Page 7 of Desire
There was complete silence for a moment as everyone processed my words. I looked around at the shock and confusion on everyone’s faces and chuckled.
“I don’t think I heard you right,” Ma finally said. “Repeat that.”
“I’m getting married.”
“To who?” Pops asked.
“Umm, I’m not sure yet.”
“What?” Everyone in the room chimed.
“I don’t know who I’m marrying yet. I should find out?—”
“Son, this is nothing to joke about,” Pops reasoned.
“I’m not joking. Let me explain.”
My family listened intently as I explained the situation. Their expressions didn’t hide their confusion.
“Son, if you have to go to this extent to win votes, maybe you shouldn’t run for a second term,” Ma offered.
“Seriously, Az. You have Ria to think about. You can’t marry a woman you don’t know.”
“Arranged Hearts has a top-notch vetting process. I’m sure the person?—”
“Everyone looks good on paper, bruh. This is crazy,” my brother-in-law, Savion, said.
“They’re right, son. When you told us about her, Iris sounded perfect, but that situation was disastrous. Besides, you’re the mayor. You have a reputation to uphold. What if?—”
“Ma, my reputation is why I’ve decided to go through with it.”
“But—” my mother began before my father interrupted.
“Let him do it,” he declared.
“You can’t be serious,” Ma said.
“Pops, have you lost it?” AJ questioned.
“Daddy, do you know what you’re saying? He can’t—” Alaina began.
“Aziel is a grown man. He’s been making decisions for himself for a long time. For the past three and a half years, he’s done a damn good job running an entire city. I’m sure he’s thought this through. Right, son?”
“I have, and I’m going through with it.”
“Then that’s all that needs to be said. Congratulations.”
My father ended the conversation by getting up and leaving the room. That didn’t go well, but it didn’t go as badly as I thought it would. Now, I wait.
THE WEDDING
Arranged Hearts had a team in place to help me get ready to walk down the aisle. My life had been on fast-forward since Arranged Hearts contacted me a week ago to tell me they’d found a match. It took me less than twenty-four hours to find the perfect dress, which I interpreted as a sign from God that I’d made the right decision.
My sisters still thought I was crazy but rocked with me anyway. I asked them to be my matrons of honor, and they jumped headfirst into their roles.
The fee we paid to Arranged Hearts covered the venue for the festivities and the honeymoon, while we paid for our attire and rings. However, when I was informed that they’d found a match, I was also told the groom would cover all my expenses and was given a refund for everything I’d paid for. I didn’t argue because the fee had put a dent in my savings.
As I sat in front of my parents’ home, I tried not to have a panic attack. The wedding was tomorrow, and I couldn’t go through with this without telling them. I wanted their support, but I’d decided I’d move forward either way.