THE 24-HOUR SEARCH

LOVE IN THE HEART

Get ready for the photoshoot! one photographer said enthusiastically.

They arranged Emmy in the floral corner with her parents and Priscy. Her mother hugged her from behind. Her father held her hand proudly. Priscy stood beside her, smiling so brightly it hurt her cheeks. Emmy's family all gathered around for the photoshoot.

Flash.

Flash.

Flash.

The room echoed with laughter, small jokes, and deep emotions. It felt like a moment trapped outside of time—pure, soft, unforgettable. Just as the final shots were taken, Emmy’s phone rang. The event planner’s voice came through the speaker:

Good news! Mr. Daniel Mensah and his best man, Mr.Prince Adams, just arrived at the church. You can set off now.

A high-pitched scream exploded from both Priscy and Emmy at the same time.

Finally! Priscy shrieked. Emmy covered her mouth with excitement.

Oh my God. This is really happening. I’m getting married today! Her mother shook her head, laughing.

You young ladies should calm down before you break your heels. I’m going downstairs. Continue your celebration.

But the girls only screamed again, hugging tightly, wedding joy bursting through the room like confetti. Emmy’s wedding day had officially begun.

_______________________________________

The car rolled to a gentle stop in front of the church, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. My heart pounded so hard that it felt like it was echoing in my chest. Priscy turned to me with that wide, reassuring smile she always had—half excitement, half 'don’t you dare cry.'

The driver stepped out, opened the door slowly as if something holy was about to happen, and Priscy rushed to my side.

Easy, baby girl… one step at a time, she whispered.

I took her hand, and she helped me down carefully. The air outside was cooler than I had expected. Priscy bent immediately, spreading my gown perfectly so the layers of tulle floated like a cloud around my feet.

Flawless, she said, dusting invisible specks off the dress.

Then I saw my father walking toward me.

He didn’t say a word at first. He simply reached out with a gentle hand and wiped the single tear that had escaped down my cheek. His touch broke something inside me. I looked at him with trembling lips.

Thank you, I whispered, barely able to speak.

He nodded, swallowing emotion. Let’s go, my daughter.

He held out his arm. I slipped my hand into his, and we turned toward the church.

My heartbeat slowed as we walked… one step… two steps… the world fading into a kind of slow motion I had only seen in movies.

Inside my head, scripture surfaced like a whisper:

'I will make him a helper suitable for him.'

A helpmeet.

A partner.

A wife.

I looked up at the bright sky above the church doors and whispered silently, Thank You, Lord. Thank You for giving me people who truly love me… for giving me a man whose heart is safe.

I was ready. Truly ready—to be Daniel’s wife.

As we approached the entrance, the usher at the door peeked inside, nodded, and then announced loudly:

'Bride arriving!'

The entire church rose to its feet. The air changed instantly—warmth, excitement, a hush of awe.

My heart fluttered like wings inside my chest.

The doors opened.

A gentle breeze brushed my face as everyone turned, their eyes fixed on me. It felt like the world paused. My father squeezed my arm lightly.

And then… I saw him.

Daniel.

Standing at the altar.

Looking like the most handsome man I had ever seen in my life. His dark suit fit him perfectly, his shoulders broad, his eyes shining with emotion that hit me straight in the heart. For a moment, I forgot the church, the people, even my own steps.

It was just him.

My husband-to-be.

He lifted a hand to his nose, trying to stop himself from crying—but he wasn’t succeeding. Tears gathered faster than he could contain them.

Prince, beside him, leaned in and slipped a handkerchief into his hand, patting his shoulder like a brother telling him, 'It’s okay, cry small.'

Daniel wiped his face quickly, then passed the handkerchief back. Prince glanced down at it, smirked, and slightly tilted it so Daniel could see the printed words:

'Fill me up with your tears, baby.' I know this because Prince told me he was going to do that.

I saw Daniel’s jaw tighten as he fought the urge to laugh in front of the whole church. His shoulders shook just a little. Prince bit his lip, forcing a serious expression as he faced forward—and I swear I saw him pinch his own thigh to stay composed.

I almost laughed.

I almost cried.

Instead, I simply smiled.

Seeing the two of them, seeing how they tried—and failed—to act normal, seeing their joy, their pride… it filled me with something indescribable.

Warmth.

Belonging.

Home.

Yes.

This was home.

And as I walked toward Daniel, holding my father’s arm, the church glowing around me, the music rising softly, I felt my soul whisper again:

'I am ready.

I am his.'

_______________________________________

My mother was flying around the house like a bee without a queen. Utensils were banging, her slippers were slapping the tiles, and she kept shouting everyone's name—even people who didn’t live in our house. We cannot be late! We cannot be late! I have the wedding cake of a famous couple! she yelled from the kitchen, sounding like she was supervising an international ceremony.

My father sighed, The wedding won’t run away.

From the hallway, my mom screamed back, DON’T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN! I AM HOLDING THE CAKE OF A FAMOUS COUPLE! I burst into laughter.

Daddy, please. I’m sure they’re just rich people. Mommy is exaggerating as usual. My mom shot me a death stare that could send my soul straight to the afterlife. Before she could respond, a knock hit the front door.

Oh! The carriers are here! she shouted. I opened the door and found three muscular men standing there, each wearing company shirts that said 'Cake Movers Ghana LTD.' I turned back to the house.

Mummy! Your people are here!

She's taking her time to look good before she follows you to supervise the cake like an FBI agent. One of the men chuckled.

No problem, madam. We’ll start loading the pastries into the van. By the time we finish, she should be done. Mr. Daniel Mensah is making his vows to his wife right now.

I blinked. Mind if I ask, are the couple really famous? He smiled.

Check the internet; you’ll see.

He walked past me with a tray of mini pastries as if it weighed nothing. Curiosity slapped me. I grabbed my phone and typed: "celebrity wedding happening today." Nothing. I snorted. Of course. Then I typed his name: Mr. Daniel Mensah. His profile popped up instantly. The first line read:

Son of Pastor Mensah, the founder of… I turned off my screen and burst into laughter. Ohhhh, so mommy is calling a pastor’s son a ‘famous person’ because they go on mission trips? Before I could laugh too much, my mother walked down the stairs, looking like she was going to her own wedding: beautiful dress, hair styled, makeup fresh. My father gasped.

Woman, you are too beautiful! Who did you dress for?

She blushed and waved her hand. Oh, stop it, you this man.

Just as she reached the last step to grab her purse…

KWRAAA!

My mother missed the step and landed straight on her butt.

AYYYYYY! she screamed.

MOMMY! I ran to her.

HONEY! my father ran too.

She glared at both of us.

YOU PEOPLE MADE ME FALL! I TOLD YOU TO STOP TALKING TO ME! I burst out laughing.

Mummy, how did we make you fall? My father pointed a warning finger at me.

Elsa! Behave.

Okay, sorry, I said, still laughing. We tried lifting her up, but she suddenly froze.

WAIT! WAIT! I HEARD A BONE CRACK! Then she screamed,

YAAEEE!

Before we could process that, her phone started ringing on loudspeaker—*Wedding Planner* flashing boldly. My mother’s eyes widened. Oh Jesus. What should I do? Don’t pick! Don’t pick! But the call connected automatically because her phone was cracked and had a mind of its own.

Hello? the event planner said. Are you on your way? The cake table is ready. My mother inhaled sharply.

Uhm… yes, yes, they are on their way. In fact, very close… but unfortunately, I—I will not be coming myself. I frowned.

Ehn? My daughter will be coming, she continued with confidence. She knows exactly what to do.

I whipped my head toward her. Me?

I shook my whole body like a toddler who didn’t want to bathe. Mummy, no! NO! No, no, no! But she ignored me. The planner sounded relieved.

Perfect. We’ll be expecting her.

My mother smiled triumphantly and ended the call. I stared at her.

Mummy! I don’t want to go anywhere today. I’m not dressed. I don’t know anything about supervising cake.

Well, that’s too late, she said, tapping my hand like I was five.

Go and get dressed. Follow the men. Make sure my cake reaches safely.

My father gave me a small, apologetic look behind her back—a silent sorry, your mother has won this battle expression. I sighed dramatically and dragged myself toward my room. I had no idea where I was going and what to expect.