Page 103 of Zimyra

Her sudden shyness is refreshing. “If you can’t handle that, sweetheart, you’re in a world of trouble.”

“Yeah, he’s definitely in trouble, but I think she knows that already.

CHAPTER 30

Things move fast betweenus over the next few weeks. I’m back at work now and every morning he steps into the office, he kisses me breathless before Shantae shows up. She’s the new part-time girl who goes with me on tours now. I didn’t think I would like a second person in the office, but it’s been working just fine.

During the workweek, we’d see each other for dinner some evenings and we’ve spent every Friday, Saturday and Sunday together since we becameofficial. I’ve been having the time of my life with Axel. I never would’ve dreamed I would fall this hard so fast, but here I am – falling like Alicia Keys, and I’m loving this descent. In fact, I love it so much, that when Axel asked me to marry him a few days ago, I gladly accepted. We filed for a marriage license, and I kept all of this to myself. I wouldn’t dare hear my brother’s judgments. I didn’t even tell Capri that I got engaged. By the time she hears about the engagement, I’d be happily married to the man of my dreams. I wanted to do this for myself and for him. Screw the plan I had for my life and how I’ve always been scared to embrace new things and fall in love – I wanted that. I have that with Axel and I’m keeping it – scared and all. I’m learning to love the way my heart races when I’m with him. It’s a feeling I suppose any woman would have when she’s in love.

Today, Friday, Axel is whisking me away to Hilton Head so we can privately wed on the beach and celebrate our nuptials. I’ve never gone away with anyone but this whirlwind love adventure we’re on tells me I’m doing this right. I love the way my heart feels. The way I’m floating and have been nonstop since the first time he told me that he loved me.

This is insanity.

Nothing about this is traditional. It’s the opposite of everything I thought I wanted, yet it feels so right.

When we arrive at the resort, I’m surprised to see it’s an all-inclusive one. Places like this ain’t cheap, but Axel wanted our time together to be special, even if he had to break himself. I hate that he did that, but we’re here now – in paradise. I’m dizzy with excitement and love. I’ve been on cloud nine for days on end. I could never get used to this feeling.

We’re only staying tonight, Saturday night, and returning home at some point on Sunday to prepare for work on Monday. After we check into our suite, I sit on the bed and kick off my shoes. Axel walks over to me, drops to his knees, and takes my feet into his hands, giving me an impromptu massage.

I suck in a breath and throw my head back. I’m still getting used to him touching me. Everywhere he touches, he sets on fire.

“How are you feeling, Zimyra?”

“I feel good,” I say, looking at him and biting my lip as he’s continuously squeezing my toes between his fingers. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m on top of the world, sweetheart. I’m making you my wife tomorrow.”

“Technically, I’m already your wife.”

“You are. Feels good, doesn’t it?”

I laugh and say, “Oh, you’re so modest, aren’t you?”

I lean forward and wrap my arms around his neck. Now I realize why my mother was all too eager to hang on to my dad even though he was living a double life. Love can make you do some crazy things. Things you never thought you’d ever do – like get married to someone after knowing them for only a few months. It’s euphoric. It’s freeing. Now that I’ve gotten a taste of it, I can’t be without it.

CHAPTER 31

Standing on the beachthe next day at one o’clock in the afternoon, we say our vows. We exchange rings and almost immediately after, the sky opens. Rain pours down, and we rush to find shelter.

My stomach sinks. Rain on one’s wedding day is a sign of bad luck, isn’t it? What happened to the bright, sunny day? The clear sky. Yesterday, the weather was perfect. Today, my wedding day, it’s dreary. Stormy. Soggy.

Uneasiness creeps into my bones. Everything between us was perfect up until this point. What does this mean? Was I not supposed to do this? I don’t understand.

The pretty curls I put in my hair are all flat. My mascara is compromised. I’m sure of it even though I haven’t looked in the mirror. Tears roll down my face.

“It’s okay, baby,” Axel says. “Everything is going to be fine.”

“But it’s raining on our day—our special day.”

“And we’re still married. We still love each other and we still have each other, sweetheart.”

He tries to lift my spirits, but it doesn’t work. I’m sullen and all I want to do is shower, wash my face, and clean this sand off my feet.

Disappointed, I head back up to the suite alone and after a quick shower, I slide into a robe and sit on the sofa with my stomach in knots. I think about how my family isn’t here. How I didn’t share this moment with my mother and perhaps that’s why our ceremony got rained out. God was telling me I was doing this all wrong. I’m being too free-spirited, especially for a woman who, before meeting Axel, had planned every aspect of her life.

What if this impulsive marriage is not in line with the path God wants for me? What am I doing wrong?

I look up when Axel opens the door. He comes inside still wearing his tux and holding a cake – a four-layer cake with white frosting, decorated with light pink roses.

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