Chapter 33
W aves crashed softly against the shore as the orchestra played a soft, swelling rendition of “At Last.” The late afternoon sun made everything shimmer, especially Brooklyn’s veil as she glided down the aisle on her father’s arm.
Mark walked slowly, savoring every step. Brooklyn’s hand rested on his forearm, trembling slightly, but her face was calm.
She glanced over at him, flashing a smile. “I’m okay,” she whispered.
“I know. And you’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”
Brooklyn’s eyes filled, but she didn’t cry, not even when she passed the front row and saw the framed picture of her mother placed lovingly on the empty chair. She swallowed the lump in her throat, but she didn’t break. Instead, she blew her mother a kiss, her chin held high.
Mark glanced over at the photo, too, giving it a respectful nod before placing Brooklyn’s hand into Davion’s.
The groom’s eyes were wet.
“Take care of my baby,” Mark murmured.
“I will,” Davion promised.
The ceremony began under a lush arch of pink and white roses. Pastor Bell stood tall in his ivory robes, a warm smile on his face as he guided the couple through their vows. Brooklyn’s voice was steady, though her eyes glistened. Davion’s hand trembled as he slid the ring onto her delicate finger. They both said “I do,” unwavering in their commitment, completely sure for the first time all week. Then they sealed it with a long, joyful kiss that made the crowd erupt in cheers.
Pastor Bell raised his hands. “Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Davion Dixon!”
The cheers went up again as the bride and groom walked up the aisle, their smiles wide and bright.
But Pastor Bell didn’t move.
“In all my years,” he said with a grin, “I’ve never done what I’m about to do. But I’ve learned something in this business—the Lord’s business—and that’s this; when love insists on something, you don’t stand in its way.”
He turned to Mark. “Dr. Bennett. Will you join me up here?”
Mark, already misty-eyed, took his place next to Pastor Bell. The orchestra struck up another tune—“Ribbon in the Sky.” Heads turned and hushed murmurs sounded as everyone wondered what was happening.
Behind Mark, Amari and Sylvan grinned like kids on Christmas, slapping Mark on the back, jumping with excitement. Then, Mark locked in, and all eyes followed his to the back of the aisle.
Sunny.
She sparkled in the rose-gold gown Mark had bought her a few days ago. It was to be her mother-of-the-groom dress, but now, it was her wedding dress.
Her father walked beside her, smiling proudly as guests gasped and whispered amongst themselves.
On the front row, Orion said, “What the fuck is this?” loud enough to be heard. Micah matched his energy, warning, “If you can’t sit here quietly, you can either walk out or get carried out. Your motherfucking choice.”
Five men in the row behind him, Mark’s doctor friends, fidgeted in a way Orion recognized. They were itching for a fight, and Orion was real close to giving them a reason. He decided to cut his losses, jumping to his feet.
Fallon ran behind him as he stormed out, and it didn’t look like anybody was sad to see them go.
Sunny never broke stride. She locked eyes with Mark the whole way, her own eyes glassy, her lips trembling.
Sunny’s father nodded at Mark before taking his seat. Sunny took her place at the altar, across from her handsome groom.
Pastor Bell grinned. “Alright, then. Let’s run it back. We’re ‘bout to do this one more time.”
The guests laughed and cheered, most still confused but loving all the love. Brooklyn and Davion’s bridal party became theirs, bearing witness as Mark and Sunny exchanged simple, heartfelt vows.
When they kissed, the crowd cheered, Brooklyn and Dav being the loudest.
Fairy lights sparkled overhead as guests gathered under the tented reception area. Music played, champagne flowed, and laughter danced in the air like confetti.
Mark and Sunny kept their celebration understated. They’d already had the big wedding and associated hoopla. They made sure the spotlight stayed on Brooklyn and Davion. But even in their quiet joy, they were magnetic, sharing private kisses, hugs, and sweet glances the guests couldn’t get enough of.
Mark leaned over to whisper in his new bride’s ear.
“I’m selling the villa.”
She turned sharply. “Excuse me?”
“I talked to my attorney this morning,” he said. “I’m not liquid enough to buy Sterling out of the practice. This is the only way to pay him off, separate everything, and keep my license.”
Sunny tilted her head in sympathy. “Brooklyn loves this place.”
“I know.” He looked over at the other happy couple. “But sometimes you have to let go of the old to make space for the new.”
Sunny nodded.
“And that’ll give Davion something to work for. He can buy her her own villa one day. He’s her husband.” He leaned closer. “I’m yours.”
She kissed him for what seemed like the hundredth time today, her eyes warm with admiration when she pulled back. “I love you.”
“I know. I love you, too.” He took her hand in his, turning it over to stare at her empty fingers. “By the way, your ring is en route.”
“Already? And here I thought those ten boxes of Louboutins someone delivered earlier were my gift.”
“Nah, that was…” he trailed off. “I heard there are a few broken promises in your past.” He scooted closer. “I mean this with my entire soul, Cici. Ain’t no more broken promises on my watch, I don’t give a fuck who made ‘em. As long as I’m around, you get everything you want.”
She shook her head. “Markez Jovan Bennett.”
“Rome for the honeymoon,” he announced. “I heard you wanted to go.”
She laughed, pulling him into another kiss.
“Ahem.”
They looked up to see Jules gawking at them.
“Ms. Sunny. You are such a bad bitch for snagging Dr. Bennett.”
Sunny laughed. “Thank you. That means a lot coming from you. By the way, Luke is single. I can—“
“Nope,” she said, waving a dismissive hand. “I already have my sights set on somebody else.”
Mark and Sunny followed Jules’ gaze, their eyes landing on Micah.
“Brooklyn did not tell me her uncle is a sports agent. I’m so mad she held out on me. Anyway, congratulations faves!”
As Jules strutted away, Mark turned back to his bride. “I’ll be right back. I need to go warn my brother.”
He ducked into the crowd, weaving his way through handshakes and cheek kisses. His nurses, his admin, his doctor friends, they all lavished him with love. Davion approached him looking a lot less loving, but his words were affirming.
“I’m happy for y’all,” he said. “And just know I expect you to take care of my mother.”
“Yes, sir.”
“She’s been through a lot. She deserves to be happy. Please don’t ever do anything to get in the way of that. Cuz if you do—“
“I got you,” Mark said, pulling him into a hug. Davion relaxed against him, just for a second, then they parted and nodded, all outward signs of affection under control.
Mark continued on his mission, but before he could reach Micah, Sterling stepped into his path.
“Congratulations,” he said, sticking out his hand.
Mark eyed it for a few moments before obliging his soon-to-be ex-partner.
“I’m buying you out,” he said with no fanfare. “You drop your case, I’ll drop mine.”
Sterling nodded. “That’s fair.”
“And this will be our last one-on-one communication. Everything goes through the lawyers from now on.”
“End of the road, huh?” Sterling shook his head. “I hate to lose your friendship, too.”
But Mark was already walking away. “Next time, be a real friend.”
Back at the head table, Brooklyn reached over and squeezed Sunny’s hand.
“I’m happy for you,” she said. “Truly.”
“I feel the same about you,” Sunny said, her voice soft. “Take care of my son.”
“Yes, ma’am. Take care of my daddy.”
Sunny blinked quickly, her emotions rising again.
“Brook…when I look at you, I see a daughter now. In whatever way you want to be that to me,” she said, wiping a tear from her cheek. “I’m not here to replace your mother, but I will love you like one. If you want me to.”
Brooklyn’s eyes filled as she reached over to hug Sunny. They held each other, crying happy tears, until the DJ got going, starting them off right with the Wobble.
“Come on,” Brooklyn said, tugging her to her feet. “Let’s dance.”
Tigra was already barefoot on the dance floor. Brooklyn and Sunny joined her as the rest of the bridesmaids trickled in. Davion and the guys refused to be left out, joining the ladies, laughing and shouting.
Vince slid in behind Tigra. Amari attached himself to Carmen. Mark found Sunny in the crowd and pulled her into his arms. Even the grandparents got their two-steps in. Daisy was still in work mode, but she managed to wiggle a little as she oversaw the festivities.
Sylvan stood at the edge of the dance floor, content to watch the fun. When he locked eyes with his new stepfather, Mark raised his eyebrows. Sylvan replied with a nod, resolved now to keep his promise to his mother.
They all danced well into the evening before seeing the younger couple off as they left in the rented Rolls Royce, headed for the Maldives.
The seasoned couple…well, the villa was a little too crowded, so Mark charted another yacht and took his bride out into the Atlantic where he could do what he wanted as the fireworks exploded above them—and nobody could hear her scream.
The End