Q Jr., his parents and Peri all arrive at the wedding venue, which is located on the beach. Alice makes sure that everything is set up, while Q Jr. sits with his father and Peri nervously waiting for everything to begin. Suddenly a very colorful individual passes them…
Quincy Jr.: Who’s that?
Quincy Sr.: I believe that’s the photographer that your mother hired.
Michelle’s boyfriend Tamati arrives and introduces himself to Q and his father. Q Jr. appreciates the distraction. It helps to calm his nerves. Peri stands there waiting for a chance to sit down and play in the sand, despite her granny’s warning earlier that she shouldn’t get her dress dirty.
The catered food is set up and the bar is being tended, so Alice makes her way over to sit with the rest of the family. The violinist entertains them with a few selections as they chat quietly waiting for Alida to arrive.
It’s almost time for the ceremony. Q Jr. makes his way to the wedding arch as Michelle and Alida finally arrive at the beach. Michelle walks over to take her seat, drawing the attention of the photographer.
Photographer: Oh wow! It’s you…Michelle Blu! I love your work.
Michelle: Thank you!
After acknowledging her fan, Michelle sits down next to Tamati.
The violinist begins to play a version of If I Ain’t Got You and I step out. I want to be happy, but a dark cloud is following me now that I know that Mama Nadine is no longer with us. I do my best to hold back the tears as I make my way to my husband to be.
Being near Q helps as he senses that something isn’t right.
Quincy Jr.: Is everything okay, ma?
Alida: I – I just found out that Mama Nadine has passed away.
He pulls me into his arms…
Quincy Jr.: *mournful* I’m so sorry…
Q and I have decided not to try and come up with our own vows. I appreciate that right about now because there’s no way I would have remembered what I was supposed to say with the news of Mama Nadine on my mind. We go with carefully chosen, prewritten, modern vows (source)…
Quincy Jr.: I promise to give you the best of myself. I promise to trust and respect you as your own person and to realize that your interests, desires and needs are no less important than my own…
Alida: I promise to keep myself open to you, encourage your dreams and help shoulder our challenges…
Quincy and Alida: *together* I promise to love you in good times and bad – completely and forever.
We then exchange rings and kiss as a newly wedded couple.
Knowing that Q is now my husband and that Mama Nadine played a part in making that happen finally allows a smile to come through. With him by my side, I know that I’ll get through my pain.
The violinist plays another selection…At Last, one of Mama Nadine’s favorites, as Q and I kiss once again.
After our wedding pictures have been taken…Q and I go to the bar area to cut the cake and feed each other the first bite. So far, this day has been amazing…and I appreciate Alice for pulling the whole thing together at the last minute.
(Generation 1a Chapter Summaries)
