***
“Hey, are you okay?” Ty asked gently.
“See?” She stretched out a hand for Ty to see the flash of goosebumps on it. “I’ve always loved the ‘Wedding March’. She whispered emotionally, the feeling of joy inside so intense it made her dizzy.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying our wedding.” Ty chuckled and pressed a tender kiss against Tanesha’s temple as they began to follow the clergy.
When they got to the entrance of the church, Ty stopped moving though the clergy went on out. Tanesha turned to look at him questioningly but he only smiled. Tanesha shrugged and faced forward again. What she saw made her gasp. Right there at the entrance were two columns of uniformed Navy Officers, facing towards each other with swords raised above their heads.
The tips of the swords were touching, forming an arch through which the couple was obviously to pass. Everyone inside the church, except the bridal party, had come outside the church through the other doors, to witness the spectacular military display. That passage was supposed to symbolize the couple’s safe transition into their new life together.
“Oh my God, it’s beautiful.” Tanesha breathed as she watched the officers. “I love it.” She laughed delightedly. She was so happy.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s my honour to present to you, Lt. Cdr. and Mrs. Tyler Tyron Wesley.” Will, who was one of the officers, boomed in a loud voice.
Then amidst applause and general excitement, Ty and Tanesha gracefully passed through the portal. When they got midway, Ty turned Tanesha to face him and then proceeded to kiss her senseless. From the thunderous applause that erupted, the couple wasn’t the only ones who enjoyed that kiss. The guests loved it. After they completed their classic walk under the swords, Ty saluted the officers respectfully and waited till they sheathed their swords and marched off, before standing at ease again.
It was a simple procedure but a very elegant one. The elated bridal party then rushed out of the church to join the almost euphoric couple with shouts of congratulations. But of course, Tanesha hadn’t forgotten how the group of friends had played her. She turned on them…
“You lot are crazy.” She screeched at them. “I can’t believe I didn’t catch on. I’m so stupid.”
“All you had to do was look up as you walked down the aisle to know I wasn’t the one waiting over there.” Cole drawled.
“I was amazed actually.” Ty chuckled. “She didn’t even spare me a glance.”
“Oh, pardon me for not thinking for a second that people actually played pranks in church. But then your fiancee’s weird behaviour should have told me otherwise, Cole.” Tanesha retorted, making Briana groan. “Besides, why would I bother to check out the groom? He was supposed to be there waiting for his bride. And I wasn’t supposed to be the bride…and everyone was in white.”
“Well, you wanted a white wedding, baby.” Ty drawled, making everyone burst into laughter. Ty and Jackson’s ceremonial attires were white so they got Tanesha’s argument. But that didn’t make it any less funny.
“All the signs were there, sister,” Queenie said. “I’m surprised you didn’t call us out on some of the moves. The dresses, the vibe, last night…”
“How could I?” Tanesha threw her hands up. “With Kayla’s constant ‘we do exactly what Briana wants’ speech. I can’t believe you people actually got me to play the bride on what was supposed to be Briana’s Hens Night.”
“They did?” Matt asked with an incredulous look, as the ladies laughed. “How?”
“Briana went on and on about me having to step in as the bride…’as part of my maid duties’.” Tanesha gave quotations with her fingers. “She claimed she was tired and had a headache and didn’t have the energy to dance with all those sexy hunks, and…”
“What?” Ty growled, making everyone burst into laughter.
Tanesha turned to face him with a mock scowl on her face. “Oh, have a problem with that? Because I heard you guys were in Vegas last night. Care to tell me what went down?”
“Ever heard the saying, ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’?” Paul Ashton boomed, joining the group with Dora.
“Daddy…” Tanesha laughed as she stepped into her father’s open arms. “You all got me.” She hugged her mother tightly as if she was never going to let her go. “I love you, mum.” She whispered.
“Love you more baby.” A still overwhelmed Dora laughed softly. “Your friends did a great job.”
“I still don’t know how they pulled it off.” Paul chuckled, looking at the group. “You lot should write a book on how to successfully pull off a surprise wedding.” He said, making the friends laugh.
“I know right.” Tanesha laughed as she turned to face the group. “I love you guys so much. This was the best wedding ever.” Her breath hitched in her throat. “Thank you for…giving me my dream albeit deceitfully.” They all laughed as Tanesha wiped at her eyes. “Bri, that must have been difficult.” She smirked.
“You have no idea, darling.” Briana laughed. “But we pulled it off!” She squealed excitedly as Tanesha hugged everyone.
“We sure did.” Kayla nodded. “And there’s still more to come. Right after we finish posing for the cameras. Let’s make it good, people.”
And they did. Their beautiful, funny, and interesting poses were all captured amidst laughter. A fun-filled reception, planned by the ladies was to follow at the magnificently decorated garden of one of the top five-star hotels in Los Angeles. The hotel had unprecedented history, class, and charm, providing an ambiance for ultimate enjoyment.
Ty had always loved how the hotel united the love of nature and casual living with a profound sense of glamour and fantasy. It was the perfect place for the grand banquet for hundreds that the squad had in mind. He’d therefore booked the entire hotel for that whole day and night.