I was nervous about the big day. I hoped everything would be perfect and run smoothly. My hair was done, my dress was on. I was in the extra room Cane let me call mine, sitting in front of the vanity, my heart pounding.
The sun was out that fall Saturday, the leaves on the trees in many shades of yellow, orange, and rustic brown.
I stood from the chair and looked into the mirror, running my hands over the creamy dress. It was exactly what I wanted, and fit me just right. I decided to go with an embroidered, spaghetti-strapped dress, made of a mixture of chiffon and satin. It was simple, and if anyone knew anything about me, they knew the simple things were usually my favorite things.
A knock sounded on the door, and I looked back. Lora popped her head in with a big smile. Her cotton-candy pink hair was braided into a crown and her makeup was absolutely flawless. I’d never seen her wear much makeup, but it was a natural glam, and she looked spectacular.
“You ready, munchkin?” she asked, sliding through the crack of the door and closing it. Even her dress was pretty—a simple, mid-sleeve gold dress, the bottom half made of tulle.
“I think so,” I breathed, running my slick palms down the front of my dress. “Do I look okay?”
She blinked rapidly, her thick lashes batting. “Kandy…you look like a fucking goddess. I mean—” she scoffed, “you are stunning, babe. Q is going to flip, and by flip, I mean he’s going to be drooling all down those lush tits of yours tonight.” She walked my way, and I laughed, turning to look in the mirror again.
“Are there already a lot of people here?” I asked as she fixed the loose tendrils of my hair. It was in an updo, and styled with a tiara made of pearls and real diamonds, while two strands dangled in front of my face. Lora had hired a hair stylist and a makeup artist for me, and they came this morning and made me up like a princess.
“Oh, yeah. I think everyone you guys invited is here. Rich people are prompt motherfuckers.”
“My parents too?”
Just as I asked, there was another knock on the door. Lora went to open it, peeking out first before letting the person in. Mom sashayed into the room with a big smile, Chance in her arms. Frankie followed in behind her, gawking as soon as she saw me. When Chance spotted me, he grinned and reached for me with a tiny grunt, but Mom held onto him a little tighter.
“Oh, no, little man,” Lora said, scooping Chance up in her arms. “Can’t ruin your mama’s dress! She’s gotta be pretty all day, and we don’t need baby vomit all over her!”
While Lora taunted and teased Chance, Mama focused on me. As she looked me over, her eyes shimmered. “Oh, honey.” She pressed a hand to her mouth, fighting tears. “You look so beautiful. Like an angel.”
I bit back my tears as she came toward me, giving me a tight squeeze. “Thank you,” I murmured over her shoulder. Lora smiled at us in her corner briefly before looking at Chance and pushing his hair back.
“Seriously, though, K.J. I’m digging this dress, hard. I mean, when you sent me the picture when you tried it on, I knew it was the one, but now that I see it in person…yeah, this really is the one!”
I couldn’t fight my smile. “It’s pretty comfortable too, surprisingly.” I looked at Chance as he looked at me. He wanted me to hold him so badly. “Aww, look at him in his little tux!” I cooed. I reached for him but Lora held up a hand.
“Kandy, no. This little boy just had a bottle, which means he can blow at any time. He can’t hold a thing down, and you know it!”
“I just want to hug him!” I laughed, and she gave me a momentary look of defeat before letting me grab him.
“Fine.”
I kissed Chance on the nose, then pressed my forehead to his as he made tiny noises. When I gave him a little squeeze, he let out a tiny grunt and frowned. Mom and Frankie laughed.
“Stubborn like his mother, I see,” Mom teased with a laugh.
“He’s just like her,” Frankie added.
Lora quickly took Chance from me and handed him back to Mom. “Okay, you can hug him more later. The wedding is about to start, ladies. Mrs. Jennings, I’m assuming you and my mom are on baby duty?”
“Yes, we are. We’ve got you, right, chunky-lumpkins?” Mom was baby-talking to him, and of course Chance got a kick out of it, grinning and kicking. He always did.
“And Mr. Jennings is still at the bottom of the staircase waiting for the bride?” Lora asked.