Moses
“HEY MAN, I WAS TOLD to give this to the groom,” Bas said as he handed me the small black velvet box.
“What’s this?” I asked.
“I’m just the messenger.” As quickly as he appeared, he disappeared. I opened the box and found a pair of diamond and platinum square-shaped cufflinks, and a small note folded inside.
“Sweetheart, you have given me so much in such a short time. The material things are nice, but it’s the unseen things I cherish the most...time, space, patience and love. I don’t believe in soul mates. I believe in compatible spirits. I believe God picked you out especially for me. I apologize it took me so long to get ready. Now that I am, I don’t want to waste another moment not being with you. Thank you for making room for me in your heart. Love forever, your wife, Alexandra Miller Adair.”
A knock on the door stopped the well of emotions from appearing on my face. “Come in,” I called out. I folded the note and placed it inside my jacket pocket. I’d begun putting on the cufflinks when I looked up, and saw my Dad walking towards me.
“Whatcha got there?”
“A gift from my bride.”
I hadn’t seen my Dad smile like this since Keith got married.
“Let me help you.” He took the cufflinks and helped me put them on.
“Thanks. I haven’t seen you this happy in quite a while.”
“It’s Alex.” I felt myself smiling harder. “Where’s mother?”
“She’s downstairs talking to Grams.” He adjusted my tie. “There.” He stepped back and smiled.
“Thank you.”
“Did Alexandra tell you she and I had dinner?”
“No.” My curiosity was peeked. “When?”
“A month and a half ago when I was in Los Angeles.” I looked at him waiting for more information.
“Why?”
“I like Alexandra. She’s good for you. Not like Vanessa or Natalie. She’s not looking to be supported. She likes being needed. She’s tough, and that’s what you need, someone that will help you fight. Not just a showpiece. Don’t get me wrong, a showpiece is nice, but a fighting partner is so much better.”
“What did she say?”
“She said it was her fault you broke up and she was waiting on an answer from God.” He turned and walked over to the window, staring down into the garden. “She lets you shine. That’s how your grandmother Mary was, and she was a fighter. When she was passionate about something, she wouldn’t let it go until you knew all the reasons why she was fighting. Don’t get me wrong, I love your mother, but she’s...I believe you can build a long, happy life with Alexandra. She really is a blessing from God.” He turned and faced me. “I think this time you’re ready to get married.”
“Me too.” I smiled.
“Got the ring?” He walked towards me.
“She told me not to go overboard.” I reached inside my pocket and pulled out two platinum and diamond bands.
“That’s why you got two bands?”
“Of course.” We laughed.
“Son, I know, you said no gifts, but...” He reached inside his pocket and handed me an envelope. “Here.”
I opened it and pulled out a check for fifteen million dollars. “What’s this?”
“It’s from a trust I set up for you and Keith. Now that you’re getting married, I want to give you a little something to help you get started.”
“This isn’t my first marriage.”
“I know, but, this is something I wanted to do. Something I needed to do. Son, I’m sorry for everything that happened.” He hugged me and I fought the tears. “I’m very proud of the man you’ve become. I only wish I could have been a better example and father.”
“Dad, you were, you are.” Knock…knock, we broke our embrace. “Come in.” I called out and looked towards the door, and felt all the air leaving. “Mother.”
“Moses, you look very handsome,” she said as she kissed me on the cheek.
“Thank you, Mother.”
“Your grandmother says despite what I think about this girl, she loves you and has your best interest at heart...I find that hard to believe. How can you marry someone you barely know? Honestly son, I think you should....”
“Clarice.”
“That’s okay Dad. Mother, I love Alex and she loves me. There’s no secret or hidden agenda. She’s my choice and if you don’t like it, you can leave.”
“Moses, don’t talk to your mother like that. She can’t help it if she’s forgotten what it feels like to be in love,” my Dad announced.
“Eli, that’s not fair.”
“Come on Clarice, let’s give the boy a little space. Son, we’ll see you downstairs,” he said, as he escorted my mother out of the room.