Odell Quickies

Wedding Bells

Outside the doors of a private beach house, a life changing event was falling into place. The man of my dreams was waiting for me on the white sands of a beach with all the people in our lives that mattered the most. My daddy was seeing his baby girl finish her final steps of becoming a woman, giving her off to a man he knew loved, adored, and cherished his pride and joy just the same if not more than he did. I readjusted my dress, the strappy bodice of it revealed almost my whole back, a plunging neckline showcasing the gorgeous diamond necklace around my neck. My hair was twisted intricately into a classy bun with a few stray cascading curls near the nape of my neck and around my temples, a diamond two-band tiara keeping my veil in place atop my head.

"You look absolutely stunning." Adrianna, my best friend and matron of honor, whispered through the threat of tears.

"Thank you." I looked out the window of the bedroom, seeing waves crashing against the shore as the sun began to descend towards the horizon. "I'm so nervous Dri, isn't that only supposed to happen to the guys?"

"No, but you have no reason to be scared Dallas. Odell is crazy about you, that man would move mountains if he had to for you." She reassured, rubbing my bare shoulder.

I heard a knock on the door and saw my mom peaking in. Her mouth dropped and her hands clasped the pearls on her neck. "My angel." Her voice shook as she smiled proudly. "It's time baby," she glanced at Adrianna, who gave me one more confident smile, "your father is waiting by the doors."

I took one last shaky breath as I grabbed my bouquet. The second my dad saw me he broke into tears, kissing my cheek as he reached for my hands. "You look like the angel we all knew you were." He pulled the veil down over my face as the music selection switched from You by Jesse Powell to the traditional wedding song. Everyone stood on their feet and looked at me in awe, my god daughter was walking a few paces ahead of me, tossing rose petals. As I neared the alter, I could make out Odell's broad shoulders in his white tux, Jarvis was holding his shoulders, shaking him gently side to side, I could tell from their body language, Odell was in tears. When we reached the alter, my father faced me, kissed my hands and looked at Odell. "She's all yours son, I know you'll take care of her but if you hurt my baby, you'll answer to me." He wrapped Odell in a hug and took his seat next to my mom.

I couldn't really see his face well but I could tell he was smiling. The pastor greeted the crowd and began the ceremony, "Today we celebrate a storybook example of a relationship, one that is magnanimous, one that is built upon the sturdiest of foundations, one that can withstand the test of time." He proceeded to read a short bible verse, I was getting nervous because I knew the vows were coming up and we decided to write our own. I was reciting mine over and over in my head. So much so, I wasn't prepared when I heard the pastor call my name.

"Sorry," I apologized breathlessly, "I'm just so nervous." Odell and everyone else let out a ripple of laughter. Odell rubbed my knuckles as he held my hands. "I'm pretty sure I just completely forgot my vows standing here looking at the love of my life. So I'll just say how I feel at this very moment." I started honestly. "Odell Cornelius Beckham Jr ... Where do I begin? You are such an amazing man. The way you've been my rock and most amazing supporter I am forever grateful. To have a love in my best friend is a gift from God and I have no idea what I did to be so blessed. You have been my everything for the last couple years and pushed me for nothing but the best. I am honored to be standing here in front of you so full of joy and love and happiness as I look at you. I vow to love you through everything we come across, I will be by your side in sickness and health, richer and poorer, til death do us 'part. I will be your right hand through everything. I love you." I brushed a tear away and looked at him happily.

Odell's eyes scanned for mine blindly under my veil. I know my face was a blur to him under it but he did anyway. I could hear Adrianna and my other best friend, Aiden, sniffling behind me. Jarvis was trying to be macho and hold back tears while holding onto Sonny's hand to keep him from running away. He took in a deep shaky breath before exhaling and squeezing my hand tight. "Well, Dallas Marie Jones," tears were streaming down now. I wiped them away with my free hand. "You are an angel first and foremost. Everything about you is a godsend to me. You managed to be everything I needed and more and the second you came into my life I knew the games were over, you were the one who immediately stole my heart. Our first date, even though it wasn't organic like how most people would meet, it was only the beginning of an amazing journey. I know I screwed up sometimes, I put myself in sticky places with shady people but you always forgave me and showed me the meaning of loving someone unconditionally. You never once gave up and I never want to give up on you or us." His voice was shaking as he spoke, every word heavily laced in pure emotion. "I want to be your husband, your provider and protector, your best friend and confidant .... forever baby. I vow from this day forth and forever more to love you in sickness and in health, richer or poorer, until death do us 'part. I will love you for eternity." He finished just before breaking down in tears.

The pastor looked to the best man and matron of honor, they handed the rings to Odell and myself. "You may now place the rings on each other's fingers." I held my left hand out, my engagement ring still sparkling in the setting sun. Slowly, Odell slipped my wedding band on, a smile spreading wide across his face. I took the ring from Adrianna with a smile and took Odell's left hand in mine. While looking him in the eye I placed the ring on his long fingers. "I now pronounce you Mr. & Mrs. Beckham. You ma-," before he could finish his sentence Odell was lifting my veil and kissing me passionately, leaning me back, a wave of laughter hit us. "I see I was beat to be chase but, you may now kiss the bride."