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My proclamation is met with laughter throughout the room.
My father chuckles, shaking his head with amusement. "Well, it appears you two have made up my mind for me. But, yes, of course, Caesar. I’d love for you to be my son-in-law.”
He extends his arms, and Caesar steps into his embrace. My mother and I join in, and the four of us hug, laugh, and look forward to the rest of our lives.
31
CAESAR
Once I grew up – and made my peace with wearing a suit and the dreaded tie – I figured if I ever got married it would be a state event. It wasn’t until I met Vivi that I realized that none of that matters. All that matters is her.
When I sign in, the clerk only recognizes me as one of the guests we booked a block of rooms for. He has no idea I’m a prince. He tries to hand me one of the gift bags Vivi and her mom made for the people coming in for the wedding.
“Thank you so much. But I don’t need one. I appreciate it.”
“You’re sure? Everyone is supposed to get one.”
“I’m the groom. I have the best gift of anyone.”
His face brightens. “Oh, congratulations. And good luck.”
I just have a small overnight bag and the tuxedo I bought for the occasion. Every time I wear it for a state event, it will remind me of my wedding day.
I know we got legally married in Vegas, but this feels like the real thing. Vivi and I have already decided that this wedding, the one we do for love in front of her family and friends, is the one we are going to celebrate as our anniversary.
I get to the church an hour before the ceremony, where Alexis and Isabella are waiting for me. They came to Missouri from Texas, and it means so much to me for them to be here.
“Remember all that time ago, when I went missing and Vivienne had to find me? And now here I am, marrying her. The woman of my dreams.”
“She’s wonderful, Caesar. You lucked out,” Alexis says. Isabella kisses me on the cheek.
I confirm the cake has been delivered to the country club, and I talk with Alexis and Bella about our honeymoon reservations.
“I suggested we go to Hawaii or the Azores, but Vivi really wanted to go to Solvaria. She’s determined our baby will know my culture as well as hers.”
“And don’t worry. We won’t tell them. We’ll keep it a surprise,” Alexis says.
“Vivienne really wants to say it in person.”
“Dad’s going to be so happy.”
“About you, too, Alexis.”
I walk into the church and stand by the altar. Out in the small seated crowd, I recognize so many of Vivi’s relatives. It makes me feel complete, like I’m joining a family I already love. Aunt Denisha, Uncle Tommy, Lionel, Johnny. Malcolm and Cory.
Adela comes down the aisle and takes her seat in the front pew.
Vivienne appears in the doorway on her dad’s arm as the processional music starts. She takes my breath away, in her full skirt with a bodice that highlights her beautiful figure. No one would ever guess she was pregnant.
I can’t help myself. I step down off the altar and walk toward her a few steps. A chuckle rumbles through the audience.
Let them laugh.I don’t want to wait a second longer than I have to.
Vivi and her dad exchange kisses and then she holds out her hand. I take it and lead her down the aisle to the altar.
When the minister asks if anyone objects, she squeezes my hand tightly. The audience remains silent, and she breathes out in relief.
I know she still has anxieties about everything that went on with her family and how they tried to keep us apart. I hope with my vows, I can put her mind at ease, once and for all.
