Chapter Fifty-Two
Angela looked at the beautiful chapel decor that her aunt Sandra had suggested. The chapel entrance had a floral arch using the same floral combination as her bouquet, white and red roses, carnations and hydrangea interweaved with decorative branches and green vines. The aisle stood out with small floral bunches tied at the end of the pews, interspersed with simple candlesticks. Rose petals were strewn all across the aisle. At the altar white and green floral arrangements decorated the place where they would perform the unity candle ceremony.
Angela smiled happily. This was the day that she'd been waiting all her life. Here she was today getting married to her Damian, it seemed as if it was a dream. Everyone was busy in their own world around her. She looked at Damian and found him staring at her. She smiled and he smiled back.
She saw that Juliette was busy trying to avoid Xavion's stare as he stood beside Damian as his best man. Alex, Adam and Anthony were busy complaining to Arnold and Clara about their plight. Gabriella and Estella were in the dressing room reapplying their makeups. Her dad was talking to some guest.
Then the music started and everyone stood to attention. Her dad came to her side. "Are you ready?" He asked and she said,"Yes dad."
Juliette had brought baby Daniel to walk down the aisle with him. After Juliette, everyone followed and finally, Angela walked down with her dad. Damian came forward and her dad placed her hand in his.
He led her to the altar where the marriage officiant was waiting for them. The wedding ceremony began. It was the most overwhelming experience of her life, a dream she had dreamt ever since she was thirteen. The vows, the unity candle ritual, everything made her feel more connected to Damian and they finally got united in a holy matrimonial bond.
Everyone congratulated them and they went outside to get their photographs clicked. Angela took baby Daniel from aunt Sandra. He cuddled into her, his baby fingers clutching onto her dress. Angela hugged him to her. He must have missed her. After the photographs were taken, Damian drove her home while the other guests followed them.
"How are you feeling being married to me, Angel?" He asked her while driving.
Angela sat hugging baby Daniel to her chest as he gurgled happily. "Overwhelmed like a dream come true," she answered. "You?"
"Blissfully happy. Now you're legally mine," he said with a wink. Angela smiled.
"I was always yours," she simply said.
"Yes and I'm lucky to have you in my life, " he said with a genuine smile.
"I'm luckier to have you and Daniel, " she said, kissing the top of Daniel's head. Daniel started fiddling with her dress.
"I think he's thirsty," she said.
"We've reached. You go and feed him. I'll handle the guests," Damian said entering his garage and parking his car. Angela carried Daniel and went up to her room. She lay him on her bed and changed his tuxedo romper. Then she changed out of her wedding dress into a comfortable dress and picked up a sleepy Daniel. She gave him medicine as he was still warm. Then she fed him.
Juliette and aunt Sandra came into her room after some time just as she had placed a sleeping Daniel back on her bed.
"You get ready and go to your reception. The guests are all waiting. Aunt Sandra and I'll look after Daniel," offered Juliette.
"Thanks, Jules, I don't know what I'd have done without you and aunt Sandra," she said.
"It's nothing. That's what friends and family are for," Juliette said and Angela hugged her and aunt Sandra.
Juliette helped her get ready for her reception party. She wore a sky blue crepe lace halter gown with a figure-hugging silhouette and lace eyelash trim near the v-neckline. Juliette pinned her hair on one side with a sky blue jewelled comb, the rest cascaded down her back. After adding a touch of subtle makeup, Swarovski crystal earrings, and pendant set to go with it all, Angela was ready to go.
"Call me if Daniel wakes up and refuses to feed. If he's in a better mood bring him to me," she instructed and left.
She entered the huge tent extending into their backyard from their sprawling patio. The all-white decor with splashes of bright floral bunches and green garlands of vines and creepers added charm to the entire space. Romantic soft lights and wooden seating arrangements exuded a warm hue to the entire area. The patio area was created to serve as an exclusive dance floor. Adam, Alex and Anthony were already dancing there. Xavion and Damian were nowhere to be seen.
She walked into her party and Clara came over to her, "Daniel went to sleep?" She asked with concern.
"Yes, he's a bit finicky today," she said.
"It happens when babies are sick," she said. "Relax now. You're looking lovely in this dress. Enjoy your own reception. "
"Yes, thank you. Where's Damian?" She asked.
"He's with Arnold and Xavion at the bar, I think, " she said pointing towards a bar where lots of drinks were being served. Angela went towards the bar along with Clara. Damian saw her and came towards her,"Are you tempting me, Angel?" He whispered when he was close enough.
"Maybe," she said with a grin and walked away with him following her.
"It doesn't look like we'll get to do any action on our wedding night," he said, with a pout.
"Every night can be a wedding night, Damian, " she promised and walked towards her dad. Damian stood with a grin in his face. He went and finished his drink. Xavion and Arnold continued while Damian whisked away Angela for their first dance.
The music played, 'Give me Love' by Ed Sheeran and Damian pulled her into his arms. They danced and he again whispered into her ears, "Continuing our topic of discussion," he began and Angela smiled.
"What did you mean when you said that?" He asked with a knowing smile.
"You know it," she said and he twirled her around and back into his arms.
"I want to hear you say it," he went on relentlessly.
"What can I say with everyone staring at us?" she said.
"Let them stare, I want to hear it," he continued.
Angela took a deep breath. He twirled her and again pulled her against his chest. "I want you to make love to me every night just as you would have tonight," she whispered only for his ears to hear.
Damian stared at her upturned face. Should he kiss her or not kiss her. Her dad was looking along with aunt Heidi and her hideous daughters. He released her reluctantly. "Actions speak louder than words," he whispered into her ears as a parting shot and she laughed and walked away to get a drink for herself.
Clara grinned at her,"You guys have amazing chemistry. No wonder you are childhood sweethearts. Anyone can see that you're made for one another, " she said.
"Thanks, Clara. Even you and Arnie complement each other so well," she said. Clara thanked her happily.
Dinner was served and Juliette came over to eat while aunt Sandra looked over Daniel. Angela went inside to see him. She again fed him since he wasn't drinking much at one go as he normally did. Afterwards, she carried him with her to the party while aunt Sandra took a break and had her dinner.
Angela's dad said a word of thanks followed by Juliette and Xavion as the maid of honour and best man. The food was delicious and everyone complimented aunt Sandra for her amazing efforts. The three-tier wedding cake was cut and everyone cheered. Angela tossed her bouquet and Juliette caught it much to her satisfaction. Xavion too applauded knowing what implied.
Damian led her away from the party and at last, they were together in their small happy world.
They changed and lay on the bed with a happy baby Daniel who had learnt to roll over. He showed off his newly learnt skill to his mommy and daddy. They didn't mind that their wedding night wouldn't happen. Every night could be enjoyed like a wedding night. It was just the start of their journey together as a family. What was important was that Daniel was better and happy at last to be with his parents.
"Goo ghoo, dd mmmumm," he spoke and laughed happily. His parents kissed him, happy with his antics. Everything went well and at last, they were married without any hassles. Daniel didn't want to sleep in his crib so they lay with him in the middle as he happily sucked his thumb and big toe.
Afterwards, he sucked and fell asleep on Angela's chest and she lay him down. She kissed Damian's lips in a gentle peck. "Goodnight love, " she said.
"Goodnight Mrs Anderson. Sleep well tonight and save your energy for tomorrow night," he said with a wink.