Let's Elope

The Wedding No One Will Forget

The sun had barely risen when Ada's house was already awake.

Not quietly awake.

Wedding-day awake.

Doors opened and closed every few seconds.

Someone was boiling water.

Someone was ironing clothes.

Someone was looking for a missing shoe.

And someone — Ada was almost certain it was Auntie Amaka — was giving instructions loud enough for the entire neighbourhood to hear.

"Chika!"

"I'm coming!"

"Not 'I'm coming!' Come!"

"I am coming!"

"Then why are you still upstairs?"

"I have two legs, not wings!"

Laughter erupted downstairs.

Ada sat at the edge of her bed, listening to the familiar chaos with a smile.

Today...

She was getting married.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in."

Dara stepped inside carrying a tray with tea and toast.

"I brought breakfast."

Ada looked at the tray and then at her best friend.

"You actually remembered to feed me?"

"I know you. If I left you alone, you'd walk down the aisle on an empty stomach."

Ada laughed.

"You know me too well."

"I've had years of practice."

They shared a quiet smile.

For a few minutes, there were no wedding plans.

No rushing.

No noise.

Just two best friends enjoying one last peaceful moment together.

"So..."

Dara finally said.

"How are you feeling?"

Ada took a slow sip of tea.

"I thought I'd be terrified."

"And?"

"I'm surprisingly calm."

Dara smiled.

"That's because you're marrying the right person."

Ada looked out the window.

"I think you're right."

Before either of them could say more, Auntie Amaka's voice echoed through the hallway.

"Dara!"

"Yes, Aunty?"

"Stop hiding with the bride!"

"We're having a moment!"

"You can have moments after the wedding!"

Ada laughed so hard she nearly spilled her tea.

"I guess that's our cue."

---

Across town...

Things weren't much calmer.

Tobi stood in front of the mirror, trying for the third time to tie his bow tie.

It looked worse each time.

Femi walked in carrying two cups of coffee.

"...You've been fighting that tie since six o'clock."

"It keeps winning."

Femi handed him a cup.

"Move."

Tobi stepped aside.

Within seconds, Femi straightened the bow tie perfectly.

Tobi blinked.

"You know how to tie one?"

"I watched three videos last night."

"You laughed at me for watching tutorials."

"I laughed because you watched twelve."

Tobi shook his head.

"I don't know why we're friends."

"Because I'm useful."

"You hide it well."

The two burst into laughter.

A gentle knock came at the door.

Tobi's father entered.

He looked at his son for a long moment before smiling.

"My goodness..."

Tobi looked down at himself.

"What?"

"You look like a groom."

Femi folded his arms proudly.

"I'd like credit for the bow tie."

His father chuckled.

"You can have five percent."

"I'll take it."

As Femi quietly slipped out of the room, Tobi's father rested a hand on his son's shoulder.

"I don't have a long speech."

Tobi smiled.

"I know."

"I only have one request."

"I'm listening."

"When disagreements come — and they will — don't make winning more important than understanding."

Tobi nodded.

"I won't."

His father smiled warmly.

"Good."

Then he pulled him into a hug.

"I'm proud of the man you've become."

Tobi hugged him back tightly.

"Thank you, Dad."

---

Back at Ada's house, the makeup artist had arrived.

Hairpins covered the dressing table.

Perfume bottles stood beside bouquets of fresh flowers.

The wedding dress hung quietly by the wardrobe, waiting.

Ada watched as the final touches of makeup were completed.

When the artist finally stepped back, she smiled.

"Perfect."

Dara's eyes widened.

"Oh..."

Ada looked at her through the mirror.

"What?"

"I don't even know where to start."

Ada laughed nervously.

"Is it that bad?"

"It's the opposite."

She reached for the garment bag and slowly unzipped it.

The satin caught the morning light like flowing water.

For a moment...

Nobody spoke.

Even Auntie Amaka grew quiet.

Ada slipped into the dress with the help of her mother and Dara.

The zipper closed.

The veil was adjusted.

The earrings fastened.

Then Grandma slowly walked into the room, holding the familiar velvet box. Ada had asked her to keep it safe overnight after it was repaired.

"The bracelet."

Everyone stepped aside.

Grandma carefully removed the bracelet and gently fastened it around Ada's wrist.

"This belonged to my grandmother..."

She smiled.

"...then to me."

She looked into Ada's eyes.

"And today..."

"It's yours."

Ada felt tears gather.

Grandma cupped her face lovingly.

"Wear it with joy."

"And wear your marriage with even greater care."

Ada nodded, unable to trust her voice.

Her mother wiped away a tear.

"Oh dear..."

"I'm trying not to cry."

Chika peeked through the doorway.

"Is it safe to come in?"

Everyone laughed.

He stepped inside...

...then froze.

His eyes grew wide.

"Wow."

Ada smiled.

"What?"

"You really look like a bride."

She laughed.

"I should hope so."

He scratched the back of his neck.

"I'm going to miss having you around."

The room fell silent.

Ada walked over carefully and hugged him.

"I'm not disappearing."

"I know."

"But it won't be the same."

She kissed his forehead.

"No matter where I live..."

"...you'll always be my annoying little brother."

He grinned.

"I'll take that."

---

Outside...

The church was already filling with guests.

Beautiful decorations lined the entrance.

Soft music drifted through the sanctuary.

Inside, Tobi stood at the altar beside Femi.

"You all right?" Femi whispered.

Tobi took a deep breath.

"I am now."

The pastor smiled as he welcomed the congregation.

"We are gathered here today..."

Just then...

The church doors slowly opened.

Every head turned.

Sunlight streamed through the entrance.

Ada stepped inside on her father's arm.

A gentle murmur spread through the congregation.

Tobi looked up.

And forgot the carefully rehearsed smile he'd been wearing all morning.

His eyes filled with quiet amazement.

Femi leaned over ever so slightly.

"I told you."

Tobi didn't answer.

He couldn't.

All he could see...

...was Ada.

And as she began walking toward him, smiling through happy tears...

He knew, with absolute certainty...

He had never made a better decision in his life.