38. Dream
Four months later
I stood in the bridal suite, staring at my reflection in the full-length mirror. My custom gown hugged my body perfectly, the lace detailing trailing down my arms and onto the long train behind me. I still had a lot of baby weight that the gym just wasn’t slimming down for me, and I didn’t want cosmetic surgery, so I got the best body shaper money could buy. My ginger curls were swept over one shoulder, shimmering under the light.
The door opened quietly, and my mother stepped in, holding baby Donta in her arms. He was dressed in a miniature black suit with a gold bow tie, his tiny feet kicking softly as she adjusted him on her hip.
“You’re breathtaking,” my mom said, her voice thick with emotion.
I turned toward her, my heart swelling as I looked at Donta. His chubby cheeks and bright eyes made my heart ache with love. “Thank you,” I whispered, smoothing my dress nervously.
Behind her, Mrs. Knight entered, carrying baby Damier Jr. in her arms. He was wrapped in a soft white blanket, his tiny head resting peacefully against her shoulder. She walked over to me, her usual sharp demeanor softened by pride.
“Are you ready, my dear?” she asked, her voice warm yet commanding.
I nodded, my hands trembling slightly. “I think so.”
They left the room, leaving me with Danielle, who would be helping me with the train of my dress.
“You look good, sis-in-law, and I am happy for y'all.” Danielle smiled and then started picking up the bottom of my dress for me.
“Thank you, sis-in-law. I really appreciate that.”
The warm California sun was shining over one of Damier’s Calabasas estates, and the soft breeze carried the scent of roses and jasmine from all the flowers I had at my wedding. The sprawling private property was decorated in white and gold, with flowers and glowing lanterns lining the path to the altar. It was like a scene out of a fairytale, perfectly tailored to our style—elegant, intimate, and extravagant in all the right ways.
Our wedding song started softly as I stepped out of the house, my father appearing at my side. He took my arm, steadying me as I took a deep breath.
The aisle was framed by rows of family and close friends, all dressed elegantly to match the setting of white, black, and gold. Their faces lit up as I appeared, but I barely noticed them. My eyes were locked on Damier.
He stood at the altar, wearing a custom black tuxedo with gold accents. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes held an intensity that made my stomach flip.
Mrs. Knight sat near the front, holding baby Damier Jr. in her lap. My mom was beside her, cradling Donta, who had settled into her arms with a pacifier in his mouth. She also had her other grandson, Darius, in front of her in a stroller, but he was covered. Our mothers looked so proud, their smiles warm and encouraging.
By the time I reached the altar, my heart was pounding. My father kissed my cheek, handing me over to the man who had completely changed my life.
“You’re flawless,” Damier whispered as he took my hand, his eyes scanning me from head to toe.
“And you’re overdressed with all them Cubans around your neck,” I teased back, my lips curving into a smile.
After the preacher prayed over us, we started exchanging vows that were raw, heartfelt, and deeply personal.
I went first because Damier clearly looked nervous. We agreed at the wedding rehearsal that he would go first, but I knew that wasn’t happening. As bold as he was, my man was shy. I looked at him and smiled.
“I never thought I’d find someone who could love me the way you do. Someone who sees every piece of me—the good, the bad, and the broken—and still chooses me every day. You walked into my life when I didn’t even know I needed saving, and you didn’t just pull me out of a bad space—you stood with me, fought for me, and gave me the strength to keep going. You are my protector, my safe place. With you, I’ve learned what it means to love without limits, to trust without fear, and to dream without boundaries. Today, I promise to stand by you, to love you fiercely, and to build a life with you that reflects the strength and beauty of everything we’ve survived. You’re my everything, Damier—forever.”
Damier smirked as he wiped tears from my eyes with his handkerchief.
“I like that, baby. Forever.” He then took a piece of paper from his top pocket and started reading.
“Imani, you are everything I didn’t know I needed. When my world was in chaos, you were my calm. When I couldn’t trust anyone, you gave me a reason to believe. You’ve seen the darkest parts of me, the parts I tried to hide, and instead of running, you stood with me. You’ve given me a reason to change, to fight, and to be better—not just for you but for us. I vow to always protect you, to keep you safe, and to love you with everything I have. I promise to give you the life you deserve and to never let anything or anyone come between us. You’re my peace, my partner, and my home. Today, I give you all of me, forever.”
We exchanged rings, and my wedding band matched the engagement, but it was bigger. Damier’s band was gold and filled with diamonds.
When the officiant pronounced us husband and wife, the applause erupted, but I barely heard it. All I could hear was my heart racing as Damier leaned down to kiss me.
“You’re mine,” he whispered against my lips.
“And you’re mine,” I replied, tears spilling down my cheeks.
$$$$$
The reception was beautiful chaos inside the ballroom of the house. Cameras from the hottest streaming app in LA, Demon TV, captured every moment, from the toasts to the emotional first dance. For the first time, we allowed the world to see our family—our two boys who had changed everything for us.
Baby Donta was a star in his tiny suit, his bright eyes watching everything around him with fascination. My mom passed him to Mrs. Knight, who balanced him and Damier Jr. effortlessly as they both cooed in her lap for a picture.
The cameras captured footage of our family moments, including a pre-recorded segment of us from pictures back when we did the show, us on vacation, and now us playing with the boys at home, showing the love and care that defined our lives.
When it was time for our statement, Damier’s arm wrapped around my waist as we faced the cameras together.
“Since the world wanted another show, this was the best I could do for them. This is our first and last time sharing our lives publicly,” he said firmly, his voice steady and commanding. “We’re happy, we’re blessed, and our love is real. That’s all you need to know.”
I added, “We wanted to share this moment to show that no matter what people think we’ve been through, love conquers all. But after today, we’re reclaiming our privacy. Our family is sacred, and we’re keeping it that way.”
The cameras clicked off, and I exhaled deeply, feeling lighter. This was the closure we needed—the final time we’d let the world in.
$$$$$
Later that evening, the celebration became quieter. The boys had been put to bed, and the guests had started to filter out. I sat on the edge of the bed in our room, peeling off my heels as the weight of the day finally caught up with me.
Damier walked in, still in his tux but with the bow tie undone. He looked at me for a moment before crossing the room and kneeling in front of me.
“You good?” he asked, his voice low.
I nodded, smiling softly. “I’m more than good.”
He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to my knee before resting his hands on my thighs. “You made me the happiest man alive today,” he said.
“And you made me the happiest woman,” I replied, leaning down to kiss him. He suddenly started pulling up my dress. I had taken off the train of my dress, so it was just a midi dress. I giggled as his kisses on my thighs tickled me.
“Wait, you don’t want me to take a shower first? We been outside and dancing all day.”
He looked up at me, his eyes red and glistening from all the weed and liquor he indulged in at the reception.
He laughed. “Please, I know this pussy always clean.” He slid my thong down and started pleasing me with his tongue and French kissing my lower lips. Damier pleased me and then stood up to start taking off his suit. I stood to take off my dress, but he stopped me.
“Nah, you look good in that muthafuckas. Keep it on.” He pulled me close. Before I knew it, Damier had me bent over the end of the bed, and I was moaning his name.
“Damn, this married pussy feels good.” He smacked my ass and then gripped it tightly as he slowly slid in and out of me but digging deep.
We stayed up late, starting our honeymoon early with more drinks and lovemaking.
The next morning, we were on a private jet heading to Bora Bora for our real honeymoon.
For the first time in my life, everything felt complete.