“You ready to do this, man?” his old teammate Branson asked.
Guy cracked a love-struck grin. “Yeah. I’ve been ready since I was twenty-one. I mean, it means more now, and we’re in a better place as a couple, but I’m ready to marry her. She’s fucking perfect.”
“Damn right, she is,” Kitty’s brother Frank chimed in. He was the best man. I was only a little butt-hurt that I didn’t get picked. But I guess I’m not blood-related to the brideanda best friend.
“Can one of you run this gift to her? She told me not to see her until we’re at the altar,” Guy said.
“Isn’t that some made-up shit left over from the 1400s?” Obi asked, lounging in a plush chair.
“I’m not taking any chances. I’ve waited this long to get my girl. I’m not losing her over a stupid superstition.”
“I’ll take it,” I said. I wanted to see Jessie.
“I’ll come with,” Frank said. “I should mess with her hair or something to piss her off.”
Once a big brother, always a big brother, I guess.
“Mel would probably appreciate it if I checked in,” Branson said.
“Lies! You all just want to see your women,” Guy said.
“I guess I could tag along, too,” Obi said, jumping up.
“Traitors! You’re really going to leave me alone on my wedding day?”
“Fine, I’ll stay back,” Branson said.
“Wait, who are you trying to see, Obi?” Guy narrowed his eyes at him.
“No one,” he stammered. “I’m just being helpful.”
“Okay, go,” Guy sent us off. “But everybody hurry back.”
The four of us walked across the courtyard between the brideand groom’s suites. I caught a glimpse of Jessie fussing over the strap of a bridesmaid’s dress through the window, her brow knit in concentration. My beautiful Jessie Girl.
Jessie wasn’t a bridesmaid, but Kitty had asked if she could help out with styling everyone. She was operating as a wedding assistant of sorts as a wedding gift for her and Guy.
I knocked at the door of the bridal suite. “Boys coming in. Cover anything interesting!” I called.
“Come in!”
I opened the door to Kitty standing on a pedestal, Jessie fluffing the train of her dress.
“Lookin’ good, sis,” Frank said, stepping over to give her a hug.
“Aw, Kitty Cat, you look amazing,” I said, truly taken aback by my friend in her finest. My eyes welled. It really was a long road for them, and I felt so thrilled that they were finally getting married. “I can’t believe it’s happening.”
“Michael, no!” Kitty shouted. “You can’t do that shit in here! I just had my makeup finished! This is a no-cry zone!”
“Okay, okay,” I said, swallowing hard. “Well, Stelle wanted me to give you this.”
I handed her the package, then watched her.
“Can I give you a hug?”
“Yeah, Mikey.” Kitty extended her arms and I had to stifle the urge to cry again.
“You just look so pretty and I’m so happy for you. I’ve been rooting for you guys for years,” I said into her shoulder.
