FOREVER BEGINS TODAY
FOREVER BEGINS TODAY
The gate to the Harisson residence was left open. Tied around the fences were white flowers and a garland, ushering guests into the residence where the most talked-about wedding was being held.
Dressed in a black tuxedo, Ank was standing by the gate, scrutinizing invitees while his assistants patrolled the whole house. Attending the wedding was strictly by invitation and Ank made sure only those who carried their invitation cards in hand were ushered into the house.
Flowers were hung all over the house and the entrance to the garden looked like it had just been plucked out of a fairy tale book. White roses covered the door. Guests trooped into the venue in twos.
The priest arrived and a few meters away from him was Michael in his customized wedding suit. Richard, who was equally wearing a black suit stood next to Michael.
The guests sat in the open, talking and laughing. A 5-inch wedding cake stood tall beside the altar. All the workers in Michael’s residence were dressed in new clothes. Georgia was busy, running around the place ensuring things were in order while Clenard and Dan were setting up the plates.
“You can send for the bride now,” the priest said.
Richard gave Georgia the signal. She turned around and headed toward the house.
Richard turned to Michael. “You look tense. Losen up a bit,”
Michael sighed and stationed his hands behind him.
“Are you sweating?” Richard pulled out a small white handkerchief and began to dab Michael’s forehead.
“What if she backs out?”
Richard sighed and pressed the handkerchief on Michael’s nose. “Don’t be an idiot. We’ve gone over this. Frazier is an idiot. That article was unnecessary. Her parents are fine and the wedding will hold,”
Michael sighed.
Shortly, Carissa emerged in a black dress and clapped. “The bride is here,”
Michael beamed.
Everyone stood up.
Madison, dressed in a beautiful white gown appeared hand in hand with her father. A lace veil shielded her face and flowed down to her toes.
The violin struck and soon, a symphony began to play. The photographer began to click pictures while people waved and smiled at Madison.
She took slow and majestic steps right beside her father as they made their way toward the altar where Michael and the priest were waiting.
When they finally reached the altar, Lord Worthington handed over Madison to Michael and said “Forever begins today,”
Michael held tightly to her hand and together, they faced the priest, ready to begin the marriage rites. The crowd sat.
The priest cleared his throat loudly. He said a few prayers and directed Michael to lift Madison’s veil.
Madison turned to him, her head lowered.
Michael slowly lifted the veil, exposing her face and when she lifted her head, he gasped. Michael wanted to speak but no words could come out of his open mouth.
The crowd clapped.
Madison dazzled in her wedding gown, looking ethereal. Her face shone like the morning sun and her smile was enough to render him speechless.
“You look amazing,” he managed to say.
The priest cleared his throat loudly. They both smiled and turned to him.
“Let’s continue,”
\~~~
Madison and Michael waved their guests farewell and then turned to the rest.
The wedding ceremony was over.
The couple danced, the guests ate, drank, and made merry. Now, the sun was setting and Ferdinand had already dropped the couple’s luggage back in the car trunk.
It was time to ride to their honeymoon destination.
They were standing in front of the house, the members of the household including the Worthingtons faced them with bright smiles.
Lord Worthington walked up to them. “Congratulations, guys,” then he turned to Michael. “I guess we’re family now and I’m glad the article didn’t break us apart. Like my daughter said, everyone deserves a second chance,”
“Thank you for entrusting me with your precious daughter. I’ll protect her with my life and be assured that she’s in good hands,” Michael bowed.
Lady Wothington held Madison’s hands. “We will be gone by the time you both return from your honeymoon but be assured that our love and prayers are with you both,”
“Elizabeth, you don’t want to stall them. They must leave immediately and get busy. We need a grandchild,” Lord Wothington teased.
Everyone laughed.
The couple waved at their few spectators and finally joined Ferdinand in the car.
They held each other tightly as the car swerved down the road.
“Where are you taking me, Mr. Harrison?” Madison asked.
Michael smiled. “Be patient, Mrs. Harrison. It remains a secret until we get there,”
Madison sighed and threw her head against the car seat. “Fine,”
Two hours later, the car pulled up in front of a country house. Michael held Madison and led her out of the car. There was a modest two-bedroom flat right in front of them and the place was surrounded by vast land.
“Wow!” Madison exclaimed.
“There’s a vineyard in the backyard and a lake just around the area. I’ve been racking my brain over the perfect honeymoon destination and then I thought, What if I bring you somewhere you’ve never been to?”
Madison fell on his chest.
“This is my country home and trust me, you’ll love it,” he held her hand and started leading her toward the house. “I had the place renovated days ago. I just hope Richard did a good job,”
Ferdinand pulled out their luggage bags from the car and then dumped them in front of the house.
“I’ll see you guys in a week,” he said and turned around.
“He’s leaving?” Madison asked.
Michael pulled out a bunch of keys from his pocket and pulled her closer to himself with one hand. “This is our honeymoon. Do you know what it means?”
She giggled. “It’s not like we would be doing what we’ve never done before,”
Michael tightened his grip around her waist. “At least now that we’re alone, you’ll have the liberty to scream your lungs out when I’m inside you,”
Madison rolled her eyes.
Michael kissed her on the left cheek and traced her left ear “No restrictions. Tonight, you’ll moan for me as loud as you want,”
She grabbed his shirt and pinned him to the wall. “I can do that right now,”
He threw the keys on the floor and pulled her to himself.