“I have never been so afraid in my life . . .” he whispers, voice gruff from years of authoritatively commanding me and everyone else.
“Dad?” I stare up at him, face free of makeup—Ryoichi’s one request. “Spend all the money you’d like,” he said, “but do not mar your face.”I gulp down trepidation. All eyes are about to be on me. “You can’t be afraid.”
“Two times in my life. Well, three. The first was when my only child came into the world, and one of the nurses was passing you to me. You were tiny. I was afraid to crush you with these hands.” He glances down at callused fingers as I chuckle. “The second time was when Essence said she had tickets for us to go to Japan—without explanation.”
My gaze lowers. “Yup.”
“And today, I give you away.”
“Well, it’s a good thing that this isn’t some fly-by-night wedding, Dad.” My Cinderella-puffy dress swishes as I bump him with my hip. “Forget all your fears. Now, c’mon, Dad.”
We step into the sanctuary where lilies, poppies, and hyacinths have transformed the church into the garden of paradise. Pearls drape each pew. A Cord of Three Strands hangs from a large arrangement at the center of the church, which we will braid toward the end of the ceremony.
I feel my heart flutter as the guests rise and turn toward us. But as Dad and I slowly meander through the tiny church, my heart calms, and my chin lifts. Out of a sea of joyful faces, my eyes only see the man God created for me.
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Author’s Note
Please consider writing a review of Ryann and Ryoichi’s story. Thank you for reading. You can also check out Essence and Antonio’s story in Tequila Sunrise.
This is usually the part where I intrigue you to continue reading my books by sharing the title or cover or something about what I’m currently writing . . . or have written with a release day . . . or month . . . or something.
I literally have nothing to share, lol. But keep turning pages for the amazing excerpt from Amaya Black’s book!
Now, for the sucky news. I am not sure I will keep writing more Amarie books. So, I hope that compels you to write a review of how much you loved, hated or sort of liked Ryo and Ryann’s story. However, you may notice Michie . . . who I’ve dangled in various books includingDie For YouandFear None(Michie is a little older when he appears in Fear None, and I would say that the timeframe aligns with this story so def check it out if you haven’t. That story is also BWAM with a Samoan male).
While what I’ve just shared might be considered bad news, I have some good stuff to share. Please visit Devil in her Bed Youtubechannel to watch the film traileralso, consider grabbing that book onKindle or Audible. I made a movie, ya’ll. And it was nothing but God! I appreciate everyone who encouraged the film as well.
Have a blessed day!
Amarie Nicole
P.S.
Turn the page for Chocolate Baklava by Amaya Black
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Chapter12
Chocolate Baklava
Chapter 1
Cin
My Togo purse, the one that I’d wanted for two years and was finally now able to afford had way too much crap in it. The guy at the security desk’s face began to frown when everything toppled over.
“Yes!” I spotted my badge and gave a chuckle before cleaning up my mess.