"Don't move. It'll just be a second," Luther murmured, his voice soft before his lips met Ciara's.
Ciara's breath caught as her eyes widened in surprise. Her heart pounded, each beat echoing in her, as Luther's warm lips brushed against hers.
For a fleeting moment, the world around them seemed to vanish, leaving only the sensation of his kiss.
Her instincts screamed to pull away, to resist this strange man who had suddenly become her husband. Yet something in Luther's touch—his calm confidence and the gentle, secure grip of his hand—held her in place.
The kiss was tender and gentle, meant for the crowd but laced with an unexpected intimacy.
As his lips moved against hers, Ciara's eyes fluttered closed, and she surrendered to the kiss. It was a moment of startling clarity amid the chaos.
When Luther finally drew back, his deep blue eyes locked onto hers, searching and sincere. Ciara felt as though he could see through her, uncovering every doubt and fear swirling inside her.
Elder Smith's approving voice broke the spell of silence that enveloped the garden. "That's more like it!" he declared, clapping his hands with a satisfied grin.
The sound jolted Ciara back to reality, and she quickly averted her gaze from Luther's, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
The guests erupted into applause, their enthusiasm tinged with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity.
Ciara could feel their eyes on her—judging, speculating—but she forced herself to stand tall, her composure faltering only slightly.
When the ceremony finally concluded, Ciara retreated to the bridal chambers with Camila. She collapsed onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. "Did I just say yes to a stranger?" she asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and concern.
Camila sighed, her exasperation evident. "How many times do you need to ask me this, Ciara?"
"Girl! This is the craziest wedding I've ever attended!" Camila exclaimed, and Ciara had to agree with a weak nod.
"But think about it," Camila continued with a thoughtful frown, "Atticus? I don't know any Atticus family in Winterville. Do you?"
Ciara shook her head. "No. Let's look it up."
Camila grabbed her phone and typed "The Atticus family in Winterville" into the search box. They scrolled through the results, finding a few Atticus families, but none matched 'Luther Atticus.'
They both sighed in frustration.
"At least he has a name," Ciara said quietly before sitting up. "Help me out of this dress before I lose my mind," she hissed.
Back in the Smiths' living room, Elder Smith was discussing matters with Luther, his uncle, and the Smiths.
"Now that Luther and Ciara are married, we can discuss the dowry," Elder Smith said, directing his attention to Ciara's father.
Mr. Smith, still observing Luther with a scrutinizing gaze, did not respond immediately. Luther noticed the silent tension but remained composed. His uncle nudged him to speak, prompting him to address Mr. Smith directly.
Luther cleared his throat and stood tall. "Elder Smith, thank you for allowing me to marry your granddaughter," he said, then turned to Mr. Smith. "Mr. Smith, Mrs. Smith, I know this turn of events was unexpected, but I appreciate your acceptance."
"I didn't permit it!" Mr. Smith retorted, his tone sharp as he awaited Luther's response.
Luther met his gaze calmly. "I understand. I intend to prove myself through my actions. I want to build something real with your daughter."
Mr. Smith's gaze remained icy. "Promises are easy to make. It's actions that count," he said coldly.
Luther nodded, unfazed. "I agree. I intend to show you through my actions."
Elder Smith, sensing the growing tension, cleared his throat. "Well, now that that's settled, let's discuss the dowry."
In the bridal chambers later...
"Seriously, Ciara," Camila said, "this is like something out of a soap opera. What are you going to do now?"
Ciara sighed, rubbing her temples. "What to do? I'm married. I guess I'm moving in with him!" she replied with a mix of resignation and determination.
Camila gave her a sympathetic look. "This is crazy, but you're not alone in this."
Ciara forced a weak smile. "Thanks, Camila. I just hope I didn't make the worst mistake of my life."
***
As evening fell, the elders reached a conclusion. Mr. Smith remained quiet, his displeasure evident since the marriage had already been solemnized.
"So, are you taking her with you or not?" Mr. Smith asked.
Luther glanced at his uncle before lowering his head slightly. "If Mr.— If my father-in-law permits."
The mention of "father-in-law" brought a subtle, unspoken pride to Mr. Smith's expression. He cleared his throat, adjusted his coat, and then spoke.
"Very well then, you may take your wife and leave," he declared, his tone begrudgingly yielding.
Elder Smith, observing the exchange, smiled with satisfaction, confident that Luther would prove himself worthy.
However, Mr. Smith's voice interrupted the moment. "Do you have a car… right?"
Luther forced a smile and nodded. "Yes, father-in-law." He turned to his uncle and produced a car key. "Uncle Henry, would you mind being my wife's driver for the evening?"
Henry accepted the keys with a strained smile. "With pleasure," he said through gritted teeth.
"It is settled!" Elder Smith declared, unable to hide his satisfaction.
***
After all the goodbyes, Luther led Ciara to the car. It was a black Bentley. His uncle, Henry, was sitting in the driver's side and waiting patiently.
Ciara hugged her grandfather and parents once more, tears threatening to fall. "Grandpa, I'll come visit often. Hmm?"
The old man nodded happily. "I'll be waiting for you, my child!" he replied, laughing.
Finally, she turned to Luther who was holding the car door for her. Ciara glanced at the car and then to the man's suit.
'Both look expensive,' she thought, flashing him a small smile and entering the car.
Luther shut the door gently. He bid farewell to his in-laws before rounding the car and getting into the back seat, next to Ciara.
"Drive safe!" Mrs. Smith continued to wave as the car maneuvered it's way out of the Smiths' compound.