Samson couldn’t recall ever feeling this happy about any other woman. Only two other days of his life rivaled this one—the day he confessed Christ at the age of eight and the day his father ordained him as a minister.
“Mrs. Judges, I think we should be making our exit soon, don’t you think?” Samson said to Julia.
Julia read between the lines. She tapped Michelle on the shoulder. “Michelle, it’s time to throw the bouquet.”
Michelle went to the deejay table and grabbed the microphone. “All the single ladies come to the front.”
The crowd dissipated only to be replaced with women, young and old. “Come on, Ms. Dorothy,” someone yelled out. “You’re single. Get on up there.”
“Child, I’m too old for a man,” Dorothy replied.
Delilah said, “She got that right.”
Samson watched Delilah as she made her way into the middle of the crowd of women. To everyone’s surprise, the bouquet landed right at Delilah’s feet. She picked it up and held it in the air to showcase her victory. The disappointed single women left the dance floor. Delilah walked toward Julia, who bore a frown on her face.
“Smile or you’ll mess up your pretty wedding album,” Delilah advised as she stood next to her holding the bouquet. She leaned close to Julia as if they were best buddies.
Samson moved out of the way as the photographer snapped their pictures. He heard Delilah say to Michelle, who was standing nearby, “Your brother’s kind of cute. I think I might take him up on his offer and go out with him on a date.”
She didn’t waste any time moving on, Samson thought to himself, feeling a tinge of jealousy as he stood on the sidelines, still within earshot.
When Delilah walked away Michelle said, “She’ll find out soon enough, Luther’s nothing but a player. Ms. Delilah has met her match.”
Julia stared at Samson. He knew she was trying to see how he would respond to Michelle’s comment, but he didn’t. Instead, he took Julia’s hands in his. “Can I have this last dance?”
Samson pulled Julia close to him as they danced. There were other people on the dance floor, but Samson’s heart and mind were on his wife only. Julia laid her head on his chest, and they rocked back and forth. The song ended, but they were still dancing.
“Baby, it’s time we made our escape,” Samson said.
“Give me a few, and I’ll meet you out front,” Julia said.
Samson said good-byes to the groomsmen and his parents.
“Don’t worry about things here. Enjoy your new bride,” Calvin told Samson.
“Oh, I definitely plan on doing that. It’s been a long time coming.” Samson said thank you and good-bye to guests as he left out of the reception area.
“Hold up. You’re telling everybody good-bye but me.” Delilah rushed up to him.
Samson looked around to see if he could locate Julia. He and Delilah were the only ones in the hallway. “Goodbye, Delilah.”
“Aww, come on now. You can do better than that. Can a sister get a hug like the other women?”
“I don’t think so.”
Delilah pouted. “All I’m asking for is a hug.”
Samson ignored his reservations and hugged her. Delilah held on tight. “Think of me when you’re making love to your wife tonight.”
Samson pushed her away and Delilah giggled. “Good-bye, Samson.”
He was glad no one saw the exchange. His body wasn’t supposed to react the way it had, not toward Delilah anyway. Disappointed in himself, Samson said a silent prayer. He was still trying to gather his senses when Julia approached him.
“Let me get that.” Samson reached down and took the small suitcase Julia was now carrying.
A long, white stretch limousine with the words “Just Married” on the windows filled several parking spots in front of the hotel. The driver held their door open as they headed in the direction of the limousine. Samson helped Julia in, and they waved at people standing outside of their limousine as it pulled away.
“You just don’t know how long I’ve been wanting to do this,” Julia said.
“What?” Samson asked.
Julia removed her shoes. “They’ve been hurting me all day.”
Samson laughed. “I don’t know why women like to torture themselves.”
“We do it all for you men,” Julia said as she leaned closer and they shared a kiss.
Samson picked up a bottle of champagne on the bar and poured them each a glass. “To Mrs. Judges.” Samson held up his flute.
“I like how that sounds.” They tapped their glasses together.
“Where are you taking me?” Julia asked.
“It’s a surprise.”
“I might not have the right outfits packed.”
“Your mother has packed for you.” Samson couldn’t stop smiling. He couldn’t wait to surprise his bride. She had always wanted to go to the Bahamas, and thanks to the good deal he got with his travel agent, he was about to make it happen for her.
She kissed him. “As your wife, I demand you tell me.”
“We’re going to Dallas. I thought we would take a limousine drive there instead of flying since it’s so close, and from there you’ll just have to wait and see.”
“Great. I can do some shopping.”
“We’ll only be there for one day, dear.”
“I don’t need but a few hours.”
Julia didn’t drink or smoke, but she had one vice, and that was shopping. Samson had dated Julia so long this didn’t come as a surprise. They kissed and cuddled during the three-hour drive to Dallas.
Samson checked them into their honeymoon suite at the Adam’s Mark hotel in downtown Dallas. Julia screamed with joy when he picked her up and carried her over the threshold. “Oh, this is beautiful,” Julia said, admiring the suite.
“You can put the bags over there,” Samson said to the bellhop. After putting Julia down, he retrieved a ten dollar bill out of his wallet and handed it to him. Samson made sure the door was secure after the bellhop left.
Samson smiled at the excitement Julia displayed as she marveled at how beautiful their hotel suite was. “Let’s continue to explore.” Samson hoped the hotel had done what he had asked. When he opened the bedroom door, rose petals met them at the doorway and led directly to the huge king-sized bed. Chocolate-covered strawberries and a chilled bottle of champagne sat next to the bed. “Where’s my bag? I want to freshen up,” Julia said.
Samson fetched one of her bags and asked, “Is this it?”
Julia opened the bag and looked inside. “Yes this is it. I won’t take long.” Julia left to go to the bathroom to freshen up.
Samson removed his tuxedo and went to the other bathroom in their hotel suite. Shortly thereafter, he lay across the bed anticipating Julia’s return. “I’m waiting,” he shouted.
“Close your eyes,” she replied a few seconds later.
Samson closed his eyes. He could sense Julia’s presence. Samson inhaled her fragrance. He felt her touch him, and his eyes immediately opened. “Oooh. There are no words to describe how good you’re looking, baby,” Samson complimented.
“Good. Because talking is the last thing I want to do.”
They kissed and caressed each other’s bodies. He removed the sheer white lingerie from her body. Samson could tell Julia was ready for him. This was the moment they both had been waiting for, but his body wouldn’t respond. Of all the nights, nothing. His body had no problems reacting to Delilah’s presence. Was his body trying to tell him something he didn’t want to believe? Was Delilah right? Should he have chosen her and not Julia? All those questions and more ran through Samson’s mind as he tried to ease the situation by cuddling with Julia.
Although Julia’s back was toward him in the bed, he heard the soft sounds of her crying. Her whimpering tugged at his heart. He squeezed her tight until they both fell asleep.