Chapter 16
SIXTEEN
“Priest!” The concern etched in my mother’s voice was valid. “Where are you? Everyone is waiting.”
The wheels of my Rolls came to a complete stop. Absentmindedly, I’d traveled thirty-five minutes. I didn’t recall a single stop light, stop sign, pedestrian, crosswalk, or yield sign. Yet, I’d made it to my destination. Two hours late and without the same joy the people who’d arrived at the venue before me experienced.
Turmoil.
Darkness.
Dissatisfaction.
Hunger.
Desolation.
Fear.
Pain.
Trouble.
Unrest.
Hell.
Today, I didn’t know peace because my peace was clothed in white preparing to marry the man who wasn’t made for her. The man who wasn’t right for her. The man I’d chosen for her.
“Priest. I asked you a question son. Where are you?”
“It’s her.”
I grabbed the small box from the passenger seat and exited my car. My steps were swift. I covered more ground in ten seconds than I would in two minutes on a normal day.
But this was not a normal day. This was the day my Rose would be walking down the aisle. This was the day she was to begin her new life. The life destined for her. The life that didn’t include much of me.
“I don’t understand, Priest.”
I pushed through the door of the chapel.
“You asked me who she was. The woman I’ve fallen in love with. It’s her.”
“It’s who, son?”
“Rather. It’s Rather.”
Her silence was revealing. So was my presence. There was no way in hell I would stand beside Kofi as he vowed to learn to love the woman who’d been created, especially, for me. I didn’t have to learn to love Rather. I already loved her.
“Oh God, Priest. Where are you?”
All eyes were on me as I pressed through the space reserved for those responsible for making this day possible.
“I’m here, Mother.”
“Here? Here where? I’m coming to find you.”
The ruffling in her background muffled her words, but I still heard her clearly. She was headed for me. I was headed elsewhere. There was only one person I was interested in conversing with and he was behind the door I was standing in front of.
“There’s no need.”
“Priest– What are you going to do, son?”
“Something I should’ve done a long time ago.” I killed the line and shoved the cell in my pocket.
I stepped into the groom’s suite with my eyes trained on the man of the hour.
“Where the fuck you been, nigga?” Killian shouted at me. “We’ve been calling and tex–”
“Lower your voice,” I instructed.
All chatter ceased. Silence replaced the corny jokes and obnoxious laughter of men.
“Nigga, what is the matter with you?” Confusion plagued Killian, but there was no time to explain. Kofi and I needed a minute.
“Give us the room,” I demanded.
No one moved. Everyone stilled, unsure of what was happening or where to go.
“The room!” The bass increased, leaving them without room to wonder anymore.
The heels of their shoes clacked against the floor as everyone filed out. Killian stopped in front of me.
“What is happening right now?” His voice was low, not carrying very far.
“I need the room,” I reminded him.
With a nod he continued out of the door. Finally, Kofi and I were alone. Sweat poured from his face. He was a nervous wreck.
A kid . I concluded.
He wasn’t ready for the role he was stepping into. He still had milk on his tongue.
“You coming to tell me this is all a joke, right? That I don’t actually have to go through with this shit, right?” He chuckled, pacing the floor. “What if she wakes up one day and hates me? Am I stuck in this for the rest of my life for real? Fuck. Did you niggas really think this through?”
“Kofi.”
“I’m going to fuck this up. I can feel it. I don’t trust myself. I’m going to fuck this up and she’s going to hang my balls out to dry.”
“Kofi.”
“And, Hailey,” he scoffed, “She’s cool people. I was actually starting to like her.”
“Kofi.”
“Fuck, bro. This nervous shit normal?”
“KOFI!”
He stopped in his tracks and faced me.
“Why the fuck you not dressed? Where’s your–”
“Kofi. There are things we need to discuss. Things that won’t be easy to say or easy to hear. Things that will alter the course of our relationship. Things that will alter everything. But, I need you to exercise the utmost level of maturity, remain respectful, and think before you speak.”
The pacing started again. He scratched the top of his head, unsure of what was to come, but mentally preparing himself anyway.
“What’s up?”
Because there was no easy way to say what needed to be said, I didn’t hesitate to do so.
“I can’t let you marry her.”
“If it’s me you’re worried about, I’m good, Priest. There’s no backing out of this shit. Trust me, I’ve gone to Pops twelve times in the last ninety days. The answer was the same every time. This is my fate. I’m fine with that. I’ve spent time with her. She’s a good girl, bro. A damn good girl. Everything will be kosher.”
“Kofi, I don’t think you understand what I’m saying.”
“I do.”
“You can’t.”
“Then what are you saying?”
He tensed, halting all movement.
“ I can’t let you marry Rather. This has absolutely nothing to do with your arrangement and everything to do with me.”
“I don’t follow.”
“The woman you’re marrying today, I’m in love with her. And, I’m not talking the kind that fades over time. I’m talking utterly obsessed. I’m talking willing to give up my seat at the head of the table and possibly tarnish the relationship I have with every member in my family.”
“The kind that keeps you up at night. The kind that makes you want her every hour of every day. The kind that is in your soul. The kind that lives deep in your bones. The kind that spreads like cancer. The kind that won’t allow you to stand beside your brother as he vows to love her forever because you already do.”
Kofi said nothing. He simply stared at me in disbelief. And, after a few seconds, a sinful laugh erupted.
“Let me get this straight. The woman you and Pops forcing me to marry, you’re fucking?”
I knew Kofi well enough to know where this conversation was headed, but preparation was key. I’d gone over countless scenarios in my head all day. Nothing he said or did at this moment would stun me.
“Remain respectful.”
His anger was justified, but this wasn’t the case. Kofi wasn’t angry. Kofi’s pride was bruised. So was mine. But, there were no egos here. It was just him and I.
“Remain respectful?”
“You understood what I said, Kofi. There’s no need to question it.”
I joined my hands behind my back, waiting for whatever was about to come from his mouth next.
“But, yet and still, you’re fucking her?”
“Is that the only thing you took from my declaration? I love her. I am in love with her. That’s me. From her head to her toes. She belongs to me.”
“What you mean, brother ?” Kofi chuckled, “I was just in that shit last night. Surely you don’t want that no more.”
His words twisted my insides. The blood drained from my veins and I flatlined. The thought of Rather giving herself to anyone other than me was repulsive. Yet and still, it made me love her no less.
She was stepping into her role. She was doing exactly what she was supposed to. She had every right and so did Kofi. Their actions were completely justified.
“If you were inside of Rather last night then my presence should be no surprise. You know exactly why I’m here.”
His news gutted me like a fucking fish, but it should’ve been the shedding of light on the situation at hand for Kofi. If he knew how she felt, how she smelled, how she tasted, and how she oozed, then my presence shouldn’t have surprised him.
The potency of her pussy was no longer a secret. He’d taken a dive and understood the depths I was willing to go for it. For her .
“And, your temporary residency doesn’t make me want her any less. You see, I’m a man, Kofi. Though your intention was to insult me, telling me you fucked the woman you assumed you’d be marrying doesn’t. I expected you to.”
I stepped closer so there was no confusion. The jab he’d thrown had rolled right off my shoulder.
“Thing is, that’ll be the first and last time you slide up in my shit. That’ll also be the last time you mention it. Because, it’s not my feelings that you’re hurting. It’s your pride.”
“Pride, nigga you wouldn’t know shit about that,” he barked.
His chest grew a full inch in height. He moved closer, completely obliterating the space between us. Because I understood where his head was and how far he was willing to take this, I braced myself for impact. The little switch in his head had been flipped. He no longer viewed me as his brother.
Right now, I was his enemy and that was alright with me as long as he understood I would treat him as such if he got out of line. I’d spared him for two years. His time was coming and if that time happened to be today, then so be it.
“Remain respectful.”
I put some distance between us. His frustration was valid. His feelings were valid. I’d never discredit them.
“You been pressed for pussy your whole fucking life.”
Violation .
His fist crashed into his palm. With each passing second, he was growing angrier. The insults were his defense tactic, but as long as they remained respectful, all was well. I’d let him get his shit off his chest.
“Step back,” I warned, putting more space between us.
“Fuck you, my nigga.”
Violation .
He stepped closer.
“Remain respectful.”
“I never took you for a fraud ass nigga that’ll fuck a bitch behind my back, but I guess it’s like mother like son, huh.”
Violation .
Unlike the others, this one wouldn’t slide.
Remain respectful.
Remain respectful.
Remain respectful.
Simple instructions he couldn’t follow.
“Apple don’t fall far from the tree. Pops was fucking ya moms before his homie got settled under the dirt.”
This time when I stepped back, it wasn’t to gain distance. It was to send a blow straight into Kofi’s shit.
WHAM!
Immediately, my hand curled under his mouth and nose as I bent him forward.
“Don’t bleed on this motherfucking tux, nigga. I’m going to need this up off of you.”
“You ready to go blow for blow with me about a bitch?”
Hearing that word come from his mouth in reference to Rather had my blood boiling, but it wasn’t about her.
I leaned down near his ear, still holding my hand under his bleeding nose. “That’s where you’re wrong, little brother. For one, we’re not going blow for blow. I’m going to beat your ass like I should’ve been doing every time you violated the code over the last six months.”
“And, this isn’t about Rather. I’d never get busy with you about a woman that is mine, been mine, and will always be mine. This is about you. You’re a disrespectful motherfucker and it’s time you learned your fucking lesson. So, take this shit off and let’s get to it, nigga.”
“Get the fuck off me.”
I relieved myself of my duties and grabbed the nearest hand towel.
“Take that shit off.”
I wiped my hand clean of his blood as I watched him unbutton his shirt and toss it on the back of the chair in front of the vanity. I tossed him the towel and allowed him to clean his face.
“I’m not interested in beefing with you, Kofi. But, you will respect me. You’ll respect Rather. And, you damn sure will respect my mother.”
“Fuck Rather. I have no interest in her anyway. I see her as nothing more than an obstacle the family has sat in front of me. I was fine living my life as I chose.”
“You were killing yourself,” I reminded him.
The doors of the groom’s suite burst open. In walked my father, Killian, and Chemistry. At the sight of Kofi, they all looked at me for an explanation.
“What the fuck is going on in here?” My father fumed. “What the hell happened to your face?”
“He violated,” I shared.
My father’s eyes tightened as he looked to Kofi and shook his head.
“Clean yourself up. You’re heading down the aisle in thirty minutes or less. Goddamn, boy.”
“I’m not walking down that aisle, Pops,” Kofi informed him, holding the towel up to his face.
“What the hell you mean you’re not walking down that aisle. Nigga, do you know how much money I spent on this fucking wedding. If I have to drag you down that aisle, you’re getting down it.”
“He won’t be getting married today, Pops,” I co-signed.
“The hell is going on? Priest, explain!”
“Rather is for me.”
“Fo– for you? Nigga, have you lost your goddamn mind?”
“I have, in fact. But, I’m not willing to lose my heart, too. Consider this my resignation. I can’t lead the family by example if I can’t set a good one. I’ve broken a few commandments myself. And, as qualified as I am to run the family’s empire and as much as I love it, I love Rather more. The business doesn’t bring me the peace she brings. The business doesn’t give Princeton what he needs. She does. I can live with my choice to step down. What I can’t live with is the decision to let my brother marry the woman who has had my heart for two whole years.”
“Tw– two years?” Pops drew his head back.
“Two years?” Kofi questioned.
“Another conversation for another day. Today, there’s a chapel full of guests who are expecting a wedding to begin in thirty minutes.”
I faced Chemistry. The look in his eyes told me this was not news to him. He’d known already. That shouldn’t have been news to me, but it still caught me by surprise.
“Chemistry, if I could have your sister’s hand in marriage, I’d like to give the people exactly what they came to see. A wedding between two people who love one another.”
“I don’t give a damn who gets married, son. It had better be some damn body. Too much money has gon–”
“Chemistry–” I urged him.
“Rather’s heart is no playground, Priest,” he began, “I expect you to fulfill the obligations of the arrangement and pay her accordingly. But more than the money she’ll receive, the love she receives better be greater than any love the world has ever known or I will turn over every bead of soil in the world to find you. There won’t be a rock you can hide under and I can’t get to you.”
“You’re not talking to a pussy. My guns shoot like yours.” I reminded him.
With a smile, he nodded, “But your aim isn’t as accurate. You have my blessing.”
I wasted little time stepping to the man I’d wronged and wrapping my arms around his frame. “I’m sorry, but I can’t let this one get away, Kofi. She’s too precious to me.”
He remained silent, but the pat on my back let me know that all would be well, eventually .
“Pops–”
“Go ahead. We’ll deal with this shit later. You niggas done ran my blood pressure through the roof. Where is my wife? Kofi, you didn’t give a damn about the girl, anyway. You haven’t stopped running the city since she got here. Fix your damn face and give your brother that tuxedo. Priest, you and I have unfinished business. You hear?”
“Yes.”
I pushed through the door with my heart on my sleeves. There was only one person I wanted to see. My feet didn’t stop moving until I reached her suite. Despite protests from those near, I entered after a warning knock.
The doors swung open and every mouth in the room hung with surprise. Rather was breathtaking. The picture I had on my lockscreen in the same dress didn’t do her justice.
Her eyes grew in size at the sight of me. Nevertheless, I kept pressing until I was mere inches from her. She froze, unsure of what to say or what to do.
“Sorry to intrude, but I have a very, very important question to ask.”
“Priest, what are you doing here?”
“Claiming what’s mine.”
“I don’t understand,” Rather claimed as she shook her head.
“There’s no time to explain. I have less than thirty minutes to match your fly, though I find that impossible. You’re far too mesmerizing.”
Nervously, she observed the room. Something told me everyone in the room were aware of our connection but the person I shared the same blood with.
“Priest?” Kleigh shrieked.
“I’m sorry, baby girl.”
She rushed toward us, confusion crinkling her pretty face. A single arm halted her stride. The fierceness in the eyes of the woman who’d stopped her was taxing enough for us both.
“Sit down,” she demanded, “Before I sit you down.”
With a tilted head, she patted her thigh. Because I knew where Rather kept her piece, I was sure at least one of Rugger’s was hiding there.
“Rugger!” Rather yelled out.
With a shrug, she folded her arms, “She hasn’t shut up since we met her. My ears are on the brink of bleeding.”
“You–” Rather started, again.
“Rose,” I addressed her, cupping her chin.
“Yes?” She softened.
“This isn’t ideal and I’m fully aware you deserve the grandest gesture, but this is where we are and my presence is all I have to display my love for you today. That and my willingness to give up everything I’m in possession of except your love. You’ve been exactly what I’ve needed over the past three months. Your blessing didn’t end with me.”
“It has become part of Princeton’s weekly routine. Just like me, he looks forward to time with you. What you’ve given me, I’ll spend my life trying to repay you for. In this lifetime and the others I often hear you refer to, I promise to love you, cherish you, protect you, and meet you where you are time and time again.”
“My life was shitty without you. You’ve managed to bring me purpose, peace, and a newfound sense of priority. I’m ready to wake up to you every morning. I’m ready to wrap you in the covers every night. I’m ready to dig into the corny ass Romance novels you love so much. I’m ready for coffee in the morning. I’m ready for countless dates.”
“I’m ready for extra shampoo bottles in the shower. I’m ready for around the clock therapy from the best therapist in the fucking world. I’m ready to run your bath after a long day. I’m ready to build. And, more than anything, I’m ready to give my son the mother he deserves. But, first, I need to know if you’re willing to take a chance on us and meet me at the altar.”
Silently, Rather nodded, trying her hardest to keep her tears from ruining her makeup. She failed miserably.
“Yes.”
I released the breath I’d been holding as she wept, “I was ready the day I met you.”
I practiced self-control and maintained the bit of distance between us. With every fiber in my being, I wanted to comfort her. To kiss her. To take her by the hand and leave everything and everyone behind.
But, instead, I turned and left Rather with the women who cared for her most. My absence would only last for a little while. She’d agreed to meet me at the altar. I’d be damned if I kept her waiting.
Six women stood to the right of me. The seventh of the bridal party was on the piano, polishing the keys with her fingers. The cadence of her rendition of Etta James’, At Last , was flawless.
Rome was gifted beyond words. They all were. Each and every one of the Childers sisters. And, I was blessed to have the chance to join their tribe.
The doors of the chapel opened and there Rather stood. A veil concealed the face I wanted to wake up to a million times or more. Since she descended the steps at The Mansion, I’d secretly waited for this day.
Beside her was the man who’d made it all possible. The Chemist held Rather close as they took the first step simultaneously. My heart expanded. Another step and it widened a bit more.
“Uh Mm.” I cleared my throat, trying my hardest to keep my composure.
At last, my love had come along and she’d made my world a place I no longer wanted to escape. She brought light. She brought love. She brought passion. She brought purpose.
“If this motherfucker put this camera in my face again knowing my shit busted up, I’m shooting everybody in this bitch,” Kofi whispered, causing Killian and I to break character.
I placed a fist over my mouth to conceal the laughter. Killian had already snorted, drawing attention to himself.
“My bad about that, man,”
“You really didn’t have to do him that dirty,” Killian sniggered.
“I’m suing that motherfucker. Watch.”
“You gone sue me?”
“Yeah. And look at this nigga. Ugly ass. Keep getting in my fucking face.”
“Kofi– stop, man.” Killian’s warning made me hate I couldn’t see what was happening behind me.
“Chill. Just be cool, Kofi. I’ll make sure he edits the pictures.”
“I can’t wait until this is over. I’m hitting that nigga in the back of his head.”
“I said be cool.”
With my eyes still trained on Rather, I watched everything around us fade to white. There was a stillness in the midst of movement. This was the calm after the storm. Everything in my world would be fine as long as she next to me.
My peace .
Just short of me, she ceased movement. Slowly, Chem lifted her veil and pulled it over her head.
My Rose .
I’d never understand God’s plan when he created such a flawless creature. As if one wasn’t enough, there were six others just like her. They were as beautiful as they were lethal.
My heart .
Using his thumb, Chem swiped away the fallen tears. The way he loved and cared for her was influential. Before meeting either one of them, I knew exactly how to treat them by the way he cherished them. He’d set the tone for our union and the ones to follow.
She peered at him with so much love and admiration in her eyes. The reciprocation didn’t go unnoticed. He was as fascinated with her as she was with him. Whispers were exchanged. The panged expression on Rather’s face tugged at my heartstrings until finally her smile powered through.
My dear .
I took her by the hand and guided her up the two steps. At the altar, where she’d promised to meet me, we stood.
I love you . She used her hands to express.
I love you, I responded.
All over. Everywhere. So much it hurts.
That kind of pain, the best kind of pain, is the only pain you’ll ever feel, I signed.
This was the woman I’d love for the rest of my life. This was the woman I’d cherish. Grow with. Grow from. Learn from. And hold onto until the end of time. I’d spent two years waiting on this woman, but the wait was finally over. She was here and she was mine .