Page 8 of A Don & His Doll

“Mr. and Mrs. Miller, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Pastor Jones announced with joy, as everyone cheered and smiled as they looked on in awe.

Mary J. Blige’s Everything pulsed through the air as Power and Amina turned to face their friends and family. Joy followed them in waves as hugs, laughter, and gratitude was exchanged freely as they greeted each person who came to witness the first day of their forever.

“Congratulations, Pops!” Truth excitedly stated, slapping hands with his father, before embracing him like a brother.

“Already, son,” Power returned, flashing a million-dollar smile that came easy.

Truth turned to Amina. “‘Preciate you makin’ my Pop’s happy, Mrs. Amina. I’m happy for y’all,” Truth said, giving her a hug.

“Awe. Thank you, Tru,” Mrs. Amina replied warmly, embracing him.

“What’s good, sis?” Tru asked as Amor walked up. “It’s good to see you again.”

“Hey, bro,” Amor replied with a smile, hugging him.

“You look so pretty, Sunset,” her mother, Mrs. Amina proudly complimented. “How was your trip?”

“It was good, mommy,” Amor replied, hugging her mother, then turned to Power. “Congratulations, Mr. Miller.”

“Thanks, Amor,” Power said, giving her a fatherly hug.

“Where’s my grandbaby?” Mrs Amina asked, looking around.

“She’s over there getting something to eat with TJ,” Amor said, glancing in their direction.

Despite the storm she had to weather after she and Syncere's divorce, the kids were innocent, and their relationship remained unscathed. Aaleya and TJ had become best friends, and talked almost every day.

Truth’s phone buzzed, stealing his attention momentarily as Amor continued to talk to Power and her mother. When he glanced down and saw Syn’s name stretched across the screen, a slow grin pulled at his mouth. This nigga must’ve smelled Amor’s ass close to me, he thought.

“My nigga!” Truth answered, placing his phone on speaker.

“What’s good, fam?” Syn’s voice came through. How was the wedding?” Syn asked.

“It was good,” Truth confirmed. “The reception just started.”

“That’s what I like to hear. Tell Moms’ and Pop’s I said congratulations,” Syn replied.

“They hear you,” Truth said, looking at Amor.

“What’s good, son?” Power greeted.

“You know me, Pop’s. I’m just takin’ one day at a time,” Syn answered.

“I respect that–”

“Hey, Syncere,” Mrs. Amina cut in. “I wish you were here to share this moment with us.”

“I’ma make it up to y’all when I get out. That’s my word,” Syn promised with no hesitation.

“Mhm,” Amina replied with a knowing smile. “You know I’ma hold you to it.”

“Where my wife at?” Syn casually inquired, referencing Amor.

Everyone laughed except Amor.

Truth handed Amor his phone, and everyone walked away to give them some privacy, even though they were divorced. No one corrected Syn. There was no need. He didn’t give a damn about that paper. In his mind, Amor would forever be his wife, and there was no paper that would ever be powerful enough to determine his love.

Lil’ Baby’s Mrs. Trendsetter played, and all eyes settled on Monroe and Promise as they slipped into their own element– not giving a damn who watched. They weren’t the couple of the hour, but they were at the same time. It was normal for people to dance at receptions, but Monroe dancing was another story. There was only one woman who was ever able to bring that side of him to surface; and when she died, so did that side of Monroe.