Page 97 of A Don & His Doll

“You was shol’ right,” Jazira agreed, looking in the mirror at her hair.

“Mhm, I wanna see this dress,” Ms. Montgomery chimed in as she walked back into the room.

Promise laughed as her nail tech and hairstylist finished at the same time. “I’m about to put it on now,” Promise said, walking over to the floor-to-ceiling mirror to look at her hair.

Pregnancy had blessed her already long hair with nearly eight more inches of growth. She’d chosen to honor Monroe’s request to wear it naturally for him. She’d worn her hair down, the soft crimps complemented her full, soft beat face.

“Come on, Mama. Help me get it on,” Promise invited as the music started, hinting that it was almost that time.

“Oh, my God!” Rae exclaimed.

“Yessss, bestie!” Jazira yelled excitedly.

Amor smiled but didn’t say a word. Instead, she put her hands together as if she was saying a prayer. And she was, thinking back to the day she recited her vows before God, and the man she loved with every part of her. She wished things could have gone differently. She wondered if God still wrote new beginnings for women whose first endings nearly broke them. While Promise and her mother slipped into the oversized ensuite, the rest of the ladies slid into their shoes, and fell into natural conversation as they waited to see Promise in her wedding gown.

“Amor, what’s up with you, girly?” Rae pressed, checking on her friend. “You’ve been quiet, and more distant than usual.”

“Oh no, I’m good, girl,” Amor lied. “I’m just a little overwhelmed with motherhood, and my job has been extremely demanding lately…but I’m good.”

Rae observed her friend closely. She knew that they had gotten married around the same time, and wanted to be there for her friend if she needed her. However, Rae knew Amor knew not to push her too hard because when she was ready, she’d open up willingly. Knowing each other so well was the beauty of their friendship.

“Ok, boo. Just know I’m here when you’re ready to talk,” Rae said, giving her a hug.

“Promiseeeee,” Jazira squealed. “You are breathtaking.”

“So gorgeous,” Rae beamed, proudly. “The most beautiful woman in the room as always, sissy.”

“She gone have that man speechless,” her mother chimed in, smiling. “Lord, both my girls will be married after today.”

“You’re such a beautiful bride, Promise,” Amor genuinely offered. “That dress is everything.”

“Thank you so much for all the compliments, y’all,” Promise replied, facing the mirror with a smile so genuine it made tears form in her eyes.

“You ladies all look beautiful,” the nail tech, Deena said, standing. “I’m gonna head out so I can experience this special day with everyone else.”

“Me too,” the hairstylist, Shae stated, following her sister Deena to the door.

“Thank you both so much for all you’ve done,” Promise said, looking over her shoulder.

“Of course,” they said in unison as they stepped out, closing the door behind themselves.

Tap…Tap…Tap…

“Rae,” Truth spoke on the other side of the door. “Come on, Sweetheart. It’s almost time for us to make our entrance.

Rae smiled. “Here I come, babe,” Rae said, giving her sister a tight hug. “I’ll be out here waiting for you, Missy. Love you.”

“I love you too, sis. I’ll see you in a few minutes,” Promise said as her mother carefully lifted her hair and clasped her necklace.

“That’s our cue too. You good, boo?” Jazira asked.

“I’m good,” Promise assured her. “Thank you so much for being here.”

“I wouldn’t miss this day for nothing in the world, sis. You already know how I’m coming.”

Promise beamed, inwardly thanking God for such a solid circle.

“I love you, Promise,” her mother said, patting dry the tears that brimmed her eyes. “I pray this next chapter of life is filled with abundance, peace, love, and joy, my baby. That man out there waiting for you loves you like your father loved me. And that type of love is rare in this day,” her mother said, thinking about her late husband. “Cherish everything y’all build together, and take nothing for granted. Life is short, so be sure to make every second count.” She kissed her cheek. “I’ll be out there waiting for you, and Meki is already on the other side of the door waiting for you whenever you’re ready.”