Chapter Ten
Crown’s money ran long, making it possible to pull off the best of the best. That’s why the reception was held at one of the priciest venues in Satin Hills, perched high above the city with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased the skyline.
Mauve and black floral arrangements adorned tables lined with flickering candles and sparkling crystal glassware, while soft lighting danced across the marble floors. With everything so meticulously arranged, one would hardly guess it took the company just a couple weeks to pull it all together.
A live band played smooth R he often dressed up for his career. But Danger never dared to dress up. The most you'd catch him in was Jays and a fitted cap when it came to switching his style up. Boots and vests were his lifeline.
“Shit, look at you. Pops would be proud as fuck. He might’ve clowned us for these tuxes, but he definitely would’ve been proud you got married.”
Crown chuckled, recalling their father dressed in a vest and denim when he married Kerri. “Sounds about right. All he ever preached about was Knights and us finding a good woman.”
“Hell yeah, you did that.” Danger boasted.
“I hear you might’ve, too.” Crown nodded toward Caresha across the room.
Smirking, Danger glanced in her direction. “Yeah, I think so.”
Not too far away, Kerri had had enough. As soon as the photographer moved on through the venue, she pried Nyla out of Nivéa’s arms, kissing her cheek and showering her with affection.
Nyla looked utterly adorable to her in her mauve-colored onesie, complete with a matching ruffled tutu and a large bow headband.
“Aw, just look at my girls. You both look beautiful.” She complimented.
“Thank you. So do you. You look absolutely stunning.” Nivéa smiled, studying her. “Yet you about to let her butt mess that dress up, spitting up all over it. You couldn’t wait to hold her.”
They shared a laugh.
“Well, you know I’ve been waiting for y’all to show up.” Kerri replied, still gazing down at Nyla. “Her, just a little more.”
“Don’t I know it. Ain’t nothing wrong with that. I adore how you love on her.”
Kerri nodded, her emotions heavy as she glanced at Crown, who was nodding and smiling at something Danger had said. Then she reached out and took Nivéa’s hand, finally speaking what had been on her heart.
“Thank you for coming into my son’s life and being his light.” She said.
Nivéa’s heart swelled in her chest. Overcome with emotion herself, she couldn’t find the words to reply, so she simply listened.
“Ahmad has been hard for a very long time, Nivéa. After his father passed, it’s like it got worse. He carries the family and legacy on his back. Even as his mother, I couldn’t always reach him anymore.
But then you came along, and you brought life into that man. I can see the happiness all over him. He smiles more. He finally looks like he’s breathing, girl.”
A true Cancer, emotion climbed into Nivéa’s throat instantly. It didn’t help that she was pregnant, either.
“Thank you so much, mama.” The word slipped out effortlessly. There was no more “Mrs. Knight” on her end; she felt completely comfortable.
“And I want you to know he’s my light as well. I love your son so much. I’m so grateful for the man you raised him to be. Hell, I’m so grateful for all of you. How you all took me and my baby in. I needed it more than I realized. You and your son make my days easier…brighter. I love you.”
“Shit, not you messing up my gotdamn makeup,” Kerri fussed, batting the tears away as they laughed.