Chapter 18 #3
“There was never a doubt in my mind that one day you was gon’ be my wife, but I also knew that it was gon’ take our minds a little longer to catch up with what our hearts already knew.
The day I met you three years ago was the best day of my life, and lovin’ you has been an experience I’ll die protecting.
Shit, now that I know what it is to be wit’ a woman like you…
choosing anything else would be me cheatin’ myself, and we both know I ain’t never gone do that,” Monroe chuckled.
“I don’ searched for a lot of things in this life, but one thing you taught me was that a promise is a promise.
I’on’t think I ever heard God’s voice, but when he put us together He allowed me to understand how important divine alignment really is.
” Monroe paused, and pressed his hand lightly on Promise’s belly.
“You all in my head, Doll. All in a nigga heart to a point where I can’t even fathom a life that don’t include me wakin’ up to you every mornin’, and coming home to you every night.
Before you... surviving was enough, but you taught me there was a difference between surviving and living.
I’m a better man when I’m wit’chu. You being pregnant wit’ my son ain’t what confirmed my love or decision to make you my wife.
The way you love a nigga…how you make me feel…
Your aura and the peace you bring to my life is top-tier.
You make my heart feel safe trusting you.
I vow to love and protect you always. I vow to put our family first, and you’ll never have to wonder where I stand.
I vow to grow wit’chu, and always be the man I’m supposed to be for you and our children. ”
Monroe concluded, handing the mic to Pastor Percell, then sliding Promise’s wedding band on her finger after retrieving it from Truth.
“By the power vested in me by the State of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Pastor Percell announced.
“Kiss your –” Pastor Percell chuckled because before he could conclude his statement, Monroe had already pulled Promise in for a passionate kiss.
“I now present Monroe and Promise Black!” He confirmed as Monroe and Promise turned to face their family and friends.
Jagged Edge’s I Don’t Wanna, oozed through the speakers next as everyone rose to their feet to greet the newlyweds.
Everyone except Sienna. Promise hadn’t noticed because she was so consumed with the love surrounding them, but Monroe had caught a glimpse of Sienna’s tear-filled eyes as she stood and quietly slipped away from the rooftop experience after Monae had obviously chosen to stay for the reception.
It had been duly noted, but Monroe couldn’t carry the weight of it.
The reception unfolded in a beautiful blur of photos, good music, champagne, laughs, unforgettable moments that they’d live to talk about years down the line.
Hours later, after most of the formalities had ended, the night had softened around them, and the opening notes of Alicia Keys’ Like You’ll Never See Me Again drifted through the rooftop speakers as Monroe and Promise shared their first dance.
“I love you, Mrs. Black,” Monroe said, pressing his forehead to hers.
“Say it again,” Promise said, smiling, loving the sound of her new name.
Monroe chuckled. “I love you, Mrs. Black,” he repeated, this time pulling her closer, sealing it with a kiss.
Promise rested one hand against his shoulder while his palm rested lovingly at the small of her back.
They swayed slowly beneath the moonlight, surrounded by thousands of white orchids, and the people they’d go to war behind, and that would do the same for them without hesitation.
For a minute, neither of them spoke, they didn’t need to.
Monroe held a deep appreciation for his wife when he looked into her eyes. She had taught him that peace wasn't weakness, and love wasn't something a man like him had to live without. Everything around them gradually faded until it felt like they were the only two people left in the world.
"We’re really married, baby. We made it to the finish line," Promise said.
Monroe pressed his lips softly against hers again. "Nah…We just gettin' started, Doll."
"Excuse me," Monae said politely.
Promise and Monroe turned at the sound of Monae’s voice.
Monae stood beside them wearing a shy smile, her hands folded in front of her dress. “Can I cut in?” She asked innocently.
Monroe looked down at his daughter, then back at his wife, and something warm passed between them without either of them having to explain it.
“Of course you can,” Promise answered, stepping aside.
Monae moved into her father’s arms, resting her head against his chest as he and his firstborn shared their first dance.
Promise walked over to the DJ and requested that Anthony Hamilton’s Best Of Me be played.
She remained close, watching them with tears gathering in her eyes.
She had never wanted to replace what belonged to Monae and Sienna.
She only wanted to add love where there was room for it.
After a few quiet moments, Monae lifted her head and extended one hand toward Promise. “You don’t have to stand over there, Mrs. Missy.”
Promise’s heart folded beneath the tenderness of her words as she accepted Monae’s hand and stepped back into Monroe’s embrace. His arm wrapped securely around his wife while the other remained around his daughter, pulling them both close as they swayed together beneath the Manhattan sky.
Monroe lifted his gaze to the sky, acknowledging and thanking God for all he was doing in his life.
He didn’t understand what he’d done to deserve it, but for him, this is what grace looked like.
Monae was the blessing he had never expected, or known to pray for.
The child Promise carried would soon make their family complete.
There was a time when Monroe believed an empire was the greatest thing a man could build, but as he stood there with his wife and daughter held securely against him, he understood that he had been wrong.
His legacy was. His home was.