He kissed my cheek, and I couldn’t get to Breeze fast enough. We held onto each other tightly, and I lost all control of my emotions, crying like a baby in his arms. With his face buried in my neck, he did the same, which made me even more emotional.
We didn’t rehearse this, so I had no idea what the protocol was, but the officiant, along with our family and friends, allowed us to have our moment. Eventually, the ceremony moved forward, and I should’ve been ashamed to admit that I didn’t hear a word the officiant said.
When it was time to exchange rings and say our vows, I was surprised Breeze had prepared his own. Based on how he began, he must have noticed the look on my face.
“This was supposed to be our baby shower and not our wedding, so I know you didn’t have time to prepare vows, and that’s cool, baby. I won’t be long because I don’t have a lot to say. You already know what it is, Mel. I express my love to and for you daily, and I will continue to do so for the rest of my days. Your every need and want is my responsibility, and I promise to be here for you in ways you didn’t know were possible. My love for you knows no bounds, and I promise to forever be loyal and faithful to you, and only you. I love you, Melodie Maxine Norwood.”
He turned to Shyne, who placed the ring in his hand. After he put the ring on my finger, I took a moment to admire it, and I felt a familiarity.
“Oh my God. Did my daddy give this to you?”
“Yeah, baby. It belonged to your great-grandmother.”
“It’s beautiful.” I turned toward my father. “Thank you, Daddy.” He smiled with tears in his eyes, blowing me a kiss, and I did the same. My attention returned to Breeze. “Baby, you’re not a man of many words, but everything you say fills me with an abundance of joy. Your tough exterior protects a heart that’s made of gold. Since I didn’t prepare any vows, I’ll tell you my thoughts as I walked down the aisle. My crush on you turned into a love so beautiful, I couldn’t have imagined it in my wildest dreams. With you, I am soft. With you, I am protected. With you, I am properly loved. Thank you for being more than enough, and never too much. I love you, Breeze Foster.”
Raine was ready with the ring, placing it in my hand so that I could slide it onto her brother’s finger.
“With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Mr. Foster, you may kiss your bride.”
Breeze and I kissed, and kissed, and kissed some more while our family and friends cheered us on. When we finally turned to face our guests, the officiant announced, “I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Breeze Foster.”
After the ceremony, I had my makeup touched up before we took pictures. An hour and a half later, Shyne, who was the best man, entered the reception with Raine and Harmonee, who were the matron and maid of honor, on his arms.
DJ Fly Ty had the guests get on their feet for our grand entrance and introduction as husband and wife. Our limited number of guests sounded like a stadium full of people when Breeze and I were announced. Before we sat at the bride and groom’s table, we did our first dance to “With You” by Tony Terry.
“I can’t believe you thought of all this,” I whispered as we danced and looked into each other’s eyes.
“I can’t take all the credit. The crew, your parents, my aunt, and Shyne’s parents and sisters all helped out. We wanted to make it special for you.”
“Y’all met and exceeded that by far. I’m truly speechless. Thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me. You deserve all of their efforts and so much more. I love you.”
“I love you more.”
The song ended, and we held hands as we walked to our table. Once we were seated, Raine and Shyne gave beautiful, heartwarming speeches that brought me to tears. While the food was being served, Breeze and I decided to give our thanks to everyone.
“Can we have everyone’s attention?” Breeze said into the mic.
The low murmurs turned into silence as everyone gave us their attention.
“Before we eat and get the party started, I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who had a part in making this day happen. Raine and Harmonee, God broke the mold when he made you two our baby sisters. When I suggested a surprise wedding, y’all jumped into action, giving everyone their orders and a list of responsibilities. I don’t know how we would’ve pulled this off if y’all hadn’t taken the reins. Thank you both for everything.
“Aunt Pat, my surrogate mama, words will never be enough to express the love and appreciation I have for you. You’ve been there for me and Raine for our entire lives, and it didn’t stop once we got older. Thank you for not leaving us to fend for ourselves and doing what you could to keep me out the streets. I know it didn’t work as quickly as you wanted, but I heard every word you and Uncle Benny said. I hope you’re both proud of the man I am today.
“Mr. and Mrs. Norwood, I appreciate everything you did to make this day special. When I mentioned the plan, y’all were skeptical but still supported. Thank you for creating this one-of-a-kind woman, just for me, and please know that she’s in good hands.
“Shyne, when I asked you to be my best man, I wasn’t sure you’d agree. I ain’t never had people I considered friends, but not only do I consider you a friend, but my brother. Adan and Zayn, I can’t leave y’all out. All of y’all are my brothers for life, and I appreciate y’all.
“Mr. and Mrs. Townsend, you treat me and Mel like one of your own, from the fussing and cussing to the hugging and loving. We appreciate the home-cooked meals and solid advice you give us whenever we need it, and sometimes when we don’t.
“Mari, Yvonne, Lani, Lia, and Indy, . . . I ain’t forget y’all. What can I say? Today has been everything and more because of your help. Thank you for stepping up and offering your time and efforts, not only today, but over the past several months. Thank you for being good friends to Mel and Raine.
“I say all of this with an enormous amount of love. For a man who don’t even like talking, I feel like I’ve been running my mouth all damn day. Let me shut up and hand it over to my wife.”
Our guests applauded and cheered as he gave me the mic. For the third, fourth, or maybe fifth time today, I was in tears.
“I guess I’ll be crying all night. Y’all, don’t I have the sweetest husband ever? He tries to be hard, but I promise he’s a big teddy bear. He says the sweetest and most endearing things, and I’m constantly on the verge of tears.”
