Chapter 18
One Month Later…
Waking up in the warm embrace of a real man would never get old.
It was a vibe, a mood, and a flex all its own, and Promise was grateful to have secured such bountiful life.
The moment she blinked her eyes open, Monroe's gaze settled over her like a blanket of love she'd never grown tired of sleeping beneath.
“How you feelin’ this mornin’, Doll?” Monroe asked, leaning in to kiss her lips.
“I feel so good, baby,” Promise answered, finding a way to move in closer. “What’s on your mind?”
“Just thinkin’ ‘bout how this the last day you gon’ exist in this world wit’out my last name,” he told her, smirking.
Promise giggled. “I can’t wait to be your wife,” she said, combing her fingers through his beard. “Thank you for being who you are, and doing what you do. I still can’t believe this is really happening.”
“Oh, this was always in the plan, Doll. Nigga ain’t never wanted or needed nothin’ in this world bad as you,” Monroe confirmed. “A Don ain’t shit wit’out his Doll.”
“Let me get my ass up before we fuck around and miss our own wedding,” Promise said, laughing, and scooting out of his embrace.
Monroe laughed, knowing every word he spoke was turning her on. “Don’t run now… A nigga just gon’ get that pussy in the shower then.” Monroe got up and chased her in the bathroom, hugging her from behind when they reached the shower door.
“Oh my God, Monroe! We cannot make love before our wedding,” Promise laughed. “We not even supposed to be seeing each other right now.”
“Who said that dumb ass shit?” Monroe asked because Promise had him fucked up.
“Monroe, it's bad luck,” she said, moving out of his embrace. “But, you can get it–”
“Right fuckin’ now,” Monroe stood on business.
“Can’t nothin’ happen or not happen to make this day not be what it’s ‘posed to be for us, Doll. Shit, you already mine. That paper can’t make this love between us more official, and ain’t shit nobody can do to stop our program,” Monroe pulled Promise back into his embrace gently, and kissed her lips.
“Nobody,” he said, boring deep into her eyes.
“Let a nigga get some of that pussy now,” he kissed her neck.
“Then throw that ass back again when we up in the air, and well on our way out the country.”
Four Hours Later…
THE WEDDING
Promise sat inside the bridal suite overlooking the rooftop of the Tribeca penthouse Monroe had purchased in Manhattan.
He wanted to give them the intimate experience they both desired to share with their close family and friends.
The skyline stretched endlessly beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, but none of it compared to the life waiting for her on the other side of the door.
He’d hired the best hairstylist, nail techs, and wedding planners in New York to assist them as they walked into the next chapter as husband and wife.
Looking around at her sister Rae, her mother, her best friend Jazira, and Amor a smile crept up on her face as she remembered her mother’s words from months prior.
“I know love when I see it. That type of love can build you up and make you feel like you're floating on top of the world, but that same love can bring you to your knees," Her mom schooled. "Just make sure you love yourself more. If you do that... no matter what, you'll always be alright."
It was then Promise understood that it was on her knees that she’d fought and won one of the biggest battles her heart had ever experienced.
She’d learned so much from the women sitting in the room with her.
She’d applied every lesson, and every gem that had been dropped, she’d taken it all in stride.
It had helped her endure, taught her how to love unconditionally, and make hard decisions that safeguarded her heart, even when they hurt like hell.
“I love this dress,” Rae told Promise, looking at her white nails that had just been completed.
“Thanks, sissy,” Promise replied with a smile. “The material is so soft. I knew y’all was gone love it.”
“You was shol’ right,” Jazira agreed, looking in the mirror at her hair.
“Mhm, I wanna see this dress,” Ms. Montgomery chimed in as she walked back into the room.
Promise laughed as her nail tech and hairstylist finished at the same time. “I’m about to put it on now,” Promise said, walking over to the floor-to-ceiling mirror to look at her hair.
Pregnancy had blessed her already long hair with nearly eight more inches of growth. She’d chosen to honor Monroe’s request to wear it naturally for him. She’d worn her hair down, the soft crimps complemented her full, soft beat face.
“Come on, Mama. Help me get it on,” Promise invited as the music started, hinting that it was almost that time.
“Oh, my God!” Rae exclaimed.
“Yessss, bestie!” Jazira yelled excitedly.
Amor smiled but didn’t say a word. Instead, she put her hands together as if she was saying a prayer.
And she was, thinking back to the day she recited her vows before God, and the man she loved with every part of her.
She wished things could have gone differently.
She wondered if God still wrote new beginnings for women whose first endings nearly broke them.
While Promise and her mother slipped into the oversized ensuite, the rest of the ladies slid into their shoes, and fell into natural conversation as they waited to see Promise in her wedding gown.
“Amor, what’s up with you, girly?” Rae pressed, checking on her friend. “You’ve been quiet, and more distant than usual.”
“Oh no, I’m good, girl,” Amor lied. “I’m just a little overwhelmed with motherhood, and my job has been extremely demanding lately…but I’m good.”
Rae observed her friend closely. She knew that they had gotten married around the same time, and wanted to be there for her friend if she needed her.
However, Rae knew Amor knew not to push her too hard because when she was ready, she’d open up willingly.
Knowing each other so well was the beauty of their friendship.
“Ok, boo. Just know I’m here when you’re ready to talk,” Rae said, giving her a hug.
“Promiseeeee,” Jazira squealed. “You are breathtaking.”
“So gorgeous,” Rae beamed, proudly. “The most beautiful woman in the room as always, sissy.”
“She gone have that man speechless,” her mother chimed in, smiling. “Lord, both my girls will be married after today.”
“You’re such a beautiful bride, Promise,” Amor genuinely offered. “That dress is everything.”
“Thank you so much for all the compliments, y’all,” Promise replied, facing the mirror with a smile so genuine it made tears form in her eyes.
“You ladies all look beautiful,” the nail tech, Deena said, standing. “I’m gonna head out so I can experience this special day with everyone else.”
“Me too,” the hairstylist, Shae stated, following her sister Deena to the door.
“Thank you both so much for all you’ve done,” Promise said, looking over her shoulder.
“Of course,” they said in unison as they stepped out, closing the door behind themselves.
Tap…Tap…Tap…
“Rae,” Truth spoke on the other side of the door. “Come on, Sweetheart. It’s almost time for us to make our entrance.
Rae smiled. “Here I come, babe,” Rae said, giving her sister a tight hug. “I’ll be out here waiting for you, Missy. Love you.”
“I love you too, sis. I’ll see you in a few minutes,” Promise said as her mother carefully lifted her hair and clasped her necklace.
“That’s our cue too. You good, boo?” Jazira asked.
“I’m good,” Promise assured her. “Thank you so much for being here.”
“I wouldn’t miss this day for nothing in the world, sis. You already know how I’m coming.”
Promise beamed, inwardly thanking God for such a solid circle.
“I love you, Promise,” her mother said, patting dry the tears that brimmed her eyes.
“I pray this next chapter of life is filled with abundance, peace, love, and joy, my baby. That man out there waiting for you loves you like your father loved me. And that type of love is rare in this day,” her mother said, thinking about her late husband.
“Cherish everything y’all build together, and take nothing for granted.
Life is short, so be sure to make every second count.
” She kissed her cheek. “I’ll be out there waiting for you, and Meki is already on the other side of the door waiting for you whenever you’re ready. ”
“I love you, Mom,” Promise returned. “Thank you for always being present. Thank you for understanding me, and always knowing what to say.”
Her mother nodded. “You are me,” she winked, smoothing the train of Promise's dress before walking out of the bridal suite.
Promise slowly turned toward the mirror, blown away by her own reflection. She rested both hands over the gentle curve of her belly and smiled at the mystery of Gods’ handiwork.
"Well..." she whispered. "Today's the day, my baby."
Her baby responded with a tiny kick almost immediately, making her laugh through the emotion.
"I guess that means you’re ready, huh?” Promise asked rhetorically, smoothing slow circles across her stomach with her hands.
"One day we will reflect on this day together. I can’t wait to see your face…
watch you grow, and speak life into you every step of the way.
You may not remember the music, the seventy thousand dendrobium orchids I had shipped from Thailand, or the way your daddy will look at me when I make my entrance...
but I believe you'll always carry the love that fills this room today. "
Her baby kicked again, and Promise smiled wider.
"You already got us wrapped around your little finger. Just wait until you get here." Promise took a slow breath and said. "Thank you, Lord for the life you predestined for us."
“You have given me the best of you. And you have made my dreams come true. Yeah. And after all the things that you have done. Girl, it makes me say that you are more than a woman…”