Session 33

Epilogue

Our reception was quiet, intimate—the way we wanted it. Just us, our closest people, gathered in our new backyard. A few tables were set up under strings of twinkling lights Naomi had hung herself. Silas was in charge of the playlist,and Jonas paid for the food. We had money, but we didn't want extravegant.

Angel had sold her house because she couldn’t stand the memories of Solomon that lingered there like a bad smell. I’d sold mine to finally let go of my parents’ ghost. Together, we’d found a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house that was just right for now. When our family grew—and I hoped it would—we’d upgrade.

Solomon wasn’t a part of this story anymore.

He went to jail after his trial. Turns out Angel and the girl he told us about weren't the only women he’d hurt. Angel the first one who didn’t need his money and demanded justice. She stood up for herself. She stood up for all of them—even when his lawyers tried to tear her apart on the stand, painting her as a gold-digging liar. When it was over and other women came forward, Solomon was sentenced to fifteen years.

I wanted to laugh in his face when the gavel hit, but Angel didn’t celebrate. She didn’t cry. She just... exhaled. She only ever wanted it to be over.

The guest list at our reception was simple. Naomi, Silas, Jonas, both our therapist and a few friends I’d made in AA, and Ekon, who was running around in his tiny suit.

The wedding itself had been earlier that morning—a courthouse ceremony. No long aisles, no packed pews, no grand entrances, no elaborate white dress. Angel wore a simple, cream-colored sundress. Her hair was pinned up, and she carried a small bouquet. It was just us standing there, looking at each other, promising to do better, to be better. Not just for Ekon, but for ourselves.

And now we were being celebrated by the people who’d stuck with us through the messiness, the chaos—people who never gave up on us, even when we almost gave up on each other.

Silas stumbled to the mic, a gin glass tippingin his hand as he swayed a little too much to one side. Sloppy drunk. This, right here, was why he and Charmaine were doomed from the jump. She’d fought like hell to stay sober, and he... didn’t. She mentioned it in a few meetings. Said it hurt when he told her it wouldn’t work out, but honestly, I was sorry they ever met because of me.

“Alright, alright!” Silas slurred, raising his glass.

Angel leaned into my side, already laughing. “This is about to be a disaster,” she whispered.

“You’re not wrong.”

Silas cleared his throat. “First off, let me say... Cassius is my brother. My boy. But Angel...” He paused dramatically, letting the crowd hang on his every word. “If I had met you first...”

Angel groaned, covering her face with both hands.

“I’m just saying!” Silas defended himself, grinning. “She gave me the perfect son, and you know he’s mine because he looks just like me.” He said about my brown eyes, caramel colored son, who had my whole face. He winked at Angel.

I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“But seriously,” he said, his voice softening. “I’ve never seen Cassius this happy before. And that’s because of you, Angel. You bring out something in him—something good. You’re strong, beautiful, and I’m glad you got your happy ending.”

He raised his glass again. “To Angel and Cassius. May y’all love each other through the hard shit, ‘cause Lord knows there’s gonna be some.”

Naomi didn’t even wait for him to finish before snatching the mic from his hand. “Alright, Silas, that’s enough!” she said, shooing him off like he was a fly.

The crowd chuckled as she turned to face us. “I’ll admit, I wasn’t feeling it when y’all first got together,” she began, her gaze bouncing between Angel and me. “Not because I didn’t think you two weren't good for each other. I did. But I was scared. Scared of watching either of you get hurt.”

Angel’s hand found mine under the table, her fingers lacing through mine as Naomi continued.

“But watching you two over this past year...” Naomi’s voice caught slightly, and she took a deep breath before smiling again. “You’ve proven me wrong in the best way. Angel, you’re my best friend. And Cassius... you’re family. I’ve seen you both fight for this, fight for each other, and I’m so damn proud of the love you’ve built.”

She lifted her glass, her eyes glistening. “To Angel and Cassius. Here’s to the trust you’ve earned, the love you’ve built, and the life you’re creating. May it be everything you deserve.”

The rest of the night passed quickly.Ekon passed out halfway through.Silas carried him to the car. He was taking him for two weeks while Angel and I went on our honeymoon.

“You good?” Silas asked, standing by his car, Ekon’s head resting on his shoulder.

“We’re good,” I said, clasping his hand.

He nodded. “Good. I’m gone.”

The house was quiet when we walked in—our house.

Angel kicked off her heels the moment we stepped inside, groaning as she stretched her arms over her head. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this tired,” she said, laughing softly.

I pulled her close, wrapping my arms around her waist. “This is it. We did it,” I said, my voice low.

“This is it,” she echoed, her hand resting over mine.

We didn’t need to say anything else.

I bent down and scooped her up into my arms bridal style. “Put me down,” she laughed as I carried her up the stairs.

I couldn’t help but think about everything it had taken to get here. The mistakes, the pain, the healing—it all led to this.

And for the first time in my life, I wasn’t looking back. Only forward.

The end