the money and give you back to Dad. I told him he was crazy, then we would not get to spend the summer with the coolest brother-in-law ever.” She immediately went back to her digital conversation once she spoke her peace.
The closer we got to the Mansion the more nerve racked I became. It was my wedding and Ascension Day. I really did need to see Ali; he could calm me down.
When we arrived at the mansion, and I was immediately greeted by Karla and Rita who rushed me off to get ready. My mother did not understand why she could not help me get dressed, but Mrs. J explained that we needed to hold on to tradition. My mother accepted that reluctantly.
We went into a large room where my dress was displayed and everything I needed was at my disposal. There was a photographer in the room waiting on us. He would be filming the entire dressing process, but only Ali would get to see it. Tasteful, dressing photos would be cut from the film to add to the wedding album.
I sat in a chair while Karla drew my bath and Rita put my hair in a protective net. The bath smelled of orange blossoms and had orange blossom petals floating on the surface. Rita and Karla were assigned to be my attendants until I was presented to my parents.
Rita helped me undress and we met Karla in the bathroom. I stepped into the steaming hot water and sat on the tub’s ledge. Rita and Karla disrobed and took their places on each side of me. I stood as each of them started at my shoulders and washed my entire body. I took great satisfaction in the care that they put into this sensual act.
I sat back into the water as the two washed my legs and feet. My body relaxed just enough to take the edge off the nervousness I had been feeling. I was left in the tub for a few minutes to relax while Rita and Karla got out and dried off.
I stepped from the tub and Rita dried me off, while Karla retrieved oil for my skin. The two of them massaged citrus oil into my skin and I was charged from their touches. The oil was fragrant, again orange blossoms and a hint of mint.
I sat in the nude as they applied my makeup and prepared to dress me. I just looked in the mirror and watched as they worked. I was pleased that they were careful not to cover my scars.
The photographer was filming everything. That was a bit uncomfortable for me, but I was a little turned on that Ale would have this for his own personal library. Actually, it turned me on a lot.
I stood in front of the mirror for them to dress me. Thong, belt, thigh highs, garter, corset laced tight, then a light dusting of perfume. Orange blossom and mint of course.
They helped me into the dress and shoes. Another light dusting of perfume. I looked in the mirror and was very pleased, Mrs. J had found the perfect dress. Rita took my hair from the net and fixed it and did the final touch-ups to my makeup.
Rita and Karla put my jewelry on, and I was ready for my masking. They dismissed themselves and Mrs. J came into the room. She was carrying the mask I had chosen. She placed the mask on my face and secured it adjusting my hair to cascade around it. Finally, she motioned for me to spin so she could make sure I was ready. Then she left too.
My mother came into the room next. She was already dressed and in her mask. She took one look at me and started to cry. For a moment I was worried that she was not happy with my attire, then she looked up, “You are so beautiful.” She sobbed, hugging me tightly.
Mom walked me out and presented me to my father. His face lit up as we approached. “So beautiful.” We stood there and waited for the ceremony to begin. I couldn’t help but wring my hands as the butterflies filled my stomach.
Nicholas took Marta's arm as Mother was escorted to her seat by an usher. The music began and Nicholas walked Marta through the doors. Ian was the next to walk through. My nerves were on edge. I had missed Ali all day and the urge to be near him was overwhelming.
When Daddy extended his arm for me, I took it. We stepped into the ballroom, and it started raining rose petals. Hilda was right; it was really cool. I looked toward the end of the aisle, and I could barely see Ali standing there with Julian to his left.
When our eyes met, he smiled, more than a smile, he was elated. I resisted the urge to break free from my dad and run down the aisle to him. Every step took me closer to where I truly wanted to be, closer to him.
We reached the alter and the preacher asked, “Who gives this woman to be bound in Holy matrimony?” My father spoke up, “Her Mother and I do.” Then Daddy let go of my hand, gave me a kiss on the cheek and went to his seat. Ali took my hand, and we approached the alter together.
His touch was electric. It sent waves of desire through me. I was instantly breathless. I held is left hand as we approached the preacher. Our fingers intertwined. This was it, soon I would really be his.
The preacher announced that we had our own vows. This threw me for a loop. Did I miss something?
Ali began. “I pledge to you my everlasting and enduring love and devotion. I will give to you, without reservation, everything I am and will one day become. I promise you the first and last of my very being in every way. I swear that I will speak your name from my mouth with only the sweetest of intentions and that I will never take actions that would disgrace you or our bond. I will honor you above all others and serve our house with dignity and strength until the moment I take my last breath and my soul departs to wait for you. I do not bind myself to you by paper contract; man can break those binds. I do not bind myself to you with silver or gold; man can break through those binds. I bind myself to you with hope for a lifetime, with faith in our bond, and with love that will extend into the next existence.”
By the time he was done I was in tears, but I knew what my vows were. Reflection.
“I pledge to you my everlasting and enduring love and devotion. I will give to you, without reservation, everything I am and will one day become. I promise you the first and last of my very being in every way. I swear that I will speak your name from my mouth with only the sweetest of intentions and that I will never take actions that would disgrace you or our bond. I will honor you above all others and serve our house with dignity and strength until the moment I take my last breath and my soul departs to wait for you. I bind myself to you with hope for a lifetime, with faith in our bond, and with love that will extend into the next existence.”
He smiled at me.
The preacher began, “And two souls shall unite as one. Alejandro, please repeat after me.
Ali looked into my eyes and grasped my hands tight, “I, Alejandro, take thee, Della Mare, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, through sickness and in health, to love and to treasure, throughout our lives.”
He took the ring from Julian and slid it on my finger. “With this ring I thee wed, hence forth, I pledge to you my love and devotion, throughout eternity.”
I looked into his eyes and could have been swallowed by his gaze. “I, Della Mare, take thee, Alejandro, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, through sickness and in health, to love and to treasure, throughout our lives.”
I took the ring from Ian and slid it on his finger. “With this ring I thee wed, in here with, I pledge to you my love, devotion and obedience, throughout eternity.”
The preacher smiled, “In as much as Alejandro and Della have consented in this holy bond and have witnessed the same before God, according to the powers vested in me by the State of New York and being an ordained minister of the Gospel, I pronounce that you are husband and wife. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder. Alejandro you may now kiss your bride.”
Alejandro removed his mask, then mine and handed them off. He took me in his arms and gave me the most powerful kiss. I was lost in the moment. He swept me into his arms and walked from the ballroom. The wedding party followed. Again, it rained flower petals.
It was real, I was his, and that was just what I wanted. After the ascension ceremony he would take me into the wedding chamber and make me his; that was everything that I had been craving with my entire being.
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