The Influence | Dearra Taylor

Epilouge

Dearra stood in the full length mirror viewing the reflection that stood before her. She ran her manicured hands over the white dress, removing any wrinkles and irregularities. She looked at her beautiful makeup as it enhanced her natural beauty. The precise bun her hairdresser spent hours on added to her appearance and the thousand dollar dress that accompanied her figure.

Klay in another room did the same. He straightened his black suit to ensure it met his standards of perfection. His eyes trailed around the mirror taking in the man that was about to get married, and spend the rest of his life with his soulmate. He sprayed the cologne around his body, and stepped away from the mirror. He took a deep breath and exited the room.

Their wedding was intimate and small. It was located in the elegant Italy awaiting the confirmation of their love. The invite list was small and included only the people they shared their love with. The invitation list served as a thank you for supporting the couple through the obstacles of life.

As the guests arrived, one by one, each of them took their assigned seating. Dearra's bridesmaids, Jayda and Destiny, wore elegant satin black dresses. Klay's groomsmen, Stephen and Jordan, wore custom-curated black suits. They kept the color scheme simple and clean, and guests were urged to wear calm tones of choice. Dearra wanted the decor to stand out as they were colored gold, and so were their accessories.

The short two rows of seating in front of the altar were filled to capacity. Each person sat awaiting the beauty and entrance of their bride and groom. The doors opened revealing a suited and classy Klay. Everyone stood up and turned their attention to him. He walked down the aisle radiating with confidence as he shared his million dollar smile.

Each guest had to pay close attention, as they banned recording and picture taking during the ceremony. Klay surprised Dearra by hiring a personal painter to capture their moment together. Soon, Klay made it to the priests and he stood awaiting his soon to be wife.

Cheers and compliments shot out from the crowd. It was truly beautiful.

The double doors opened once again, and the music of choice began to play. So this is love, from Cinderella played as Dearra walked down the aisle with Klay's father. She smiled at each guest, mouthing I love you to each one.

Klay watched in awe as his eyes provided the tears that fell down his face watching her proceed down the aisle. She stepped carefully, hand in hand with his father. When she saw Klay crying and wiping his love tears, she too began to cry.

So this is love.

When she arrived at the altar, they faced each other. Dearra had a perfect view of her son, Junior. He rested in her mother's arms as she sat next to James enjoying the view ahead. She then saw Klay's mother who offered her a smile of encouragement.

In contrast, Klay could see Ayesha, his friend since he was drafted years ago. She watched intently as her friend took the next stage in life. He didn't fail to catch eyes with Draymond. The friend that could be to blame for this. One night at Nobu.

Stephen and Jordan stood behind their brother. Both filled with happiness and pleasure. Jayda and Destiny stood behind their sister. They told her they'll be a part of her life every step of the way, and so far that promise was still holding strong.

So this is what makes life divine.

The music halted and the ceremony began. Dearra and Klay stood holding hands. When it came time to say their vows, all emotions broke loose.

Klay went first.

To my wife, as I stand before you today, I vow to cherish and honor you for all the days of my life. I promise to support you through every triumph and challenge, to be your rock and your refuge in times of need.

I vow to be your partner in all things, to walk beside you hand in hand, facing the world together as one. I will listen to you with an open heart, seeking to understand and to comfort you in times of sorrow.

I promise to celebrate your joys as if they were my own, to laugh with you in moments of happiness, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. With you, I am home, and I vow to nurture our love and our family with tenderness and care.

I pledge to respect you as an equal, to honor your dreams and aspirations, and to encourage you to reach for the stars. Together, we will build a life filled with love, trust, and mutual respect.

Today and always, I give you my hand, my heart, and my love. I am yours, now and forevermore.

Dearra stated her vows next.

My dearest Klay, as I stand before you on this special day, I vow to love, honor, and cherish you for all of eternity. From this moment forward, I promise to be your companion and your biggest supporter.

I vow to be your shelter in the storms of life, offering you comfort and solace in times of need. Together, we will navigate the challenges that come our way, hand in hand, and emerge stronger than ever.

I pledge to respect you as an individual, to honor your dreams and ambitions, and to encourage you to pursue your passions with unwavering dedication. Your happiness will always be my priority, and I promise to stand by your side through every triumph and setback.

I promise to laugh with you in times of joy, to share in your sorrows, and to cherish every moment we spend together. With you, I have found my truest self, and I vow to nurture our love with patience, understanding, and devotion.

You've given me a love that I could have only dreamed of before. You've provided me with our beautiful son, and I promise to love you until I can't breathe and my soul leaves this world.

The ceremony continued and everyone was crying and overwhelmed. However, these emotions weren't negative, but rather seen as a love bond shared between the small family.

Now came time to kiss the bride, and our two lovers now solidified their companionship and love. This kiss wasn't like the others. This kiss was the beginning of a new chapter.

Klay and Dearra were now married and the audience cheered in congratulations. The harmony of the music consumed the pairs of ears in the room.

Everything went as planned and the ceremony was spectacular.

Dearra and Klay's love story continues from here, and although it isn't described in further detail you can use the power of imagination to your advantage.

It was evident in the midst of their chaotic and calm journey the influence of love prevailed.