THE 24-HOUR SEARCH

HEAVEN ON EARTH

I stood behind Daniel, fixing his tie like I had been doing it for the past twenty years—not because he didn’t know how to do it, but because somehow, I always did it better. Or at least that’s what he let me believe. The knot finally sat perfectly against his crisp white shirt.

Hold still, I murmured, smoothing his collar with a precision that would have impressed a tailor.

Daniel looked at me through the mirror, one eyebrow raised.

Prince Adams… are you getting emotional on me? I scoffed, punching him lightly in the stomach.

Emotional? Me? Please. You’re the one who cried at that cat video last week.

That cat fell off a swing! he shot back, laughing. And don’t distract from the fact that your eyes are shiny right now.

I punched him again—playfully—this time to the arm, and he laughed harder. Soon we were both throwing stupid little air punches like children warming up for a boxing match. Our laughter echoed around the dressing room, bouncing off the walls and calming the nerves that neither of us wanted to admit were there. I exhaled slowly.

I’m happy for you, Daniel.

He turned fully to face me; for a moment, his usual joking expression softened.

I know, he said quietly.

And I’m grateful. Emmy… she’s everything I prayed for. Everything I waited for. His voice dropped, thick with emotion. I can’t believe I’m about to see her in that white gown. Bro, my heart is racing like I took an energy drink. I chuckled.

Take your time on Emmy tonight. Remember she’s also a virgin. Don’t go and break the poor girl to pieces. He dramatically dropped to the floor.

That’s why I’m warming up! he declared, starting push-ups. One! Two! Three! I need stamina! I burst into laughter until my stomach hurt.

Daniel, get up! You’ll wrinkle your shirt! No! I must train! Four! Five— He collapsed intentionally, rolling on the carpet. My wife won’t survive me tonight.

You’re a goat, I muttered, helping him stand. Just then, there was a knock, and the door swung open. Daniel’s driver stepped in.

Sir, your car is ready, he said with a small bow, and to my surprise, he handed me the keys.

Mr. Adams, you’ll be driving the groom to church, sir. Daniel grinned.

Of course. Who else would drive me on the most important day of my life?

Before I could respond, his parents and siblings walked in—Pastor and Mrs. Mensah leading the way, tall, elegant, and glowing with joy. His mother covered her mouth with both hands the moment she saw Daniel.

My son… her voice cracked, eyes glossing over. You look like a testimony.

His father walked up, placing both hands on Daniel’s shoulders.

You are a man today. Marriage is honorable. You have chosen well. He pulled Daniel into a tight hug—one of those rare, firm ones that fathers give only on days that change destinies. His older twin brothers clapped him on the back, teasing loudly. Their wives and children waiting for them in the car outside. Finally! Daniel is off the market! Emmy is strong. She’s the only woman who could tame you! one of his brothers teased. Daniel rolled his eyes. Then his little sister—bright, beautiful, twenty-year-old Anita—squealed and ran into his arms.

Brother Danny! I can’t believe you’re getting married! Do you know how long I’ve prayed for this? Daniel hugged her, kissing the top of her head.

Thank you, Ani. While the family gathered around him for prayer, Anita slipped to my side. I instinctively put an arm around her shoulders—not romantic, just the natural gesture of someone standing with his own family. Because that’s what they were—my family. The only one I had. Watching Pastor Mensah pray over Daniel made something warm sink deep into my chest. The kind of warmth that comes from belonging… something I didn’t grow up with. Something I found because Daniel became my brother long before today. Anita leaned her head lightly against my arm.

He’s really happy, she whispered. I swallowed, nodding.

Yeah. He deserves this.

When the prayer ended, the family left for their own car.

Daniel and I walked out through the back door where his black wedding convoy waited. I opened the passenger door for him, and he paused, sending me a curious look.

Prince… you said you had a surprise for me. The ‘best wedding gift ever.’ What is it?

I smiled slowly. Relax. You’ll see it after the wedding.

He groaned. You know I hate suspense.

That is exactly why I’m doing it.

He muttered something under his breath but got in, and I slid behind the wheel.

As we drove, my mind flickered to the gift waiting at the reception hall—my surprise for him.

I bought him the land he’d dreamed of for seven years.

The land he wanted to build his free community sports center on—

the dream he always said he’d start ‘one day’ when life settled.

He thought someone else had bought it long ago.

What he didn’t know was that I had tracked down the owner, negotiated for months, and secured the place in his name as a wedding gift.

With architectural designs included.

His dream was about to breathe.

When we reached the church, it was like stepping into a storybook.

White roses framed the entrance.

Soft gold drapes fell in elegant waves from the pillars.

A massive floral archway stood tall at the doors, blooming with lilies, orchids, baby’s breath—each petal glowing under morning sunlight.

Guests in dazzling fabrics and stunning suits walked in, greeting, laughing, taking pictures. The air smelled of flowers, perfume, excitement… and beginnings.

Daniel stepped out of the car, straightening his suit.

I adjusted his jacket with a quick swipe.

You look like the groom of the century, I said.

He grinned. And I feel like it.

I glanced at him as the church doors loomed ahead.

Ready?

He inhaled deeply, squared his shoulders, and that familiar spark lit his eyes.

I was born ready.

And together, we walked toward the moment that would change his life forever - heaven on earth marriage

_______________________________________

Emmy’s bedroom buzzed like a tiny wedding headquarters. Two wedding photographers moved around the room with soft footsteps, clicking, adjusting angles, and whispering to each other as they captured every detail—from Emmy’s gown hanging by the wardrobe to the rose-gold slippers placed neatly beside her vanity chair. Their cameras flashed gently, adding a glow to the already vibrant room. The makeup artist, a calm but focused woman named Princess, leaned close to Emmy’s face, blending foundation with expert strokes.

Close your eyes for me, sweetheart… yes, perfect, she murmured, lifting Emmy’s chin slightly. Today is your day. Let me give you the magic.

At the far end of the room, the event stylist was arranging the backdrop for the mother-and-daughter photoshoot. She draped a soft cream fabric across the wall, filling the sides with fresh baby’s breath and pale pink roses. She stepped back, admiring her work.

It has to look like heaven, she said to herself. Only the best for a bride.

The door opened, and in walked Priscy, Emmy’s best friend and maid of honor, already glowing in her fitted lavender dress. She hurriedly put on her earrings as she entered.

Are we all forgetting that church starts at ten? Priscy said, fanning herself dramatically. If we get there late, Daniel will faint before the vows.

Everyone laughed lightly. Princess shushed her softly. Let the bride relax. She needs calm energy. Priscy rolled her eyes playfully. I am calm. This is my calm voice.

Moments later, Emmy’s mother walked in carrying a tray of breakfast—steaming oats with milk, slices of buttered bread, scrambled eggs, and freshly squeezed orange juice.

My baby must eat, she insisted as she approached the vanity. Wedding or no wedding.

Mom, I’m literally getting my makeup done! Emmy protested with a smile.

And you think I care? her mother said as she cut a piece of bread, held it to Emmy’s lips, and fed her gently.

If you faint at that altar, I’ll carry you myself.Priscy burst out laughing.

Aunty, please don’t make her laugh! Her eyeliner! The photographers chuckled quietly as they captured the moment—Emmy sitting in her silk robe, cheeks glowing, while her mother fed her like she was five years old again. Then came a knock, and her father stepped in. He surveyed the room with calm contentment.

Is everything going well in here?

Yes, Daddy, Emmy whispered. His gaze softened. My princess… A faint smile tugged at his lips before he nodded at everyone and stepped back out. He didn’t trust himself to stand there longer—he might cry.

Twenty minutes later, Princess stepped back.

Makeup done, she announced proudly. Next was the wardrobe stylist. She approached with steady hands.

Okay, ladies, she said, let’s get our bride into her gown.

Four women gathered around Emmy as the stylist unzipped the back of the dress. Carefully—very carefully—they slipped her into the stunning ball gown. Lace sleeves, pearl-beaded bodice, layers of soft tulle that created a cloud around her legs. When they zipped it up, the room fell into a gasp.

Emmy’s mother held her chest. Oh… my… goodness.

One photographer whispered, This is perfection.

Priscy blinked and blinked again. If I cry, I swear I’ll slap myself. Emmy, you look—oh my God—you look like an angel. She hugged Emmy tightly but kept her head tilted back to avoid smudging makeup.

Best friend, I’m so happy for you.

It was time for Emmy to see herself in the mirror.

Face the mirror,dear, Princess said softly.

The room grew completely quiet. Even the photographers paused. Emmy took slow steps to the full-length mirror. Her heart hammered so loudly she could hear it in her ears. She stopped in front of her reflection, staring in silence. No breathing. No blinking. No sound. Then her hands slowly lifted to cover her mouth. Her eyes widened, glassy with emotion. Priscy rushed forward.

Look up, look up, Emmy! Don’t cry, please. Tilt your head—yes, like that—no tears dropping today. She fanned Emmy.

Hold it! Hold it, my friend! Your makeup is expensive, remember! Everyone laughed through their own tears. Emmy finally whispered, her voice trembling, Thank you. Thank you so much… Princess, you made me look like a dream come true. And you, Aunty Stylist, she added, turning slightly, thank you for this dress. I… I can’t believe this is me. She pressed a hand to her chest as she breathed deeply. I can’t wait for Daniel to see me. He will… he will scream. Priscy burst out laughing. Not scream—he’ll faint. And I’ll pour water on him.