“Oh my goodness, this ring is beautiful,” she said, admiring the three-stone champagne diamond engagement ring as I waited for her to accept it. She nodded excitedly. “Yes!Yes, I’ll marry you, Poppa.”
When I slid that rose-gold band on her finger, I swear everything in my life clicked into place. I felt whole for the first time and knew it was because I’d truly reconnected with my soulmate. Grai tossed her arms around my neck as mine went to her waist. I didn’t care that I was crying. I’d found something most people longed for.
I loosened my grip on Grai, only to slam my lips into hers. She allowed me to slip my tongue into her mouth, and there, we danced to the melody of our love. Our foreheads rested against one another’s before I pulled hers down to kiss it.
The boys slammed into us excitedly. “Is our little sister going to come now?” Loh questioned while bouncing on his toes.
Ever since we asked them how they would feel about having a younger sibling, they hadn’t dropped the idea. We kind of wished we’d never brought it up, but it was cute to see how excited they were. Like me, the boys had already decided they were going to get a little sister from the baby lottery.
Grai gave me a bewildered look. I grinned bashfully. “Yeah, she knows Poppa’s got y’all covered for life. She’ll come when the time is right. It’s safe now.”
Grai giggled with a tilt of her head. “I like how y’all are so convinced it will be a girl.”
I twisted my lips to the side. “That’s because it’s definitely going to be a girl. I can tell.”
“How?” she questioned, resting her chin on my chest.
I shrugged. When I winked at her, she gave me the cutest blush. I kissed the tip of her nose. “That’s for me to know and you to believe in when it happens.”
Chapter 24
Grai
One year later . . .
Today was my wedding day, yet I couldn’t even bring myself to smile—not because I wasn’t excited to be marrying the man of my dreams but because I felt like crap. My head was throbbing, and there was this sinking feeling in my gut that no drop of ginger ale would cure.
Turning on the sink, I splashed water over my face, then took some deep breaths. “You can do this, Grai. You’re getting married today,” I coached myself in the mirror. I hated that I had no control over my body because I’d been waiting for this day all my life.
After handling my hygiene, I stepped into the suite room, which was busy with life. My wedding planner, Justice, stood there, waiting for me. The second she saw me, she pushed me toward the makeup chair, where the artist had been busy setting up. She’d already handled my sisters. Toni was my maid of honor, while Mani served as a matron of honor. That was enough for me.
I waved Toni down while trying to remain still for the makeup artist. “Could you get me a bottle of water?”
She paused what she was doing and turned to me. “Are you okay?”
I nodded. “Yeah, I’m just a little thirsty,” I lied. I was feeling a lot more than that, but I refused to ruin this day.
She came back with the water a minute later. It helped a little, so I closed my eyes and took slow breaths. Eventually, Sanai finished my makeup and allowed me to see her beautiful work. I almost wanted to cry because she’d done an amazing job. I fanned my eyes, trying to keep my tears at bay.
The hairstylist for the day came over next to take down my pin curls. My hair bounced to life in pretty rivulets on my shoulders. She messed with the bang, helping bring my look together seamlessly. When she stepped away, it was time for me to put on my dress. It was a white mermaid gown with African lace for the sleeves and for framing my breasts. The corset shape had me looking snatched. I loved the long lace train as well. It was perfect.
Since I hadn’t successfully gotten pregnant over the last year, I was able to train to fit into my dress. Some days, I was bummed because it seemed like things were so easy with Drey. I didn’t have to try with the boys. Now that I really wanted to give Lyrix a baby, my body wasn’t willing to.
My mother waltzed into the room then, wearing a gold sequin, floor-length gown. When she saw me, her steps slowed. I glanced at her over my shoulder, trying to gauge her mood. We hadn’t been speaking much since that day Poppa blew up on her for what she said. Now look at me, about to marry the man she swore saw my children and me as burdens.
“Wow, you truly are a sight to see, Grai,” she complimented, voice full of emotion. I turned to face her completely as my dress was zipped up to secure me inside.
She reached for my hands, and I allowed her to hold them. “I want to sincerely apologize for the things I’ve said that hurtyou. I’ve always only wanted what was best for you, and I didn’t always express it in the best way. I don’t know how it took me so long to see what you had right in front of you. Lyrix loves you and those boys more than the air he breathes. I am so happy you’ve found the love you deserve.”
Her apology was so unexpected. By the weight I felt lift from my shoulders, I realized it was very needed. The tears I had been trying to hold back began to cascade down my cheeks. I sniffled. “Thank you, Ma. I really needed to hear that.”
“I love you,” she confessed.
“I love you too.” She came closer to fluff my train a little more. Mama Dee rushed into the room next. She was wearing a black evening gown with a deep plunge in the front. Her man, Steven, was her plus one today, so she was glowing. I couldn’t wait to officially meet him. I knew Poppa already had a list of questions, and that was why his mother kept him away for so long.
Her mouth fell open as she admired me. “My sweet, Grai. You have truly blessed my life.” She came over for a hug that I happily offered. She was careful not to get anything on my dress. “Wow, my son is going to cry.”
I gave her a toothless grin. “Me too.” A wave of nausea came over me, making me frown and groan.
