CHAPTER ONE

“Felicia! You’re going to be late for the wedding” my mom called out

“I’m coming Ma, just a minute” I scrabbled around the room in search of my purse as I ran out the room.

Today is my sister’s wedding and I’m so excited for her, she and Ian have been together since high school and today they get to tie the nut.

My best friend Annabel was downstairs looking stunning and dashing as ever when I got downstairs.

“Hi Anna, you look beautiful as always” she smiled as response and did a twirl showing my her dress.

“Come on girls, we don’t have such time. The wedding will be starting soon.

The church bells rang as our car pulled up to the church, echoing. I grinned and held unto Annabel.

‘You look beautiful Felicia, i can’t wait for it to be your wedding” my mom commented

“Stop Ma, today is about Eva and not me”

My heart fluttered as I stood by the doorway, fixing my hair. Eva had requested for a small wedding so there wasn’t any need for bridesmaids, it was just her and Ian.

We pushed the door and got in, everything was beautiful. Magical even, it was exactly how Eva had wanted it. White petals lined the aisle, the altar was adorned with lights, a violinist by their side and an auto singer doing her thing.

“Everyone, please rise,” the officiant’s voice carried softly through the church as soon as we got to our seat at the front.

The guitarist began to play as the violinist increased tempo, the church opened again and there stood Eva with our Dad beside her and their hands crossed. I gulped as tears filled my eyes as how angelic she was.

She looked breathtaking, her gown was simple yet elegant, it screamed class. Her dress which was satin hugged tightly to her body, before it flowed out by the legs. A delicate lace veil covered her face, her tiny pearls shining from the light.

They began to walk towards the altar in slow steps, I couldn’t hold the tears anymore and they freely gushed down my face. Ian could be seen crying too from the altar.

My father leaned into her whispering something to her as tgey walked towards the altar, she smiled afterwards. When they got to the altar my father pressed a kiss to her cheek before he pressed her hands to Ian and walked away.

“She’s so beautiful “ Anna heaved in awe

“I know”

Her fingers intertwined with Ian’s and they both turned to face the pastor.

“Dearly beloved,” the officiant began. “We are gathered here today to witness the union of Eva and Ian in holy matrimony. Marriage is not the joining of two souls who are perfect, but two who are willing to love, to forgive, and to grow together in all seasons of life.”

I felt Annabel squeeze my hands beside me, I turned to look at her and she was dabbing her eyes with her handkerchief. I didn’t bother about myself, I was sure my makeup was already ruined at this point.

The official prayed for them and read some things to them, it was time for them to say their vows and silence fell over the church.

Eva and Ian turned towards each other, staring deep into each other's souls. The official smiled and began. “Eva and Ian have chosen to write their own vows and to spend their lives together, it is time to watch them say those vows. You can now proceed”

Murmurs and whistles ripped through the hall in approval. Ian cleared his throat and began. “Eva, I’ve known you for practically my whole life and you’re the best gift I could ever ask for. You’ve stood with me through the good and bad, you make everything okay even without trying. Today, I promise to love you with every part of me, I promise to choose you before anything. I promise to be a shield by your side and to bring honour to you, you are the absolute love of my life, marrying you is the best decision I can ever make”

His voice shocked at the end and the crowd all had handkerchief dabbing at their eyes, my mother cried while my father tried to console her.

It was Eva’s turn to say her vows. “Ian,” she began “ You have been my rock from the moment I met you, you have taught me patience, kindness and what it means to truly have someone by your side. I promise to keep loving you, to cherish you not just when it is easy but when it is hard. You are forever to me, Ian.”

A sob broke out behind me and it was our nanny, Ian squeezed her hands as the official nodded with a smile..

“May these vows be more than words, but the foundation upon which your love will stand. May you remember this day, not for its perfection but for the promise it holds.”

He turned to Ian. “Do you, Ian, take Eva to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love her, honor her, and cherish her, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

“And do you, Eva, take Ian to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love him, honor him, and cherish him, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

The officiant smiled, his eyes glimmering with warmth. “Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Without any more encouragement, he pulled her close and captured her lips in a passionate kiss. As they kissed, I felt ky heart swell, my beautiful and kind sister was finally married to the love of her lufe.

They pulled away smiling at each other before they turned and faced the crowd, hand in hand.

I stood up and ran to her, hugging her tightly. “I’m so happy for you Eva, you look so beautiful”

“Thank you Felicia, your makeup is ruined”

“I know, can you stop being a big sister for a minute”

“Not when you still act like my little sister”

“Touchè”

I excused myself from them as people crowded them to congratulate them to go look for a bathroom. When I got back everyone was already out the church taking pictures.

Hymns were played, I found my way to Exa and Annabel was beside her. We helped to adjust Eva’s train while Ian’s friends teased him about being married.

“Eva dear, tilt your head a little. Yes, that's perfect!” the photographer called out.

Faye laughed, her eyes shining as Ian leaned in to whisper something in her ear. Whatever he said made her laugh louder, and that’s when the photographer snapped the shot.

The families took pictures with the couples before their friends and colleagues joined in, a lot of pictures were taken, everyone wanted to be captured with them.

We soon moved to the reception and it was time for the couples to dance. After their dance, speeches were given and glasses were toasted to.

My father stood, his voice thick with emotion. “To my daughter and her husband,” he said, raising his glass. “May your love be as unshakable tomorrow as it is today. May it grow, may it endure, and may it always bring you home to one another.”

Glasses clinked, candles flickered, and laughter filled every corner of the night.

And through it all, I kept watching the way my sister glowed, the way Ian looked at her as if she was the only woman on earth.

We ate to our satisfaction and it was time to say goodbye to the couples. “I’ll miss you Eva” I cried as I held into her

“I’ll miss you too cupcake but hey, you’ll be leaving for college soon and you’ll be minutes away from the house”

“I know….take care of my sister Ian”

“I will”

We watched them get into the car after saying their goodbyes and drove off, when their cars couldn’t be seen anymore, we got our things and headed home.