Epilogue
Latia
S ix Months Later...
I had no idea how much joy I would feel just by agreeing to become Rakai’s wife.
I have been rocking Rakai’s ring with twinkles in my eyes and merriment in my heart.
If the effects of saying yes could be measured in my countenance and behavior, the news station could run a docuseries on it.
I have been smiling to the point of pain in my cheeks and facial bones, yet I’m experiencing a high like none I’ve ever known.
“Earth to Latia. What the hell are you doing over there?” Keisha’s voice snaps me out of the dreamlike state I’m in.
“Girl, I’m thinking about my man.”
Grumbles and complaining echo through the receiver, causing me to giggle like a two year old.
“Since you’ve shot down my desire to marry into Rakai’s family, I think you should let me accompany you this weekend. At this point, I’m willing to settle for one of your distant cousins.”
“Wow. Thanks. Too bad it’s past the date for adding in desperate hos with audacity the size of Jupiter.”
“Girl, please. I would love to be a ho, but somewhere between the lame I was with and now, my pussy has lost its elasticity. Nobody talks about what happens when you stop using that muscle. Hell, your next story should be about me... women with desert twats and the men who help them. I’m a case study waiting to happen. ”
Laughter shoots from my mouth, causing me to drop the bathing suit I was folding to add to my suitcase.
“You are a mess, bestie. I hate to laugh and run, but I promised Rakai I would be packed and ready when he came back.”
“Fine. Keep me in mind, though. If one of your?—”
“Bye, boo. I’ll talk to you when I get back.”
Cutting Keisha off is necessary, or I will be tied up with her for another ten to fifteen minutes.
This weekend is my family reunion, so Rakai and I will be driving to South Carolina, and I can’t wait.
The senior Crawfords will be joining us because, like Rakai, my family adores them.
Unlike most couples, Rakai and I opted to have a small, intimate ceremony with just our parents in his backyard.
Then we had an old-fashioned cookout where our families got a chance to celebrate our nuptials.
After that evening, I’m not sure who my family loves more, Rakai or his parents.
My mom and dad made a point to invite the Crawfords to our family reunion, so the four of them are traveling together.
Thanks to a last-minute work thing Rakai had to attend, we will have the luxury of arriving separately.
Our parents left early this morning, before the birds even started chirping, so I’m glad I’m not in a caravan with them.
While the reunion is full of things for the family to embark upon, Rakai and I are staying two additional days for a late honeymoon. It’s going to be a great time.
“Crap.”
Hearing the door close and heavy footsteps climbing the steps, I know time has gotten away from me because Rakai is home.
“You’re not packed yet, mama. What have you been doing?” Rakai walks toward me, gently kissing my lips before giving me an inquisitive stare.
“I would have been if Keisha hadn’t called and distracted me. I’m almost done. Give me five minutes.”
Smirking, Rakai leans in and kisses me again before leaving the room without another word.
Smiling, I quickly fold the bathing suit and place it in the suitcase before moving on to the other items I will need.
While most are of the mindset of “happy wife, happy life,” I’m a wife who also believes in ensuring I do whatever is necessary to keep my husband happy.
Even something minor like this, because I could have been ready to go if I hadn’t been daydreaming and entertaining Keisha.
“Tell me how you found the chocolate kiss and married in less than a year, cuz. You went from showing up at the reunion two years ago to somebody’s wife. I want a hus... band, too.” My cousin, Genesis, smirks after dramatically saying husband , causing me to giggle at her antics.
Most of my family has been coming up to me surprised by my newlywed status, and I completely understand.
“Listen, I met that man at the right time. Our introduction literally saved my life, but his love healed places within me I didn’t know were broken.”
“Okay. Breaking up with your trash-ass ex led to your blessing, so I ain’t mad at you. Your husband is all in from the lingering touches and constant eye contact. Y’all aren’t goals because that man could be stomping a mudhole in you every night. Yet, you give me hope that love is possible.”
My face contorts before I laugh hysterically, taking a couple of minutes to get myself together so I can respond.
“Not you accusing my man of beating my ass while praising our love at the same time. You’re hell, cousin. Trust me. The only thing that man is capable of stomping is his name on my?—”
“Sorry to interrupt, mama.”
Damn, Rakai. Your timing is horrible.
“Touche, cuz.” Genesis winks while fluttering her fingers and walking away.
“My name has been ingrained on your honeypot from the first day I gained access to that melting pot,” Rakai recites, letting me know he heard the last statement I was preparing to make.
“Okay.” Lifting my right hand, I grin while waiting for Rakai to high-five me because I have nothing else to add. The truth will always set a person free.
“This might be inappropriate and everything, but I wanted to let you know that the family has come to a vote about us. Telling them about our marriage has led them to a consensus that the senior members of your family wanted me to communicate with you.”
My nose twists, my face contorts, and my eyes tighten while trying to figure out what Rakai and my marriage have to do with my family.
While I understand that some of them might feel cheated about us not having a traditional wedding, I can’t see how that would lead to anyone voting about our lives.
Tapping from near the front of the room prevents me from verbalizing my questions.
Disconnecting my gaze from Rakai, I see both of our parents standing like statues, seemingly waiting for something I’m unsure of.
Returning my focus to Rakai as a frown slides into place, I ask the lone question that’s playing on repeat, “What’s going on, Rakai?”
My heart rate accelerates, my temple vein pulses wildly, and my stomach flips while I stare intently into Rakai’s humor-filled eyes.
“Don’t shoot the messenger, but they’re waiting for you to agree to us enlarging the family tree. The vote is that we begin planning for an offspring.”
Licking my dry lips, I lean in so only Rakai can hear what I’m about to say. Ignoring the magnetic pull to touch Rakai, I begin speaking.
“I’ve been waiting for you because I’m more than ready to make you somebody’s daddy.”
Straightening to my full height, I smile upon seeing the flash of heat and desire in Rakai’s eyes.
My birth control was stopped shortly after getting engaged, so all I needed was Rakai’s readiness for this phase of our lives.
Wordlessly, Rakai bends and lifts me into his arms bridal style before heading to the exit.
Thunderous applause pierces my ears, and my chest pounds wildly while a lopsided grin graces my lips.
“You ain’t said nothing but a word, mama. I stay ready.”
The End!