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Chapter Twenty Four.

"Please be seated." Mr Nkosi says...or in this case our Pastor. "May we close our eyes..." He prays before starting off the ceremony. "...amen."

"Amen." Everyone says.

"Dearly beloved. We are gathered here to witness the holy and blessed matrimony between His Majesty the Prince Bangizwe Shazi and my daughter Miss Zanokuhle Dlamini. Before we go any further I have to ask if there's anyone here who feels that these two shouldn't be joined together in front of the eyes of the Lord?" He asks and I turn to nervously look at our guests hoping no one come forth.

Alakhe snarled at his mother.

"Amen." I breathe out. "Let us move ahead. In the book of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 it reads that Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. " Mr Nkosi says.

I squeeze Bangi's hands.

"Do you have any vows prepared?" He asks.

"Yes." Bangi is quick to say.

Oh?

"Go ahead son." Mr Nkosi says and someone rushes to the front with a microphone in hand. He gives it to Bangi, who clears his throat.
"Uhmm...okay. I spent the whole week thinking of how I want this to go and well I ended up with a half blank paper and the words 'I love you' at the top."

Ncooh.

"For the past few month of our relationship, I got to see and feel what it means to be loved and respected. You filled a void within me that I didn't know existed and made me feel complete. I don't know how many times I've thanked that Chery of yours for breaking down on that hot day, because I wouldn't have met such a beautiful and breathtaking soul. I stand here in front of all these people, my family and my parents and vow to put you first." He blinks and takes in a deep breath. "I vow to put a smile on your face every single day of my life. I vow to be open with you forever. I love you."

I'm near tears as he lowers the microphone from his lips. I take it from him, wanting to speak from the heart too.

"Well I don't think I could beat his words, but I'll also say what's in my heart. In you I have found a man who defines everything I've ever wanted. My love. My rock. My...my husband." I giggle sniffing. "My everything. Today I'm lost for what I can call what's in my heart cause it feels like more than just Love. The term Love just isn't enough. I promise to stay, if you promise never to leave. I promise to be comitted and transparent with you. You are the only man that has made me quit my job and trust that this is the path I want to take."

He smiles.

"Malinga wami, thank you for respecting me. Thank you for giving us a chance. Thank you for not caring about where I come from when others looked down on me. Thank you for not never making me a joke or ridiculed me despite our obviously differences. Thank you for showing me great patience." I look up, trying to stop my tears from escaping.

"I want to wake up next to you everyday. Make memories with you. Laugh, smile and cry with you. Grow our empire and family. I want you to make me your burnt food special when I'm not in the mood for cooking. "