When she placed my hand in Roman’s, she said, “Take care of her.”
Roman kissed my cheek. “I got her. Always.”
During vows, Roman smiled that crooked smile. “I don’t usually rhyme, but she started it,” he said, making everybody laugh. Then he got serious. “I been a protector since I was seventeen. That’s all I know. But you taught me how to protect peace, not just people.” He held my hands tight. “I’ve been submerged in loving you since the first clue I ever wrote. I vow to cover you, cherish you, laugh with you, and stand in front of anything that tries to shake you. To the death of me, love.”
I smiled through tears. “You never asked me to be smaller,” I said. “You just asked me to trust you. I will love you and trust you for the rest of my days.” When we kissed, the room erupted.
The reception was warm, loud, and glowing. Candlelight danced across glassware, laughter bounced off the walls, and the DJ was already acting like he had a contract to keep everybody on their feet.
Roman had his arm around me like I would disappear if he moved it away from me.
Reagan and Reece were up front at the sweetheart table, eating like they had been working a full shift all day, which, honestly, they had. Jolani, Elias and Jonay’s little girl, was so pretty. She kept twirling in her flower-girl dress like she was the star of the show as her big brother, EJ, stayed near, monitoring her. Chase and Jacory were posted up with their wives, Shaniya and Daniale, laughing and talking amongst everyone.
Then the DJ’s voice cut in.
“Alright, alright, let’s get into these toasts,” he said. “If you got a drink, hold it up. If you don’t, go get one.”
He grinned. “Before we get too lit, we got somebody special with a few words. Y’all show love for Reece.”
A soft murmur moved through the room. Reece stood slowly, not rushed or nervous. She was regal. Reagan rose with her, straightening Reece’s dress with a quiet nod like,you got this.Roman watched them both with pride written all over his face. Reece stepped to the mic, hands steady, eyes calm.
“Good evening. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Reece. I’m Roman’s little sister, . . . but he’s been mybig brother, my protector, and my safe place for as long as I can remember.”
The room stilled, and Reece glanced at Roman briefly, then back to the crowd.
“This morning at breakfast, Reagan and I asked Big Bro a question. We asked him what love really is.”
Reagan smiled beside her, arms folded, proud.
Reece continued. “He told us that love is consistency. Love is showing up even when nobody claps for you. Love is keeping your word, especially when it would be easier not to.”
A few quiet mm-hmms moved through the room.
“He said love is protecting someone’s peace, not just standing in front of danger. And he said love is choosing one person and never treating that choice like an option.”
Reece continued. “He said love is when you show up, even when it’s hard. Love is when you do what you said you would do every day. Love is when you protect somebody’s peace, not just their body. Love is when you pick a person, and you don’t play with them or about them.”
A hush fell over the room, and Roman swallowed hard.
Reece looked at me then, her expression warm and sure. “Solè, Big Bro said you are the first woman who made him feel like he could rest without letting his guard down. The first person who made him feel safe enough to be soft and still be strong.”
My chest ached.
“He said you didn’t ask him to be less. You just asked him to be real.”
Reagan nodded once. “Facts.”
The room chuckled softly.
Reece smiled, then went on. “I admire Solè because she loves the same way she teaches—with patience, care, and belief. She listens, she shows up, and she makes space for people to grow.”
She paused, letting that land.
“And I admire my brother because he loves with discipline and intention. He always has.”
Reece lifted her glass, her voice steady. “So, on behalf of Reagan and me, we are proud of you both. We are happy you found each other. And we believe in your love because we’ve seen what it looks like when it’s lived out loud.”
Reagan turned back to the mic. “And Solè makes Roman softer. Not weak, just softer . . . He smiles more. I’ve never seen him smile so much in all my life. I’ve never seen a dark-skinned Black man blush the way he does when Solè is around, like . . . ever.”
