“That’s not good. I vow to not let you go more than six hours without eating,” he stated seriously.
She giggled. “Is that right? Tell me more about these vows you keep mentioning.”
Gideon put his food down and folded his hands in his lap as he stared straight ahead, deep in thought. She liked that he seemed to be intentional about his words. She waited patiently. She turned her attention toward the cheesesteak and fries.
“I think I might have to add to my vows as I learn you, but here’s a start. I vow to respect you. I vow to honor you. I vow to protect you. I vow to always listen to you and your needs. I vow to never trap you or make you feel like a prisoner. Once we handle this shit with Trick, you’re free to divorce me if you wish, but I vow to always be your friend, no matter what. I vow to giveyou anything you desire within my power. I vow to always run everything that affects you, or us, by you so I can get your input.
“I ain’t ever been married before, but I vow to be the best husband I know how to be. The only example of that I have is Big Henry and Charlene, but I think they were a good example. I picked up a thing or two.”
“They were the best example. You’re really taking this seriously, aren’t you?” Glimmer whispered.
His thick brows pulled in. He looked mean as hell when he made that face, but she wasn’t afraid of him. He was big and intimidating and looked scary, but she had seen too much gentleness from him to ever be afraid.
“Ain’t I supposed to? Marriage ain’t no joke.”
“You’re right, but you don’t have to promise me all those things, you know? We’re doing this as a convenience . . .” As she said the words, her heart pained. She didn’t like the sound of that at all. With Trick, she knew the marriage was as phony as a three-dollar bill. With Gideon, it felt different.
“It doesn’t matter what it’s for. You’re about to be my wife, Glimmer. That means something to me.”
A lump formed in her throat. For some reason, his words hit her right in the heart and made her want to cry. “It means something to me too.”
They gazed into each other’s eyes. Gideon reached over and pushed her silk press out of her face. His thumb ran across her cheek, and he smiled. “We gon’ be just fine, beautiful. Promise that.”
And she believed him. She didn’t know why she felt so secure with Gideon, like nothing bad could happen while he was in her corner, but she sank fully into the feeling, thinking that this marriage wouldn’t be so bad after all.
This was the second time in two days Glimmer stood in front of a mirror dressed in all white, ready to be married. This time, there were no tears. Her swollen eyes had been covered flawlessly with makeup, and she wouldn’t ruin it this time. There were nerves, though, and her ankle hurt, but she sucked it up and stood tall.
She and Gideon had stayed up all night talking. She found it so easy to talk to him. They learned each other’s likes and dislikes. They talked about their childhoods and previous relationships. Glimmer felt like she knew Gideon really well at this point, but to marry him after a crash course felt so . . .rushed.
But so right.
She shook her head and tried to focus, but Deja and Kyomi ran around Gideon’s room like they were on fire.
“Grab her shoes, Ky,” Deja snapped.
“I got them, but you need to put yours on,” Kyomi responded.
Glimmer did her best to ignore them as she continued taking herself in. Once again, she looked like a Black Barbie. This time, she looked a little more classy with a dash of sexy. The sweetheart neckline dipped ever so slightly, showing off a bit of her cleavage. The dress fit her tightly, revealing all her beautiful curves, until it got to her knees and flared out like a mermaid tail.
Kyomi and Deja had surprised her with the dress that morning, and Glimmer had almost been moved to tears. It was exactly the kind of dress she would have picked for herself.
“Just because this wedding might not be traditional, it doesn’t mean we can’t go all out. Wait until you see downstairs,” Kyomi had said.
There was a soft knock on the door, scattering Glimmer’s thoughts.
“Come in,” Deja shouted. “Unless you’re a man! Then get lost!”
Giggling sounded on the other side of the door before it was pushed open. Two women Glimmer had never seen before stood in the entryway. They were beautiful with wide smiles.
“We have a delivery for the bride,” the light-skinned woman with long brown locs said as she grinned at Glimmer. She stepped forward and wrapped Glimmer in a warm hug, surprising her. “I’m Tiki, Deuce’s girl. He’s part of VK.”
“And I’m Ivy,” the caramel-skinned woman with curves for days said with a wave. “Gideon sent us with a gift for you.”
“Thank you,” Glimmer whispered shyly as she took the pretty box wrapped in silver paper.
“Girl, of course, and welcome to the family,” Tiki said.
“Thank you,” Glimmer repeated, not really sure what to say. It had been a while since she felt like she belonged anywhere. The feeling was so overwhelming. Too much was happening all at once, but she kept reminding herself that it was for the safety of her and her family.
