My mother, standing by the doorway, checked her phone. “Wedding planner says linens are down, centerpieces are lit, and there’s a surprise that was just confirmed.”
“A surprise?” I blinked. “Like what?”
Mikki snorted. “Well, duh, that wouldn’t make it a surprise, right?”
“Shut up!”
???
“A l r i g h tl a d i e s, who is ready to cry?” the lead stylist and makeup artist announced. The chatter died when I stepped from the living room area.
My gown hugged every curve, and my hair was elegant, pulled up with pieces framing my face. Makeup beat. Diamond drop earrings glimmered each time I breathed.
Keema’s hand flew to her mouth. “Sis-in-law, you aredisrespectfullyfine.”
Monae fanned me with a disposable lash wand. “Photographer better catch my angles ‘cause I might faint.”
Mikki’s jaw dropped. “I’m about to cry right now.”
Sia dabbed tears. “No, because… girl, you look like somebody’s rich wife.”
My mother stepped forward in her champagne gown, voice trembling. “You look like a dream, baby.”
“My girl…” My voice cracked.
She took my hands. “I prayed you would know joy, that your heart would be cherished, that you would stand before someone who loves you the way I always prayed.” My bottom lip shook when she said that.
“Donotdo it!” Mikki screeched. “Donotruin that bomb ass makeup, please!”
Laughter lit up the suite. I blinked the tears back and fanned my face with my hand. “Okay. I’m good. I’m good.” I exhaled—steady and sure. I was ready to walk into forever with the crash out of my life.
T h es u i t es m e l l e dlike clipper spray, cologne, and weed. Jeezy’sTrap or Diebumped while my barber finished my lineup. Wock, Antt, and Wayne argued about whose AP danced harder in the light.
“Y’all niggas shut the fuck up,” I said wit’ a laugh. “Somebody better crack open that Moët.” Just then, a quick ass knock came at the door, and Kev went to open it. Rita, the weddin’ planner’s assistant, busted up in the suite wit’ a clipboard and a loudspeaker.
“Limos in thirty! Please be downstairs. Bridesmaids will be in one, and you all will be in another. Keon, the car to take your family to the venue will also be arriving. Don’t be late!” The second she walked out of the suite, everybody broke out laughin’.
“Bro, she takes her job too fuckin’ serious.” Wock shook his head.
My barber pulled the cape from ‘round me, and I admired my fresh ass cut and lineup in the mirror he held up. Rubbin’ my hands together, I licked my lips and nodded. “Shit, itisfuckin’ serious. I’m gettin’ married.”
Twenty minutes later, I was dressed in my tux, lookin’ fresh and smellin’ good as fuck. Red bottoms on my feet, AP on my wrist shinin’, diamonds in my ears gleamin’. I was ready. Me and my niggas snapped a couple pics then spilled into the hallway, laughter echoin’ off hotel art.
As we started down the hall, I veered left toward Granny’s suite and knocked twice. All I heard was “Never Would Have Made It” playin’. A few seconds later, she opened the door wearin’ a pretty cream dress and her good wig and started cryin’.
“Keon,” she sniffled. “You look handsome, boy.” I pulled her in for a hug. “Can’t believe somebody tamed your wild ass. Now, you walk tall and love on that girl forever. Y’all deserve it.”
“Love you, granny,” I told her, kissin’ her cheek. “Your car probably downstairs waitin’ for y’all.” Steppin’ into the suite, I peeped Kassim asleep on the bed in his mini tux, bow tie, and white socks. I clipped the ring pouch to him and kissed his cheek. “Aight, granny. I’m out. You sittin’ front row left. Keep Buck quiet.
As I walked through the door, Uncle Buck came walkin’ down the hall. “I heard that. Shit, I’ma be clappin’ and carryin’on like this is the BET Awards. Shut the fuck up.” Laughin’, I clapped his shoulder and met up wit’ my niggas by the elevators.
We ended up gettin’ downstairs five minutes late, and the women’s limo was already gone. All that was left was our limo and Granny’s Rolls-Royce at the curb. I had to send my ol’ lady to my weddin’ in style wit’ my son and Unc. Me and my niggas climbed into the limo, blunts sparkin’, champagne poppin’.
“To Knuck and Ny,” Wock said, raisin’ his glass, and we all drank.
Then, the driver spoke through the intercom. “The venue is just fifteen minutes away. Please enjoy the ride.”
I leaned back, lettin’ the window down, and closed my eyes for a second. To myself, I said, “Lord, keep a nigga worthy of her love. Amen.”