August 4th 2024
3:04 PM
Las Vegas, NV

Chanel's POV

I start to close the door again but he puts his hand out. I sense eyes on me and I'm almost positive they're Chris'.

"You sure you—."

"YES!" I kinda yell, now trying to close the door in his face.

He sticks his foot in the crack, completely stopped in the door from closing.

"What's up with you?" Ant snaps.

Just as I was about to say something, we both were interrupted by the door swinging open.

"WHO THE FUCK—." Chris stops in his tracks as he sees Ant standing there.

Ant looked at Chris, shocked to see him, then he laid his eyes on me.

I just facepalm myself. I was really trying to avoid this, but who would have predicted Ant showing up to my room?

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Ant asked Chris. "In a towel? You know I've been calling you?"

"Ant, man, my bad. My phone is off." Chris said.

"I've gathered that. I've been asking around about you and calling you and I've even asked Ms. Chanel where you were and she said she didn't know."

"I told her not to tell anybody I was here. Don't blame her." Chris said.

"I'm definitely blaming her. But I'm also blaming you too because you're supposed to tell me when you do shit like this. Even when you do, you never turn your phone off. I didn't know what was going on and as your manager, I should know these things."

"I get you but I just wanted some time alone."

"Alone? I'm talking to Chanel, at HER hotel room, and you open the door and a towel. What is going on here?"

I sighed and just pulled him into the room. I guess we're gonna have this conversation now. Ant wasn't mad like pissed off or anything but he was definitely caught off guard.

I closed the door. Ant  walked in and sat on the sofa. Chris sat on the other sofa opposite of him and I said next to Chris.

"What's going on?" Ant asked.

"Do you want to tell him? I know how you are with shit like this." Chris said to me.

"He's your manager." I said.

"How much do you want me to tell him?" Chris asked, with a chuckle.

"Do whatever you please. You've been waiting on this shit anyway." I rolled my eyes.

"Will SOMEBODY tell me what's going on? Y'all are making me anxious." He laughed.

"Well, long story short, we together." Chris said, bluntly.

"Together? Together, how?" Ant asked

"This my woman."

"Yo woman?" He repeats. "Since when? I don't never see yall interact like that."

"Since 6 years ago." Chris answered.

"6 years? Y'all been together for 6 years?" He said, surprised. "How? How has this been going on?"

I kinda laugh under my breath. Why is he freaking out?

"Ant," I said. "Are you mad?" I asked. I was amused at his reaction.

"No...I'm just...this is news to me."

"Well, it shouldn't be that surprising. You accused me of kidnapping him last night. You obviously knew something was up."

"I wasn't serious..." he said

"Yes, you were. You just didn't have any evidence of it. Don't try to change it up now that Chris is sitting here." I said.

"You're right, I didn't. I was just giving you a hard time. I didn't think it was true though.." he explained.

"Now you know the truth." Chris said. "And don't ever talk to her like that again."

"My bad." Ant said. "I'm just shocked. You guys been in a relationship for 6 years? Why am I just now finding out?" Chris looks at me.

"I thought we should keep it private since I worked for him, then that turned into me wanting to keep the public out, including people close to us. I didn't want it to get out."

"But you've managed to do this for this long. That's crazy to me."

"And now we're getting married." Chris said

"MARRIED! WHAT?" He yelled.

I burst out laughing.

"Does yo momma know?" He asked Chris. 

"Nah. Not yet."

"When you gonna tell her, because I wanna be there." he said with an amused expression.

"I'll have that conversation with her later. She will only try to talk me out of it. She doesn't know that Chanel and I have been together and I don't feel like dealing with that right now."

Ant shook his head, still processing everything. "She's gonna flip."

"I know." Chris said.

I hadn't even thought about Ms. Joyce. I've never had an issue with her or anything, but I can only imagine how upset she would be if her only son ran off and got married to a woman she didn't even know he was dating. So when she finds out I'll let her have whatever feelings and I'll stay out of it until Chris tells me differently.

"I don't even know what to say. This is a lot to take in. But I'm happy for y'all. Just wish you would've told me sooner, Chris."

Chris nodded, leaning back on the sofa. "I know, man. We just wanted to keep it to ourselves until we were ready."

Ant let out a deep breath, still looking a bit overwhelmed but also relieved. "Alright, I get it. But listen, if you need anything for today, just let me know. I'll handle whatever needs to be done so you two can enjoy your day."

I smiled, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "Thanks, Ant. We appreciate it."

Ant stood up, giving Chris a nod. "Just keep me in the loop from now on, alright? No more surprises like this. I'm your manager. I should know these things so I can prepare."

Chris chuckled. "Can you handle some things for today?"

Ant nodded.

"I'll text you the info." Chris said.

As Ant left the room, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. Chris pulled me close, kissing the top of my head. "See? Everything's gonna be fine."

I nodded, feeling a sense of calm settle over me. "Yeah, I think you're right."

Chris grinned. "Now, let's go get married."

I smiled back, my heart swelling with love and excitement. ".....Okay."

*******

7:00 PM

Within a few hours, I managed to find the perfect outfits for Chris and me. Chris insisted that I choose something for him, saying it was my day, and he wanted to wear something I loved seeing him in. Plus, he was still trying to stay hidden. Being out and about in Vegas would cause so much attention he didn't want right now. I smiled at his sentiment, knowing how much it meant to him to make this day special for both of us.

For Chris, I chose a modern look that suited his style perfectly. He wore a crisp, white button-up shirt that had a relaxed fit. The shirt was slightly oversized, giving him a laid-back yet polished vibe. The subtle details, like the small black buttons and the pocket on the left side, added a touch of flair to the otherwise simple design. I figured he would love it. I picked out black leather pants that brought an edge to his outfit. The pants were not too tight but fitted enough. Very Chris brown-esque. I chose black loafers with a glossy finish and a unique design on the top that added a stylish twist. They were the perfect blend of classy and cool, just like Chris. I just happened to find these bright pink sunglasses. I figured he'd like them. They stood out against the monochromatic outfit, adding a pop of color to it.

For myself, I picked out a delicate white dress that fell a little above my knees. It was a simple yet elegant piece, made from soft chiffon that flowed gracefully with every step I took. The dress had a sweetheart neckline that accentuated my collarbones and a fitted bodice that hugged my waist before flaring out into a gentle A-line skirt. Thin spaghetti straps rested gently on my shoulders, adding a touch of femininity, while the subtle lace detailing along the hem added a romantic feel to the overall look. As I turned to look at myself in the mirror, the fabric swished softly around my legs, and I felt a wave of excitement wash over me. This dress was perfect—elegant yet simple, exactly what I wanted.

Everything else had a relaxed, go-with-the-flow vibe, but I felt the excitement building inside me. The spontaneity of the day added to the thrill; all we had to do was show up and make it official. We didn't have any friends or family there—just Ant, who had gone ahead to the venue to ensure everything was ready before we arrived. It was a small, intimate spot, perfect for a quick ceremony with no distractions.  The famous Little White Chapel.   This was all so last minute, and I wanted to keep things simple and discreet but it was only right to hand it there. It's iconic. I didn't want to draw any unnecessary attention or cause a scene, especially since the minute people realized Chris was there, it would likely turn into a frenzy. The idea of getting in and out quickly was our best option for a day that was meant to be just about us and our love, without any of the usual chaos that followed Chris wherever he went.

The ride over was somewhat quiet, with an unusual stillness settling between us. I couldn't help but wonder if Chris was having second thoughts. This was a monumental step for him, and despite the fact that getting married today was his idea, I didn't want him to feel any pressure to go through with it if he wasn't entirely sure. I stared out the window, watching the city pass by.  What if he was starting to realize the gravity of what we were about to do?

Chris kept his hand firmly on my knee the entire drive, his touch both reassuring and grounding. But I could feel the tension in his grip, and it only made my own nerves worse. I glanced over at him, trying to read his expression, but his face was calm and focused on the road ahead. Still, the silence was growing heavier with each passing moment, and I felt like I needed to break it, to make sure he was truly okay with this.

"Hey." I said softly, placing my hand over his. "Are you sure this is what you want? We don't have to rush into anything if you're having second thoughts."

He turned his head slightly, his eyes meeting mine with a softness that instantly put some of my worries at ease. "I'm not having second thoughts." he replied, giving my knee a gentle squeeze. "I'm just thinking about how much I love you and how ready I am for this."

His words were like a warm embrace, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I smiled, leaning into his touch, feeling a little more certain that everything was going to be just fine.

"Okay..." I said.

"What do you think about moving here?" Chris asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

"To Vegas? I couldn't." I replied, shaking my head. "All my friends and family are in LA."

"You can make new friends here, but all you really need is me," he said with a playful grin.

I chuckled and gave him a light clap on the shoulder. "That's cute." I said sarcastically. "But you know that isn't going to work for me. Why are you always trying to change me?"

"I'm not trying to change you, baby. You know that." he responded, his tone softening. "I just want us to start fresh somewhere new. Somewhere that's just ours."

I sighed, knowing he meant well, but I wasn't ready to leave everything behind. "I get what you're saying, but LA is my home. I can't just pack up and leave everyone I care about."

"I know, I know," he said gently, squeezing my hand. "I just want what's best for us, whatever that looks like. We don't have to decide anything right now."

I nodded, appreciating his understanding. "Let's just take things one step at a time, okay?"

He smiled. "One step at a time. I can do that..............."

He looked like he had something else to say, something he was holding back. I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I wanted to press him, but the guilty look on his face was impossible to ignore.

"But what?" I asked, narrowing my eyes, waiting for him to spill whatever he was hiding.

He laughed lightly, a little sheepish. "I bought a house."

"Oh my god, Chris. Why?"

He shrugged, trying to play it off as casual, but I could see the hint of excitement behind his nonchalant demeanor. "It's something for us to have for ourselves. A place that's just ours. It's brand new... thought it'd be a good idea."

"It's a good idea, but talk to me before you do something like that. Now I have to consider it."

"One step at a time." He said

I nodded my head and looked out of the window. I don't know what I'm gonna do with him.

******

We pulled up to the Little White Chapel. The exterior was simple yet elegant, with freshly painted white walls that gleamed in the afternoon sun. A small, pointed steeple rose above the chapel, topped with a delicate cross that cast a slender shadow on the ground below.

The front of the chapel had a modest porch with white wooden columns that gave it a classic, timeless feel. A pair of double doors, painted a soft shade of blue, stood at the entrance, flanked by flower pots brimming with vibrant blooms. The flowers added a splash of color, making the entrance look warm and inviting. Above the doors, a sign read "Little White Chapel," with delicate lettering that felt almost handwritten, giving it a personal touch.

The windows were arched with stained glass, depicting simple yet beautiful designs that glowed with color in the sunlight. Even from the outside, the chapel radiated a sense of intimacy and serenity, perfect for a small, spontaneous wedding. As we stepped out of the car, I could feel a quiet calm settle over me, knowing that this was the place where we would start the next chapter of our lives together.

Ant met us outside, standing just in front of the chapel's entrance with a relaxed smile on his face. As we approached, he stepped forward.

"Everything's ready for you guys," he said, his voice steady and reassuring. He handed Chris a ring box and one to me as well. "Temporary rings." He said with a smile. "The officiant is inside, and we've got everything set up just like you wanted. Nothing big, just the two of you."

I glanced at Chris, who gave me a reassuring smile, then back to Ant. The reality of what we were about to do was starting to sink in, but knowing that Ant had taken care of everything made me feel a little more at ease.

"Thanks, Ant. " I said, genuinely grateful. "I know this was all last minute, but you really came through for us. Thanks for playing as a wedding planner."

We all shared a laugh, the tension of the moment lightening just a bit. "And don't worry." he added, his expression turning serious for a moment. "I made sure everything is exactly how you wanted—intimate and private. Everyone's signed NDAs, no phones, and all cameras in and around the building are off."

"Good looking out. I wanna be the one to release this info and I plan on doing it my way." Chris said.

Ant gave a small salute and stepped aside, gesturing toward the chapel doors, ready to lead us inside. "Whenever you're ready..." he said, his voice light but full of support.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment mix with excitement and nerves. I glanced at Chris one more time, and with a shared smile, I gave him a nod. We were ready. Ready to take this next step, together.

Chris squeezed my hand gently as we stepped toward the entrance of the chapel. The air was warm, and the world outside seemed to grow quieter as we walked up the steps. I could feel my heartbeat picking up, and as we crossed the threshold, it felt like we were leaving everything else behind—any doubts, any worries. It was just us now, and this moment.

Inside, the chapel was even more charming than I expected. It was intimate, with soft lighting filtering through the stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the polished wooden floors. The white walls gave the room a bright, airy feel, while small bouquets of white roses and lilies lined the simple altar. There were no rows of pews filled with guests—just a few chairs scattered here and there, completely empty except for Ant, who followed us in with a respectful distance.

The officiant stood at the front, an older man with kind eyes, waiting patiently with a warm smile. The only thing I requested is that there were no Elvis impersonators, especially not officiating this ceremony. He looked nice dressed in regular clothing. He didn't ask any questions or make a fuss about the small ceremony. He seemed to understand the significance of the moment without needing to say much.

Chris looked over at me, his eyes soft yet filled with emotion. He gave me that reassuring smile again—the one that told me this was exactly where we were meant to be. "You good?" he asked, his voice low and intimate, like it was meant only for me.

I nodded, unable to suppress the smile that spread across my face. "Yeah. I'm ready."

We walked up to the officiant, and as we stood there together, hand in hand, I couldn't help but think about how surreal this moment felt. There was no elaborate wedding dress, no grand audience, no over-the-top decorations. But somehow, standing here, it felt more real, more meaningful than I ever could have imagined.

The officiant began to speak, his voice calm and steady, but I barely heard him. My mind was entirely focused on Chris—his warmth beside me, the way he held my hand like he never wanted to let go, the way his eyes never left mine. It was like the world had shrunk to just the two of us.

The officiant's voice was warm and calm as he welcomed us. "We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, the joining of two hearts and lives as one. Today, we witness the union of Christopher Brown and Chanel Bowman in marriage, a bond built on love, trust, and the promise of a shared future."

I glanced up at Chris, who gave me one of those reassuring smiles that always made me feel like everything was going to be okay. My heart was racing, not out of fear, but from the sheer magnitude of what we were about to do.

"Chris and Chanel," the officiant continued, "your journey together has brought you to this moment. Marriage is a commitment to life, to the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It's about supporting each other through all of life's challenges and celebrating all its joys together."

I listened intently, feeling every word resonate in my chest. This was really happening.

The officiant turned to Chris first. "Chris, do you take Chanel to be your lawfully wedded wife, to walk beside her, support her, and cherish her for all the days of your life?"

Chris didn't hesitate. "Definitely, I do." he said, his voice strong but soft, just like him. He squeezed my hand, and I couldn't help but smile back at him.

Then the officiant turned to me. "Chanel, do you take Chris to be your lawfully wedded husband, to stand by him, care for him, and share all the moments, big and small, for the rest of your life?"

I felt the lump in my throat, but I managed to keep my voice steady. "I do." I could feel the weight of those two words, but it wasn't a burden—it was everything I had wanted, everything I had been waiting for with him.

"Now, Chris and Chanel," the officiant said, "please exchange rings. These rings symbolize the unbroken circle of love, a love that is freely given, with no beginning and no end. Let them serve as a constant reminder of the promises you've made to each other today."

Chris was first. He took my hand in his, his eyes never leaving mine. I could see the emotions swirling behind his calm exterior, and it made my heart swell. As he slid the ring onto my finger, his hand was steady, but I could tell this meant as much to him as it did to me.

"Chanel," the officiant said, nodding for me to place the ring on Chris's finger. My fingers trembled slightly as I took his hand, but I managed to slide the ring on without fumbling too much. My eyes were locked on his, and for a moment, everything else faded away. It was just us—nothing else mattered.

"Chris and Chanel," the officiant said, his voice warm and full of pride, "by exchanging these rings, you have symbolized your union and commitment to one another. By the authority vested in me by the State of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

I barely had time to process the words before Chris pulled me close, his arms wrapping around me. His lips met mine, and the world seemed to stop for just a moment. It wasn't a kiss full of passion—it was soft, gentle, but so full of meaning. This was the beginning of everything.

When he finally pulled away, the officiant chuckled softly. "Congratulations, you two. Now, go enjoy the rest of your life together."

I couldn't stop smiling. This was it. We were married. The rest of our lives together started now.

*

What did you think about Part 5?