Appearances: Part 1 of 3

“I now pronounce you, husband and wife! You may kiss the bride!”

I cupped Phoebe’s face and gently—yet passionately—kissed her lips. 

Inside the church, a loud cheer erupted as little kids frowned and covered their faces.

We turned towards the many well-wishers and began our journey down the aisle as husband and wife.

As the 1933 Rolls Royce Phantom II headed towards the reception, I looked at Phoebe and silently thanked God for allowing me to find this special gem.

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Dear Diary,

I first saw Phoebe at church on Mother’s Day.

I don’t attend church regularly…ok, I only attend on Christmas, Easter and Mother’s Day.

I was sitting next to my mother, scrolling through social media, when I heard the voice of an angel. I looked up and saw the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in my life.

 I leaned towards my mother.

“Who is that?”

“Who is who?”

“Who is that gorgeous woman singing.”

“That’s Phoebe Cannon. She joined a few months ago. Pretty isn’t she?”

“She’s beautiful. What is she like? She got any kids? Is she married? Is she seeing anyone?”

“First of all, she is a sweet young lady. Second, it’s not “She got any kids?” but “Does she have any kids?” And the answer is no. Third, she is not married. And fourth, I don’t know if she is currently dating anyone. Now hush up, boy and let me enjoy the service.”

Phoebe Cannon was breathtaking.

Why I didn’t notice her at the beginning of service, I don’t know.

She stood 5’10”with mocha—color skin and a slim yet athletic build. And that voice! It reminded me of Lalah Hathaway…pure heaven.

I can’t recall what the sermon was about. My focus was on Phoebe Cannon.

Church had finally ended, and I was trying to get to Phoebe but my mother insisted I greet the pastor.

The line was long, and I was growing impatient but I knew better than to go against Catherine Thomas.

I watched Phoebe closely…like a lion watching its prey.

“Mother Thomas, my favorite girl.”

Finally! I thought to myself.

“Pastor Lewis, this is my son Daniel.”

“It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Daniel. Mother Thomas talks about you all the time. Did you enjoy the service?”

“Yes he did, especially the singing.”

“I’m truly grateful for the choir. They make preaching easy. Will we be seeing you again?”

“Oh, I think you will be seeing him a lot more, Pastor.”

For as long as I could remember, my mother always spoke for me. It’s annoying but I deal with it because she is my mother—and you only get one.

But she was right.

Pastor Lewis will be seeing a lot more of me…and his preaching has nothing to do with it.

I looked up, and Phoebe was nowhere in sight.

Damn!

It was all good. I knew where to find her next Sunday.

“I will be seeing you again, Ms. Cannon.”

~ Daniel ~