She reached out and held my hand while she held the mic.
“And, Roman, I’m not worried about you. I know you gonna keep doing right by her.”
Roman nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
NanNan smiled, satisfied. “I like you, boy. Don’t make me change my mind.”
Roman cracked a grin. “I wouldn’t dare.”
The crowd laughed through tears.
NanNan finished, voice soft again. “I love you, Solè. I’m proud of you. And, Roman, welcome to this family. Take care of my baby. Because she is worth it.”
I leaned in and kissed her cheek, whispering, “I love you, NanNan.”
She patted my face. “I know, baby.”
The DJ spoke again. “Okay, if y’all ain’t cried yet, don’t worry. Here comes Mellonie.”
Mel walked up like she was stepping on stage at the BET Awards, holding the mic as if she owned it.
“I just wanna start by saying, Roman, you almost took me out with this scavenger hunt,” she said, playfully rolling her eyes.
Roman laughed. “That was the point.”
Mel rolled her eyes. “No, sir. The point was to marry my friend, not stress me out.”
The room roared.
Mel pointed at me. “Solè is one of them people who will give you her last, her time, her heart, her peace, and then apologize for not giving you more. She is nurturing, she is selfless, and she will show up, even when she is tired.”
My throat tightened.
Mel turned to Roman. “And you . . . Mister big dawg himself, woof! woof!”
The room was in tears laughing at this fool.
Roman lifted his brows. “Here we go.”
Mel continued. “You love her like you got some sense. You are not perfect, but you are intentional. You cover her. You are steady. And I respect a man who can protect without controlling.”
Roman nodded, serious now.
Mel smirked. “But I’ma tell you what I told you in private.”
Roman groaned quietly. “Mel . . .”
Mel smiled sweetly. “If you ever make her cry the wrong tears, I’m pulling up with Nancy.”
NanNan called out, “And I’ma bring my belt.”
The whole room screamed.
Roman held up his hands. “I receive that.”
Mel concluded, softer. “I love you, Solè. I love y’all together. And, Roman, welcome to the ‘don’t play with her’ committee. You the president, but we’re all on the board.”
She raised her glass. “To Solè and Roman.”
