Chapter 1 #4
“I didn’t come here with anything written,” she said softly.
“Not because I didn’t think about this moment, but because what I feel for you never needed rehearsal.
” A small smile touched her lips. “Life has taught me a few lessons about love. I’ve learned that love isn’t always loud, and rarely perfect.
But, our love has proven to be steady, abundant, patient, and so transparent it met us where we were…
asking for nothing more than honesty.” Her eyes held his, unwavering as she continued.
“With you, I don’t feel rushed. I don’t feel small.
And, I never feel like I have to prove anything.
I feel safe being exactly who I am, and strong as I stand beside you.
” Amina inhaled slowly. “I promise you peace when the world gets noisy. Grace when life happens, and your imperfections shine past your best qualities. I promise to walk with you, not behind, or ahead of you. I promise to choose us forevermore,” she assured.
“I love you, Power. I’m grateful for your presence in my life, and the way you unselfishly love me with no reservations.
” She slid the custom band she had for Power on his finger as they owed the moment that solidified the rest of their lives together.
Pastor Jones’ words faded in the background.
Monroe had been the best man in both Syn and Tru’s wedding, but this moment carried something different in the air as he stood with Power.
Transparent in a way that couldn’t be rehearsed.
Vulnerability lingered. Love moved freely.
It was seldom that people got to experience the existence of all three at once, but it was undeniable in the moment.
Many people believed a picture was worth a million words, but one glance into Promise’s pretty brown eyes was worth forever.
They felt each other’s thoughts, and even with a short distance between them, their hearts beat as one.
“Mr. and Mrs. Miller, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Pastor Jones announced with joy, as everyone cheered and smiled as they looked on in awe.
Mary J. Blige’s Everything pulsed through the air as Power and Amina turned to face their friends and family. Joy followed them in waves as hugs, laughter, and gratitude was exchanged freely as they greeted each person who came to witness the first day of their forever.
“Congratulations, Pops!” Truth excitedly stated, slapping hands with his father, before embracing him like a brother.
“Already, son,” Power returned, flashing a million-dollar smile that came easy.
Truth turned to Amina. “‘Preciate you makin’ my Pop’s happy, Mrs. Amina. I’m happy for y’all,” Truth said, giving her a hug.
“Awe. Thank you, Tru,” Mrs. Amina replied warmly, embracing him.
“What’s good, sis?” Tru asked as Amor walked up. “It’s good to see you again.”
“Hey, bro,” Amor replied with a smile, hugging him.
“You look so pretty, Sunset,” her mother, Mrs. Amina proudly complimented. “How was your trip?”
“It was good, mommy,” Amor replied, hugging her mother, then turned to Power. “Congratulations, Mr. Miller.”
“Thanks, Amor,” Power said, giving her a fatherly hug.
“Where’s my grandbaby?” Mrs Amina asked, looking around.
“She’s over there getting something to eat with TJ,” Amor said, glancing in their direction.
Despite the storm she had to weather after she and Syncere's divorce, the kids were innocent, and their relationship remained unscathed. Aaleya and TJ had become best friends, and talked almost every day.
Truth’s phone buzzed, stealing his attention momentarily as Amor continued to talk to Power and her mother. When he glanced down and saw Syn’s name stretched across the screen, a slow grin pulled at his mouth. This nigga must’ve smelled Amor’s ass close to me, he thought.
“My nigga!” Truth answered, placing his phone on speaker.
“What’s good, fam?” Syn’s voice came through. How was the wedding?” Syn asked.
“It was good,” Truth confirmed. “The reception just started.”
“That’s what I like to hear. Tell Moms’ and Pop’s I said congratulations,” Syn replied.
“They hear you,” Truth said, looking at Amor.
“What’s good, son?” Power greeted.
“You know me, Pop’s. I’m just takin’ one day at a time,” Syn answered.
“I respect that–”
“Hey, Syncere,” Mrs. Amina cut in. “I wish you were here to share this moment with us.”
“I’ma make it up to y’all when I get out. That’s my word,” Syn promised with no hesitation.
“Mhm,” Amina replied with a knowing smile. “You know I’ma hold you to it.”
“Where my wife at?” Syn casually inquired, referencing Amor.
Everyone laughed except Amor.
Truth handed Amor his phone, and everyone walked away to give them some privacy, even though they were divorced.
No one corrected Syn. There was no need.
He didn’t give a damn about that paper. In his mind, Amor would forever be his wife, and there was no paper that would ever be powerful enough to determine his love.
Lil’ Baby’s Mrs. Trendsetter played, and all eyes settled on Monroe and Promise as they slipped into their own element– not giving a damn who watched.
They weren’t the couple of the hour, but they were at the same time.
It was normal for people to dance at receptions, but Monroe dancing was another story.
There was only one woman who was ever able to bring that side of him to surface; and when she died, so did that side of Monroe.
Rae beamed as she watched her sister from the sidelines because if anyone deserved this moment, Promise did.
They were sisters, and no one knew her story better than God, Rae, and their mother.
Time had a way of bringing life full circle, and by the grace of God, people reaped the good that was purposed for them from the beginning of time.
Good things came to those who waited patiently for their time, and God, time, and life was doing a damn good job of proving that despite the odds stacked against them.