“It’s okay,” I placed my hand on Jimmy’s shoulder moving him aside. I held the man’s greasy, gnarled hand between both of mine. He closed his eyes, waiting for me to begin the blessing.
I shrugged at Tiesa and bowed my head, searching for the words. They came to me in an instant.
“For you, a life of sorrow
For you, better life lived tomorrow
For you, my friend, be not distressed
For you I intend to bless.
I bless you now and may it last
I heal you of your broken past.”
The golden orb released from me, flying into his hands. Opening my eyes, I watched him shudder. Tears streamed down his face as he began to sob.
“Thank you, my lady, thank you!” He kissed my hand and withdrew, disappearing into the crowd.
“How did you know to do that?” Tiesa’s green eyes were as big as saucers.
“I don’t know,” I admitted and sheepishly looked around. “I don’t even know if I did it right.”
“Oh, you did it right.” Tiesa’s voice was shocked. She weaved her arm through mine as we walked into the salon. “Who taught you to bless?”
“No one,” I stared at her. “Was I wrong to do that? I mean, I don’t think he would have left us alone,”
She shook her head in amazement. “No, you did everything right, that’s what’s so amazing! How could you know to do that without instruction?”
I didn’t know. I was uncomfortable enough as it was.
“Let’s not talk about it, okay?” I turned to the man behind the counter. “I’m getting married today and I need someone to do our hair and makeup.”
His eyebrow rose. “You must be Miss James. Sabina called and booked you an appointment. You’re meeting with Juan today.”
Juan turned out to be the most flamboyant person I’d ever met. He flitted about me like a hummingbird, fussing over me as if I were a celebrity. By the time he was finished with my hair and makeup, I did look like a famous person. I had no idea I could look so pretty.
Tiesa was being worked on by a pretty girl who looked as if she was barely out of high school. When Juan turned my chair to face them, both smiled widely.
“My work is done!” He bowed grandly, then grabbed a bobby pin and shoved it into my hair, cementing the crown on my head.
Tiesa nodded her approval. “You look like a model, Morgan!”
“I’ll be finished with her in a few minutes,” Tiesa’s stylist called after us, as Juan led me to a beautifully decorated room. He helped me change into my wedding dress and as I placed my feet into the stylish shoes, he whistled.
“Baby, you gonna knock ‘em dead!”
“I wish I could have you around every time I needed to look pretty, Juan.” I said and he placed his hand on his heart.
“Any time you need me, feel free to pay for my airfare!”
I grinned at him and looked back at my reflection, admiring the way the dress fell. It took Tiesa much less time to change and when we were finished, Juan linked his arms through both of ours and escorted us to the front of the salon. I thanked Juan and when we paid, I tipped him handsomely.
Jimmy knew exactly where we needed to go and in less than half an hour, we arrived at the steps of the courthouse. He held the door for us and offered his hand to me as I stepped out.
“You look beautiful, Miss,” he commented, making me smile. “He’s a lucky man.”
“Thank you, Jimmy.” I squeezed his hand.
Tiesa squealed and ran up the steps into Ezen’s arms. He looked handsome, dressed in a tuxedo with an Oriental Lily in his lapel. His long brown dreadlocks were pulled back into a ponytail. Holding her hand, he kissed Tiesa lovingly.
“You look lovely, Morgan.” Ezen kissed my cheek. When I pointed to the pretty flower, he nodded. “She called me from the dressing room. She’s a sneaky one, huh?” That she was.
“Where’s Thayde?” I asked and he pointed to the top of the stairs. What I saw took my breath away and I found myself glued to the spot. He was waiting for me, holding a bouquet of lilies. Dressed in black with a flower in his lapel, he looked identical to Ezen with one huge difference; he was mouth wateringly gorgeous.
As he walked down the steps, I stared in awe. I was going to marry this man who had loved me for years before we’d even met. When he reached me, I realized I’d been holding my breath.
“You’re gorgeous, baby,” he took me by the waist, holding me gently. His Polo Blue cologne made him smell so sweet, I wanted to take a bite out of him. “You’re all I’ve ever wanted.”
“Marry me,” I said, overcome with emotion.