“Thank you, Mom.” I pull her into a hug. And, if I hold for her longer than intended, who cares? After today, I’ll be in a home. One where I won’t see her every day, and the thought still scares me, but I know she’ll be there for me whenever I need her.
“You’re welcome. I’ll see you girls out there.”
Minutes pass before we walk out of my room. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t relieved to be out of those four walls. It was almost claustrophobic. It doesn’t take long before Darcy’s squeal reverberates off the living room walls.
“Surprise,” I yell, happy that I was able to help keep this secret.
Derrick is standing next to Travis and Bryce, with a sobbing Darcy in his arms. The three of them are in simple black tuxes, and wearing turquoise bow ties. They all look so dapper, and I can’t wait to see my man in a few minutes.
“You knew he was coming?” Darcy screeches.
“Well, duh.” Cami shakes her head. “He’s wearing the tux, isn’t he?”
I jab her in the side. “Stop being a jerk. She hasn’t seen him in two weeks, cut the girl some slack.”
“Fine,” she mutters.
Dad walks out of the kitchen, eyes glistening in the sun filtering through the windows. Shit, if he cries, I’m going to lose it. “Is everyone ready?”
A chorus of “yeses” ring through the room. Everyone lines up in the kitchen. Darcy with Derrick, Caroline with Bryce, and Cami with Travis. Layla holds onto to Cami’s hand. I have no idea how she’s going to make it all the way down the aisle, but I have no doubt that it will be the most adorable thing ever. I just hope somebody gets it on video.
Dad comes to stand beside me. “Areyouready?”
I nod, and throw my arms around him. “Yes, Daddy. Thank you for everything. I wouldn’t be the person I am, or standing here today about to marry my soulmate, without your love and guidance.”
“I love you, baby girl. You make your old man proud. I know I was leery of Reaf at first, but I know that he’ll do everything in his power to make you happy.”
“That’s all a girl ever really wants.”
My friends start filing out of the kitchen, and we make our way toward the back door. I glimpse Layla toddling her way behind Cami, smiling and clapping. My heart warms instantly.
“Let’s do this,” Dad whispers. His voice is tight, trying to keep a leash on the tears I know are threatening to fall.
My right foot crosses over the threshold, and I take my first step on my next adventure.
Ten
Reaf
Birds are flittingthrough the air, chirping back and forth to each other. The sun is shining brightly in the sky, and a gentle breeze rustles the leaves of the few trees in the backyard. Me, I'm standing beneath the arch counting down the minutes until my bride joins me.
I thought I was a sweaty, awful mess when I proposed to her, but that was nothing compared to how I feel now. What if she changes her mind? Even though she assured me she would see me at the altar, I can't keep the thought from popping up in my mind. I shouldn't dwell on it, but until we are both standing up here, in front of our families, doubt is going to be there.
Sweat gathers along my hairline and begins rolling down my neck. Our families are sitting in the chairs smiling up at me. We didn't bother separating them today with a bride and groom side, and I'm happy to see everyone mingling and getting along.
My hands keep creeping up, of their own volition, to readjust my bowtie. I have never been one to fidget, but the anticipation is getting the best of me. Mom catches my attention when she lifts up her hand. She mouths "stop" and gives me a reassuring smile.
Somebody, I’m not sure who, begins playing some instrumental song from a bluetooth speaker, and my heart begins racing. It’s time. Darcy and Derrick walk out onto the fabric runner leading from the back door to where I stand. Darcy is absolutely beaming. She must have liked our surprise, and I’m happy that she can be with the one she loves on mine and Tonya’s special day.
Caroline and Bryce are next. He looks like he’d rather be anywhere but here. Caroline whispers something into his ear, and he laughs with a snort. His cheeks redden. It obviously doesn’t take much to make my little brother blush. Now I want to know what she said. Cami and Travis walk out, hand in hand rather than have their arms looped together. They look like they are taking a walk in the park instead of walking down the aisle in a wedding. I have a feeling that was Cami’s doing. She’s such a commitment-phobe. I’m honestly shocked she’s in a relationship.
Sweet little Layla follows behind Cami and Travis. She toddles down the aisle, and when she sees me, she runs as fast as her little legs will allow. “Weaf,” she yells, getting a chuckle from everyone in attendance. She finally makes it to me and I sweep her up in my arms. She grabs my face with both hands and gives me a big kiss on the lips. I love this girl as much as I love her mom. They make my life better, and I can’t imagine a day where I don’t get to see them.
The music changes to the wedding march and our guests stand, waiting for Tonya to make her appearance. She doesn’t immediately step out of the house, and my heart almost beats out of my chest in fear. She’s bailing on me… on us.
Finally, the door opens wider, and my heart stops. Tonya’s arm is looped through her father’s and she is the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen. I mean, she’s beautiful every day. But today… She looks likeroyalty. Her dress is strapless and fitted to show off her figure. One thing is for sure, my girl has curves in all the right places, and I can’t wait to strip her out of her dress when we get home tonight. A full tulle skirt begins at her hips and is so long it brushes the ground. I can see a sliver of her turquoise Converse as she walks down the aisle toward me.
Layla claps excitedly in my arms. “Mama.” She’s reaching for her as they come closer to us. A smile so bright it rivals the sun is plastered on Tonya’s face. I can’t believe I doubted she would walk through that door. She’s my forever, and I’m hers. It’s something I’ve known from the first time I laid eyes on her. She irritated me, yes, but I couldn’t deny the pull I felt toward her. It’s even stronger today.