A Lowcountry Bride by Preslaysa Williams

On a crisp fall day, Maya stood in the foyer of the temporary building for New Life Church and waited for the cue to walk down the aisle and say “I do” to Derek Sullivan, her Prince Charming. White pillar candles resting on top of candle holders of different lengths were positioned around the quiet sanctuary. Delicate sounds of “Our Father” danced across the cozy space from the black piano near the altar.

Maya and Jaslene Simmons, Maya’s super-organized and highly efficient wedding planner, managed to create a beautiful wedding. The planning turned out to be smooth, and Maya didn’t fret about any of the details. She simply had to trust her heart and live fully each and every day.

They invited a precious few people to the ceremony. Ginger sat in the front row and gave Maya a thumbs-up. Maya giggled. A reception for the entire community would follow at the botanical gardens. Afterward, Maya and Derek would spend the weekend in Myrtle Beach for their honeymoon. Jamila was going to stay with Ginger and Pops while they were gone.

Sheer bliss.

Dressed in a chocolate-and-turquoise empire dress, Heather Gates walked down the aisle. She stopped at the altar and turned to face the guests. Jamila walked down the aisle next, scattering rose petals. Jamila’s turquoise dress was modest and cute, with its specially embroidered hem falling just below her knees. Her dark hair had been curled in cute corkscrews that brushed her shoulders. Jamila was growing into a beautiful young woman.

The music tempo changed, signaling Maya’s cue to walk down the aisle. She tightened her grip on the bouquet of calla lilies in her left hand and drew a shallow breath. The ivory silk of her mother’s wedding gown graced her frame as she and her father walked slowly down the aisle.

She spotted Derek near the altar. A slow smile spread across his face and her breath caught. She was going into this eyes wide open. Yes, there would be hard times. She’d still have to care for her health. She’d still have to have her monthly transfusions. But she wasn’t going at this alone. Her family would now include Derek and Jamila.

Reaching the altar, Pops turned toward her, and his eyes shone with happiness as he whispered, “I love you, daughter. Always.”

She blinked back her own tears. “I love you too, Pops. Forever.” Maya handed her bridal bouquet to Heather and took Derek’s hand.

Derek leaned over and whispered, “You are divine.”

Maya’s breath caught in her lungs and desire rose inside her, heating her to the core. Too full to answer, Maya nodded her head in reply.

The pastor clasped his hands together. “Family and friends. Dearly beloved . . .”

Maya made a conscious effort to focus on the words spoken, but her attention strayed to Derek’s hand gently wrapped around hers. She inhaled; his minty aftershave was fresh and clean, a new beginning. So she hadn’t followed all of her mother’s wishes for her, but this was a good thing. Now Maya felt whole, inside and out.

The pastor read from the love chapter in the Scriptures. Then he spoke of agape love, the God kind of love, that remains committed no matter the hardships of life. The pastor ended by reading verses seven and eight: “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”

Love hadn’t come easily to Maya. With Derek by her side, things would be better.

At the pastor’s instruction, Derek and Maya faced each other. When Derek recited his vows of faithfulness, his voice enriched her soul and wiped away all doubts. He slid the gold wedding band on her finger, a symbol of his lifetime commitment to love and care for Maya.

Maya’s voice grew shaky when she repeated the same vows. As part of their wedding preparations, they had discussed their vows, especially the phrase “till death do us part.” They clearly knew what they were getting into, and they had committed to love each other fully until then. No fear. No regrets.

One lone tear trickled down Maya’s cheek.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Derek, you may kiss your bride.”

Derek lifted the heirloom lace veil Maya’s mother had worn and gently brushed away the tear on her cheek. His hands cupped her chin and he stepped close. His lips brushed hers in a gentle kiss, then he kissed her once more. This time his kiss revealed a deeper yearning, a promise of a lifetime of wedded love. Maya wrapped her arms around his neck, not wanting to let go.

She stepped back, and ripples of delight rushed through her. “I love you, Derek Sullivan.”

Derek brushed his palm across her cheek. “I love you too. From the moment I surrendered my heart to you, I knew you were the one, for a lifetime.”