Chapter Forty

It was the day of the traditional wedding. Everyone was already up at four AM in the morning. They had their traditional clothes on. They were all ready to welcome the new family member Clive had brought for them. 

There was a buzz of excitement in the air, as everyone prepared for the day ahead.

 Bethany had called the women and men of the neighborhood to help her everything. Even though Clive said he didn't want something big since there was a lot of people who were there to help it meant that it would be quite a huge turn out. 

The women were busy cooking, while the men were getting everything ready for the ceremony. Clive stood in the corner, his heart pounding with anticipation. He couldn't believe that this day was finally here.

Clive's bride-to-be, was getting ready in a separate room. His hands were shaking with nerves, but he knew that this was the right decision. He had fallen in love with Clive and he knew that this was the life he wanted. He took a deep breath and looked at himself in the mirror. He was a little bit shocked to see what looked back him. Instead of the intimidating giant he always was he actually looked handsome.

The ceremony was about to start. The people who were to be in the ceremony were all called forward. There were the parents, the witnesses and the bride and groom. Clive was ready. His heart was beating fast, but he was trying to keep his cool. He had been rehearsing for this moment for weeks and he knew what to do.

The ceremony started. The parents said their blessings and the witnesses gave their vows. Then it was time for the bride and groom to say their vows.

"I, David, take you, to be mine today and forever." 

Clive felt a surge of emotion as he heard those words. He could barely believe that this was happening. He looked at David, and saw that he was feeling the same way.

They both took a deep breath, and then they spoke their vows together.

"I, Clive, take you, David, to be mine today and forever. I promise to love and support you through good times and bad. I promise to be your friend and companion, to laugh with you and cry with you. I promise to be faithful to you, and to always treat you with respect. I promise to be a good husband, and to always love you." 

David was awestruck by the vows Clive made to him he could only smile as a tear rolled down from his eye to his cheek. 

Clive took his hand leading him to the altar where they had to kneel down to his mother Bethany who would give them blessings for their marriage. 

Bethany looked at her son and David, her eyes full of love and pride. "May you both be blessed with a happy and loving marriage," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "May you find joy in each other's company, and may your love for each other grow stronger with each passing day."

She placed her hands on their heads, and said a silent prayer. When she was done, she looked at them both and smiled. "You may now kiss the groom."

Clive and David turned to each other, and their lips met in a tender kiss.

Clive and David were now married in the eyes of tradition. They stood up walked to the centre stage where people were already dancing around them celebrating their marriage. 

Clive looked at David. " You happy?"

David looked at Clive and smiled, his eyes shining with happiness. "I'm the happiest I've ever been." He said, his voice filled with emotion. "This is the best day of my life."

Clive pulled him close and whispered in his ear. "And this is only the beginning."

They shared a smile, and then the music started to play and they found themselves swept up in the dancing. They twirled around the room, lost in each other's embrace, surrounded by the sound of laughter and celebration. It was a day they would never forget.

The music stopped. Causing people to look at Kenneth who was standing with his wife at the centre of the room. 

Kenneth had a displeased expression on his face. People thought he might say something about his cousin's marriage but he just smiled. 

Kenneth clapped his hands. " Let the party begin!"