You trust me now, don’t be afraid,
follow the path that love has laid.
Two little guides will lead the way,
to where I’ve stood here all this day.
Outside, Reagan and Reece waited, hands clasped, faces serious.
“We gotta take you somewhere,” Reagan said.
Reece nodded. “Brubbie said no questions.”
I laughed. “Twinzies . . . Y’all been plotting too?”
Reagan grinned. “We helped.”
At the venue doors, they stopped, and Reece handed me the final envelope.
“Read it,” she whispered.
My hands shook.
Final Clue
I taught you breath, I taught you trust,
now walk to me because you must.
I’m not the fear, I’m not the fall,
I’m where you’re safe—your home, your all.
I been submerged since you let me in.
Come meet me where our forever begins.
As NanNan took my arm, the air shifted, like the building itself understood this was sacred and started making room.
On either side of us, Elias and Ahmad appeared like quiet insurance policies in fitted suits, eyes scanning corners the way protectors did when love was on the line. Elias gave me that familiar, steady look—half big brother, half detective—and opened the path like he was parting a sea.
“You look stunning, sis,” he murmured, voice warm without losing its edge, like he could compliment me and still clock a threat in the same breath.
Ahmad nodded once, respectful and solid, moving with that calm discipline that made you feel covered without feelingcrowded. Mel and NanNan walked close, my gown gathered and gliding behind me like a soft wave, and the two men guided us through the entrance with quiet authority, no fuss or chaos, just a controlled corridor of safety.
And in that moment, it hit me. This wasn’t just a surprise. It was a system, a whole circle of people who had decided my peace deserved protection, my joy deserved witness, and my love deserved a clean, uninterrupted path to its beginning.
The doors opened. Inside, the room opened like a held breath finally released.
Roman stood still as stone, eyes locked on me like he was guarding the entire room, like every aisle and every breath belonged to his protection. Bryce stood beside him.
Chase and Jacory sat together, grinning with their beautiful wives next to them. Jolani scattered petals with the careful focus of a child who understands sacred moments.
Near them, Jonay and Jazz were seated too, posted up like love’s witnesses and peacekeepers, eyes bright and posture calm, present in that way that saidwe’re here, and we’ve got you.
NanNan took my arm. “You ready?” she whispered.
“I’ve been ready,” I said, voice shaking.
