Yanna nodded, understanding exactly what that meant. As she figured, Kas was now seeing Zahra. “It’s fine, y’all don’t have to make it weird.”
“So we don’t have to worry about you starting a fight at the wedding, right?” Layla joked.
“I’ll never make a promise I can’t keep, but as long as she’s not on that funny stuff, I’ll be on my best behavior.”
Yanna meant what she said. She wouldn’t seek to be petty with Zahra or to make things weird when she finally saw Kas. A part of her healing journey was learning how not to negatively react to every little thing that hurt her feelings or made her uncomfortable. Still, she prayed Zahra wouldn’t give her a reason to relapse on the progress she’d made.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
WEDDING DAY…
“Okay, you guys just keep helping the bride fix her strap, and I’m going to get a few candid shots,” the photographer instructed as the ladies helped Troi get dressed.
They’d already had their hair and makeup done, and it was nearing time for them to head out to the venue. It seemed like the hair products and mix of perfumes were like a toxic scent bomb to Yanna’s nose, and she was doing all she could not to get sick. She made a mental note to google and see how long morning sickness lasted because she didn’t think she could stand it longer.
“Lady bug, are you okay? Do you need to sit down?” Layla asked, noticing that Yanna looked a little queasy.
“Um, yea, maybe just for a second. I think I ate a little too much at breakfast. That mixed with all the different smells is making me nauseous.”
“Okay, yea, take a seat. I’ll make sure you get something to settle your stomach before the ceremony.”
“Don’t make a fuss, Mumma Lay. I’ll be fine.
“I’m always going to make a fuss about my grandbaby lil’ girl.” Layla winked at Yanna before going back over to Troi.
“Are you sure you don’t want to try and eat? A little piece of toast and some ginger ale, maybe?” Janis questioned, sipping from a cup of orange juice. She was surprised the champagne being passed around the room wasn’t affecting her and was glad she came to the suite to witness Troi getting dressed. It had been so long since she’d hung with her sister, daughter, and niece, and she instantly clicked with Layla. So far that morning had been the best time she’d had in years.
“Ma, don’t you start too, seriously, I’m fine. I’ll eat after the ceremony, that way I don’t have to fear throwing up in front of everyone.”
“Okay, let one of us know if you start to feel weak, Jaiyanna.”
“I will.” Yanna smiled, almost not recognizing Janis in such a mother hen mode.
It took them nearly fifteen minutes to get Troi into her dress, and once she was finally zipped, Yanna’s eyes began to tear up. Troi was simply breathtaking. The Pantora gown fit her perfectly--- classy with just the right amount of sex appeal. When they’d gone shopping in New York for her dress, Troi had fallen in love with it immediately. The fit and flare style gown had a mesh illusion with intricate draping and crystal appliques. The top was spaghetti strap, but one strap was made completely of authentic Swarovski crystals and was designed to teasingly hang from her shoulder. Troi had dropped an extra couple thousand dollars to extend her train, and it was exquisite.
“Pooh, look at you, you look so beautiful.” Yanna fanned her face in attempt to not ruin her makeup.
“Oh my God, don’t you start crying because if you cry, I’ll cry, and I can’t mess up my makeup.”
“I can’t help it; my best friend is getting married. What am I going to do without you?”
“The only way you’ll ever be without me is if one of us is no longer breathing.”
“Oh, you won’t even be without me then because I’ll just haunt your ass.” Yanna chuckled through her sniffles.
“Crazy ass girl. Ain’t like you not gone be at the house almost every day anyway,” Layla added.
“Exactly. Onyx knows we’re a package deal, so he’s already prepared himself for a life with you too. He’s got plenty liquor and Tylenol for all the expected headaches.”
“As long as he knows.”
“Okay, we gotta stop this before we all be crying and end up late because we have to get our faces redone. Troi, we have like five minutes, so we need to get that veil on.”
Ready to go, the ladies headed down on the elevator, where they met the rest of Troi’s bridal party. Since they had a little time to spare, the photographer wanted to get a few more pictures of just the ladies. The resort was picturesque, so the grand lobby served as a perfect backdrop. After they were done taking pictures, they all loaded onto the Sprinter en route to the wedding venue.
“Yanna, listen,” Troi stopped Yanna as they were climbing aboard. “When we get to the venue, I need you to do something for me.”
“I’m listening.”
