“It’s not a problem, sweetheart. Are you nervous?”
I shrugged. “Not really.”
I didn’t want to tell her the circumstances surrounding this marriage. She’d probably think I was crazy and talk some sense into me. I’d signed the contract two days ago, so I couldn’t back out now.
“That’s good. You shouldn’t be nervous about marrying the man you love. Tell me about him.”
She led me to the couch on the opposite side of the room, and I slowly eased down until my behind hit the surface. She sat next to me and took my hands.
“He’s nice, thoughtful, intelligent, and very handsome.”
“How did you meet him?”
“At work.”
“Ohh, a workplace romance. When did you know he was the one?”
I looked down at my engagement ring as I thought about her question. I wanted to answer truthfully, but I honestly had noidea if Kenzo was the one. He needed something from me, and when I refused the first time, he continued to look out for me when he could have easily left me to fend for myself. I thought that was very admirable of him.
“When I realized how unselfish and generous he was.”
“An unselfish man who puts your needs above his is a keeper, and if he loves you more than you love him, your marriage will last a lifetime.”
“That’s the goal, right?”
I smiled, hoping she didn’t notice my uncertainty.
“It sure is. Would you like me to take some pictures of you before I get back to work?” she offered.
“I’d like that. Thank you for offering.”
I gave her my phone, and we went into the hallway for a mini photo shoot. The lighting wasn’t great, but we made the best of it.
“Thank you for this, Miss Wanda,” I said.
“You’re welcome, and thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day. It’s been an honor.”
We exchanged a warm embrace, something I didn’t realize I needed until I was wrapped in this stranger’s arms. I had no idea why, but tears gathered in my eyes, and I refused to let them fall.
I released her abruptly and entered my room, letting the door close behind me and pressing my back against it. I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths, wondering why I’d become so emotional over a hug.
Probably because Miss Wanda is about my mother’s age, and being in her arms reminds me of what I’ve missed all these years,I thought.
Instead of allowing my mind to go down the rabbit hole of what-ifs, I pushed myself off the door and went to the mirror. Thankfully, the tears that had been threatening to fall had disappeared.
I admired myself in the mirror, fluffing the A-line sweetheart dress with the long split exposing almost my entire right leg. I loved the chapel train because it added an elegant appeal without being overwhelming. The top was strapless, exposing my neck and shoulders, giving off some sex appeal.
As I took a few selfies, my phone rang, and the name of the car service Kenzo had mentioned flashed across my screen. All this time, I hadn’t been nervous, but that had suddenly changed.
“Hello.”
“Ms. Brownlee, this is Calvin fromLuxury Fleet Car Service. I’m here to take you to the courthouse per Mr. Goode’s request. Do you need any assistance?”
“No, sir. I’ll be down shortly.”
I ended the call and took another deep breath.
“Okay, Malyah. You agreed to do this, and you’re a woman of your word. That man gave you fifty thousand dollars, owes you fifty thousand dollars more, is going to pay your tuition, eats pussy like a man on a mission, and his dick is very likely going to have you walking funny for a few days. There’s no turning back now.”
