Having accepted her fate that she has time-traveled to the past but will be unable to change just anything she likes Tara concluded in her heart to only make very important changes, especially the ones that will give her an advantage over the Blackwaters.
On the day of the Marriage, she was unable to control herself. Yes, she had experienced it before but it didn't stop her from getting butterflies in her stomach. Her smiles were endless as she beam from ear to ear hearing everyone greets her.
It was a Mafia traditional marriage according to the custom in Tanke. The marriage is to take place in the bride's family house before she would be taken to her husband's house
"They are on their way already " Her father Mr. Lockwood announced to the fhe hearing of everyone which send everyone in the house into different moods for different reasons. Some persons concerned with different duties in the house were trying to put the finishing touches to everything.
For Tara, she made sure she was ready early as she didn't border to do heavy mark-ups as other women would have done. she didn't want anything stressing her that day as it was a day for her to be very observant . she decided to check for the reaction of every around her. She had a feeling not everyone would be happy with the marriage. Fhe absence of her uncle Tony and his son Brown was also noticeable. She felt bad at having to embarrass them that way but then there was no other choice. She noted it as one of the changes she has made in her time travel because they were present in her first marriage. Brown even sang a song for her.
" Do not worry too much about them, I will make sure to seat them down after this marriage " Her father said as if reading her thought.
Tara looked at him with a confused expression.
"I know you have been looking for your Uncle Tony and your cousin Brown. I would be surprised if they come today but I am sure they will surely come around, for now, your marriage is very important" he assured her revealing a small package in his hand.
"I have decided to be the first to give you a gift, I hope your mother didn't beat me to it. He smiled handing it over to her while stealing a glance at her mother who feigned annoyance
Tara was genuinely happy when she received it. It was the first time her father would smile so well at her an indication he was extremely happy. She could remember he gave her nothing. Her mother and friend Sharon were e both around her
" You should open it? her mother encouraged her
"I will do so after the marriage "
"This particular one should be opened now" her mother insisted giving Tara an idea that they must be a reason she did and out fell a Golden gun.
"Is this what is think it is? Tara asked wide-eyed tears in her eyes.
Before she could get a reply three rapid gunshots were heard sending shock waves through her body but her father didn't seem moved.
" keep that safely, your in-laws are here".
The gunshots were a way of the Blackwaters announcing their presence. The party was about to officially begin everyone was to come from the house to a space inside the compound that has been decorated for the wedding. Everyone except the bride and her mother was inside. According to their tradition, the mother will be the one to walk her out when the time comes.
Tara couldn't contain her nervousness as she stared out of the window to see her in-laws walk in. Every single Blacwkaters was dressed in Black. One could easily think they were going for a funeral.
"Why are they always in black? She was forced to ask her mother
" That is their color and code of dressing just like blue is our color " Her mother reminded her.
Tara at this point was barely listening to her mother has someone caught her attention.
Mr Blackwaters , her father in law to be is having a striking resemblance with the man she saw in her dream after her grandfather. She gasped when she reasoned that he must have been the Grandfather of Lakan.
Just as she thought about Lakan she saw him enter the compound with a dark shade. Her heart melted when she saw him. She could not explain how she fell for a man who treated her as if she wasn't existing. What she admired the most about him was his ability to remain calm in whatever situation he would find himself and from time to time he shows her that he cares about her even if he would never admit it.
Walking beside him was his younger sister Martha who was the most beautiful girl in the family as far as Tara was concerned. She was the only one in gbe family who had cared to exchange friendly words with Tara until Lakan warned her not to.
"It's time for you to come out" her mother informed her as she led her outside.
All eyes were on her as she stepped out. Most of the Blackwaters had a look of shock when they saw her. She noticed as they whispered to each other. She could tell they were talking about her choice of a wedding dress. They were not ready for what they saw, this bride has dared them by not wearing the approved wedding dress for the occasion.
"What is this? Is this the bride we came for? One of the women who could no longer take it shouted stopping Tara and her mother in their tracks as she was being led to take her seat beside Lakan.Tara recognised her as the Elder sister of Lakan.
" We will not be accepting this, if she is not dressed in the clothes we provided for her we may as well go back to our houses. This is a slap on our face" she blurted out.
Everywhere was tensed at this moment as everyone waited for the reaction of Tara.