I shook my hands, took a deep breath and glanced at my watch again.
I felt like I’d barely just gotten my nerves under control when it was time for me to walk out but I did it with my head held highand my gaze focused on the side of the arch we’d be standing beneath.
The second I saw Bishop I felt like all my anxiety vanished. He looked fucking amazing. He’d worn an all black suit with a white tie while I’d worn an all white suit with a black tie. The second we were close enough to touch each other, our hands were meeting in front of us and the touch of his skin against mine did wonders for the nervousness I felt knowing how many people were staring at us.
Rook started on que and the first time I gathered the courage to look out at the crowd I was shocked to see Casmi, Nova, Knight, Xavia and Melanie sitting on Bishop’s side of the aisle while King, Brandon and Winnie sat on my side of the aisle right beside Nadira and her husband.
They’d made sure I had family on my side of the wedding.
All of my military friends and their spouses sat on the rows right behind them, rows they’d reserved without me having to ask.
Fuck. I was excited to be a member of this family.
The wedding went down in a blur of tears building up and me focusing to not kiss the man in front of me and when we were announced husband and husband our first married kiss reassured me that I was exactly where I was meant to be.
Cheering engulfed us and Rook jumped up and down and clapped.
“That’s what the fuck I’ms saying!” He hugged both of us and hit us on the back as he released us.
We both laughed.
“Announcing Mr. and Mr. Barron,” Rook’s voice boomed.
Bishop kissed the back of my hand and lifted it.
Our guest stood up as they applauded and the two of us made our way down the aisle.
From there I was sure I blacked out. Bishop’s family, Nadira and her husband each embraced us. Then, I was introduced to musical legends, politicians, professional athletes and people I hoped I never had to see again. We made the rounds before we signed our marriage certificate. Then, we cut the cake and the formal part of the wedding ending and we watched in real time while hot food was rolled out of the house and the dance floor was lit up.
Bishop and I opted out of a first dance just like we’d opted out of public vows so we exchanged a brief kiss and split up.
I hung out with some of my military friends while Bishop played respectability politics with people he claimed worked the underbelly of the city.
I introduced them and Nadira to Bishop’s family and was happy with how they were welcomed with open arms.
My military friends and I had partied hard while we were deployed and not working and it seemed like we just picked up there. I had three drinks before Bishop snuck up behind me and grabbed my hand.
I looked back at him and smiled.
He nudged his head to the side.
“Come on.”
I didn’t think about it or look back at my friends. I let my husband grip my hand and pull me away from our wedding celebration. We headed inside the house, straight up the stairs and to the balcony.
I froze. All of the previous furniture had been removed and a medium small table was set up with candles and flowers in the center and several plates on it, three courses for each of us and a nice large slice of our wedding cake.
“We’re not being one of those couples that focus on the optics of our wedding party and not each other so,” Bishop shrugged.
“Nah. This is cute. I like this.”
“Good.”
He closed the balcony door and we took our seats at the small table. Neither of us wasted time. We both dived into the food and it was even better than I’d thought it would be. We fed each other a piece of cake each and settled into our seats.
“Alright.” Bishop sat up and rubbed his hands on his pants. “I want to make my vow to you right now.”
“Alright.” I sat up too. “Let’s do it.”
