Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 98524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Her eyes grew misty as I took her hands and held them. “I’m so nervous, sis. What if something goes wrong? Or Deke gets cold feet?”
“Please. That man is not getting cold feet,” Tisha said.
“Agreed,” Mama chimed in.
I smiled. “I’m with them. Deke has always been ready for you. The question is, Are you ready to spend forever with him?”
Davina’s mouth twitched as the photographer snapped another picture. Then she nodded and raised her chin. “I am. I’m just . . . ugh. I just can’t believe today is the day.”
I squeezed her hands. “It’s your day.”
“I’ll be right back. Just want to capture some final touches of the groom,” the photographer said, and she ducked off before we could get a word in.
“Oh, if your daddy could see you now.” Mama clasped her hands together. “You’re so beautiful, baby, and today is going to be a good day. You hear me?”
Davina nodded, and a tear slipped down.
“Okay, let’s not do that, please.” I wiped her tear away as carefully as I could. “You’re going to ruin your makeup!”
“I know.” Davina giggled. “And the artist already left.”
“Come here. Let me fix it.” I guided her to the bench in front of the vanity, then reached for my cosmetics bag. She closed her eyes, and I gave her a quick touch-up with a blender brush before saying “There. Just like new. Deke is going to lose it, Vina. I’m telling you.”
“I bet he will.” She looked at herself in the mirror, fingering her tendrils. “I’m . . . I’m so happy. Like, beyond it, really.”
“Aww.” I bent down to hug her but didn’t smoosh my cheek against hers like I normally did.
“Well, let’s get our happy asses out there so we can get in formation,” Tish commanded.
“I swear you are always acting like the assistant, Tish!” I teased.
She thumped me on the arm, and I thumped her back. This went on and on until my mother finally cleared her throat and said, “Girls. Really?”
“She started it,” Tish muttered.
I snorted a laugh.
“All right. Let’s go.” Mama opened the door, and because she was extra, she looked both ways down the hall before nodding and leading the way out, as if she were hired security.
The photographer hustled back our way, as well as the wedding planner, Justine. She was a beautiful biracial woman. Her hair was miraculously still in place, considering how much running around she was doing to make sure everything was in order.
“Ah, there you are. Yes, yes, yes! Beautiful bride. You look so amazing.” Justine flipped her wrist to check her watch. “Just in time. The groom and his men are already lined up, so I’m going to have your gorgeous bridesmaids pair up with them while you stay here, until it’s time for your grand walk.” Justine squealed. Yes, she was a squealer. I suppose she had to be if she wanted to be in this line of work and keep the bride excited.
Deke’s groomsmen were Javier (of course); EJ; another Ravens teammate, named Jacobi Bennet; and Deke’s brother-in-law, Jack. All the men wore ivory suits with burgundy ties and pants.
Every single one of them looked crisp, clean, and handsome.
Especially my man.
Javier smiled at me as he hooked his arm through mine. I couldn’t help smiling back or feeling those damn butterflies again. He looked delectable in a suit.
“Have I told you how sexy you are in that dress?” he asked, his mouth so close to my ear it made my skin hum.
“You have. Several times today, in fact.” I pressed my lips, looking up so I could meet his eyes.
“I just want you to be aware so you can remember why I cannot take my eyes off of you.”
“Don’t be naughty.”
“It is impossible not to be, amor.”
My stomach fluttered again, and I bit back my smile. No, Octavia. You cannot jump this man’s bones at your sister’s wedding.
Music began to play, cutting our conversation short.
Deke and his mother stood before us and began their walk down the aisle. Everyone started quietly cheering for him, and Deke Bishop, being the man he was, soaked it all up with a big grin.
We followed shortly after. Javier held on to me, his chin up and a soft smile gracing his lips. The rest of the wedding party followed suit, lining up on their respective sides at the end of the aisle.
Then it was Aleesa’s turn.
She walked with her flower basket and a bashful smile. She was so adorable in her burgundy dress. She smiled the whole way, tossing flowers in chunks and waving at her dad in between.
Javier waved back a few times, chuckling to himself.
Aleesa reached the end of the aisle, and Cat swooped in to grab her hand and lead her away from the main area. She propped Aleesa in the seat between her and Paola, who gave her granddaughter a squeeze and quick praise.