Pleasant Persuasion

Chapter 4

"Perfect." I just completed arranging Matilda's veil and grinned broadly as I observed her in the mirror. I embraced her in a cosy hug as she turned around and offered me a bashful smile. Her development into a mature, responsible woman made me happy. We started to back out as her parents entered the room and there was a knock on the door. Mrs. Johnson let out a gasp, and as they both gazed at their daughter, they both started to cry.

Mrs. Jacobs praised Matilda, "You look absolutely stunning," while Mr. Jacobs choked back his tears ."Mom! I'm going to cry because of you people. We all laughed when Matilda said, "Theodora would murder me if I mess up my makeup. As the mother and daughter parted ways, Mr. Jacobs said, "My little princess is all grown up now." Hannah grinned and gave him a bear hug, saying, "Dad, I will always be a princess." I was impressed by the family in front of me when Mrs. Jacobs joined in. In situations like this, I really miss my parents. Theodora and Sally entered the room with smiles as the door swung open. Since they were my bridesmaids, they had the same outfit as me. We wore baby-blue satin gowns with off-the-shoulder sleeves and sweetheart necklines, along with stone necklaces.

Time has come, Sally said. I gave the bouquet to Matilda as Mr. Jacobs kissed her forehead. We walked out of the room and stood near the entrance to the aisle. On either side, two young girls held a basket of flowers in each hand. The three of us stood behind them, each holding a bouquet of flowers, as Mr. Jacobs took Matilda's hand. As the enormous doors opened, a soft, sultry music started to play. All eyes were on the stunning bride as we slowly began to make our way down the aisle. I cast a quick peek at the groom as he stood at the altar wearing an immaculate suit.

As he saw the love of his life coming towards him, a faint smile appeared on his lips. His eye let out one tear, which he quickly wiped away. Micheal's love for Matilda caused my heart to swell. I truly rejoiced for her. When they arrived to the altar, Micheal took Matilda's father's hand tenderly. We sat down as the ceremony started. I nearly started crying as they exchanged rings and made moving vows. The priest questioned Michael Reynolds, "Do you take Matilda Jacobs as your lawful wedded partner, to have and to hold, till death do you part?" Micheal replied, his eyes fixated on his wife through the veil. "I do," he said. Do you accept Michael Reynolds as your legally wedded spouse, to have and hold onto till death do you part, Matilda Jacobs? Matilda was questioned. She uttered, "I do," with a voice that was scarcely audible. "Very well, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest said.

When the declaration was made, we all cheered. The bride may now be kissed. Matilda's veil was lifted by Micheal, and they smiled at each other with tenderness. As they hugged and had their first kiss as a married couple, cheers and applause broke out. We convened at the reception location after the ceremony. We mingled, conversing with one another while holding champagne glasses as Matilda and Michael cut the wedding cake. When someone rubbed their throat into the microphone, our focus changed. When I turned to look, I was surprised to see a tall, well-built man gripping the microphone with assurance in a black tuxedo.

"Well, hello to all of you. I'm Stefan, Michael's big brother and best man. When a man designates his brother as his best man, I believe that says a lot about that individual. Naturally, the majority of the time it says, "I have no friends," he joked, drawing amusement from the audience as Michael rolled his eyes. At the ceremony, I hadn't even recognised Stefan, much less known that Michael had an elder brother. "I don't think anyone here is more excited about the bride and groom's marriage than their parents, except from the couple themselves. For Michael and myself, our parents have been outstanding role models. The joyful, encouraging, and loving family you see in front of you is built on their love, Stefan exclaimed, beaming at their parents as they gave him a kiss.

For 26 years, Michael and I have been brothers. You really get to know someone well during those years. I've seen him change from the obnoxious youngster you see today to a somewhat less obnoxious adult. He stated with a perplexed expression, "I'm still trying to figure out what on earth Hannah saw in him," which brought chuckles from the audience. Stefan was aware that Michael's expression expressed regret for picking his brother as the best man. "Hey! Stop pulling that face. Since I've harboured resentment towards you my entire life, it's time to exact my revenge. As he continued, Stefan grinned.

Anyhow, everyone is aware that Matilda is a wonderful woman who deserves the ideal man. Sadly, life doesn't always give you what you deserve," Stefan said, setting off a fit of laughing among the group. "Matilda is a bit of a miracle worker," he continued after a brief pause. She transformed my brother, a lumpy human Play-Doh that I refer to as, into a man. Hope it holds up. As everyone in the room paid close attention to Stefan's words, a wave of happiness swept through the space.

Stefan stated as he turned to face Matilda, "Matilda, you look simply lovely tonight. There is no one else I can think of who would make a better addition to our family or a better wife to Michael than you. You are kind, compassionate, selfless, and generous. Greetings from the family. He finished his speech with a loving smile that she returned. After Sally finished her speech and the guests finished applauding the newlyweds, my phone started to ring, so I excused myself to answer it.

A coworker called with concerns about matters linked to the workplace. I hung up and went back towards Theodora and Sally, who were still absorbed on their phones. I slammed into something substantial and towering because I wasn't paying attention, falling backward and losing my equilibrium. Strong hands seized my arm and drew me in before my body even struck the ground. I opened my eyes, which were tightly closed, and found myself staring into the man I had seen from a distance. His eyes were a dark chocolate-brown colour. He let go of my arm as he made sure I was stable and secure. He said with concern in his voice, "Are you okay?" I nodded. "Yes, I'm grateful. I said, "I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention.

He smiled softly and told me, "It's okay. Stefan Reynolds, that's me. He greeted everyone and extended his hand for a handshake. I grinned back and said, "Angelina Philips," shaking his hand. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "From Brooklyn?" I questioned how he knew it and nodded dubiously. "I've heard Micheal and Matilda mention you a few times," he said. After a brief pause, I said, "That was quite an interesting speech you gave," as we looked at the dispersed audience in the auditorium. "Really? You believe that, he asked, and I agreed. "Thanks. Given that it was decided at the last minute to make me the best man, I'll give myself points for spontaneity. We laughed together.