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Alina wrapped her hand around his neck, her eyes sparkling. “I could think of a few.”
EPILOGUE
The moment Dereck looked into Alina’s eyes and repeated those two words, he felt complete. He felt as if his family was finally established, only to get bigger.
Dereck looked around at the church filled with family and friends, his parents in the front row, his mother gently rocking her grandson as he softly slept in her arms. His sister had relinquished her hold on the little boy, only to take her position at her brother’s side.
Taylor was at Alina’s side, clutching onto the large bouquet, and constantly settling her best friend’s wedding dress. And what a dress it was.
Since Derick refused anything but the best for his wife, he organized a custom-made dress for Alina. She wore a sheath gown with a plunging V-neck and a flowing, elegant train. Her hair was wrapped at the top of her head with curly tendrils that draped her face. Alina’s wrap was decorated with jewels and a veil that stopped at her lower back. Her makeup was flawless, and neutral, with a burst of yellow and orange, the chosen colors for the day.
Dereck was also stunning in his black and white tuxedo, freshly groomed with a wide smile on his face. His handkerchief matched the flowers in Alina’s bouquet and his grooms-woman sported a more fitted version of his ensemble. Martin and Lee were both in similar suits, though it took some convincing to get Martin to walk up the aisle. He argued that venturing that path with a woman, Alina’s sister Casey, on his arm was opening the way for a path he was not ready for. In the end, he chose to support Dereck as part of the wedding party.
Taylor was in a beautiful chiffon one-shoulder flowing dress with a thigh-high slit. It was similar to the dresses Alina’s three bridesmaids wore, but their dresses stopped just below the knee.
“I do,” Alina said after the pastor recited her portion of the vows and Dereck released the breath he was holding.
Tears fell from Taylor’s eyes then, and she hurriedly wiped them away. She turned her face away until she regained her composure, then plastered a smile on her face again. Taylor fanned herself with her hand and squinted her eyes.
Dereck pulled his eyes away as he and Alina exchanged rings. When the pastor announced, “You may now kiss the bride,” he held on to Alina firmly and covered her lips with his. With his hand around her waist, Dereck gave his wife a passionate kiss, causing their guests to cheer loudly.
When the ceremony was over, it was time for the newly married couple to mingle with family and friends. They allowed the guests to settle into the reception hall first and following their wedding party, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson made a grand entrance clinging to each other. Dereck held on to his wife, a proud man.
With all his friends and family watching and cheering him on in the Johnson’s newly finished restaurant, he felt empowered. This place, when actually open to the public, was expected to be their family’s biggest success. All thanks to Dina’s hard work. After learning that Dereck and Alina wanted to use the restaurant as their reception venue, Dina pushed herself and the workers to get it completed in time.
For the couple’s special night, she spared no expense from the massive crystal chandelier to the white sheer curtains draping the walls. The tables were all decorated with white tablecloths and the chairs matched the color. The only bright color in the room came from the flowers and candles on each one of the tables in Alina’s chosen colors.
Dina was the first to demand the attention of the room. “I must admit, I wasn’t always supportive of my brother’s relationship with Alina. That was because I didn’t see what he could. I didn’t see the selfless, loyal, funny, and joyous person my new sister is.” She winked at Alina, and Dina smiled from where she sat in the bridal chair. “But once I got to know Alina, like my brother, I fell in love. Alina is a wonderful person, and my brother is lucky to have her in his life.”
Taylor followed Dina with a similar speech about Dereck. “I remember the first day Alina and I met Dereck. It was an instant attraction for those two with bickering and disagreements the entire time.” She laughed, remembering that night. “One of the first things Alina said was…” Taylor adjusted her body posture and imitated her friend’s voice to resemble Alina’s that night. “…I pity the woman he ends up with.” Taylor burst out in laughter, then she turned to her friend. “I bet you never thought you’d pity yourself.”
Alina couldn’t hold herself back. She had to laugh. She completely forgot she had told Taylor that. It was so like her best friend to remind her.
Dina was not the only Johnson family member to support Dereck’s marriage. His mother and father traveled from Connecticut, showering their first grandchild with kisses and gifts before extending their congratulations to the couple. For Dereck, it was truly a heartwarming moment, the moment his parents accepted his decisions and his lifestyle choices.
Of course, Dereck’s mother had to say a few words about the newly married couple. Mrs. Johnson, the millionaire restauranteur couldn’t help but relay how proud she was of her new daughter-in-law. The woman spoke highly of Alina’s art and its success.
It was the same for Laura and it did not surprise Alina when she gushed about her new son, who happens to be a doctor. From her mother’s speech, no one would have believed there was a time when the two disagreed.
The men remained silent, content with allowing their wives to represent them on that platform. However, the men shared a joke over drinks after the speeches, when Dereck’s mother and Alina’s mother found each other.
“It’s such a pleasure to meet you,” Laura said. “You raised an accomplished son. I’m so happy to have him in the family.”
“I could say the same about you,” Mrs. Johnson held her body upright. “Your daughter is so talented. I have a line of friends waiting to hire her for portraits.” The woman paused. “How about we have lunch together?” Mrs. Johnson requested more than she asked.
Laura’s hand went to her chest as she smiled. “I would love to.”
The women smiled at each other as the newly married couple took the dancefloor for the first time. Dereck held his new wife close and spun her around.
“What are you thinking?” Alina looked at her husband as he led her into a graceful dance. With a freshly shaven face, he was even sexier, and she couldn’t wait to get him into their marital bed.
“I’m just thinking how perfect life is right now.” Dereck smiled down at Alina; her hair pulled together in a messy bun with a warm smile plastered on her face. “There is nothing else I want right now.”
Dereck swirled her around and Alina smiled as her dress followed her movements. “It certainly is perfect, and I wouldn’t want to share it with anyone else.”
“I love you, Alina.” Dereck couldn’t help himself. Whenever he saw his new wife, it felt as if his heart would burst. He couldn’t contain it. He had to tell her.
“I love you too, Dereck Johnson.” Alina knew what she did to him when she nibbled on her lips and it got her exactly what she wanted.
