Page 106 of Lost In London
Chin up to the sky, he turned around so no one could see his face. Forever his brother’s protector Amell moved through the crowd and moved in front of Cassian. I don’t know what Amell said but it caused Cassian’s head to drop and shoulders to shake. Watching them have this moment had us all misty-eyed especially if you knew the brother’s history. If you knew Cassian’s history. Not wanting to be left out Atlas joined, somehow managing to wrap his arms around both of his brothers. All you heard were them whispering and sniffling.
“We love you, Papa.” Tai took off running to him when he finally turned around. He bent down just in time to scoop her and Melly up.
“London, if you pull this shit at your wedding I’m snatching your wig off.” He hated attention but I just couldn’t help myself.
Right after Quincey and I shared our dance Massey and PJ snuck out to go pick up his cake. I asked her to stop by Quincey’s house to get the jewelry and here we are.
“Wait, we have one more gift.” Massey and Cashton walked up to him holding a large square object. “My speech isn’t long like Lolo’s but I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me. From stepping in and being my one and only father to being the best teacher to prepare me for college. I love you.” Cassian’s lips were tucked in as he tried to keep it together.
When Cashton removed the sheet and revealed a portrait of Cassian sitting in a chair with Tai and Melly on his lap, Massey and him standing next to him, we all gasped. Each of them was dressed up royally with crowns, just how Cassian treated them. Everyone gasped and moved in to see it up close.
“Happy Birthday.” Cashton finally spoke.
I gave him and the kids the jewelry pieces I had made and that sent him on another round of emotions. I wasn’t at all bitter or in my feelings that our engagement party turned into a double celebration. Each milestone of good things happening in my life I always wanted Cassian to be there. People might not understand and that’s okay. But I think about what if he never snatched me off the ledge that night a year ago. What if he never opened his home to me and made room for me in his family? Swallowing the lump of sadness that comes from realizing that I very could’ve been on the opposite end of life right now.
Dying before I met Quincey and fell in love. Dying before experiencing true genuine friendship with Luna and the other women in my life. Standing up for myself when it came to my parents and brother. Seeing my dream grow into multiple chain juice bars. I would’ve missed out on a lot.
Missed out on seeing that I survived my greatest storms. Seeing that love doesn’t hurt. Missed out on what it feels like to be confident and love me, truly love myself. God isn’t done writing my story and I’m forever grateful that He used Cassian first and Quincey second to show me that I have so much life to live. That I have so many seeds to keep planting.
“Are you happy, baby?” Swaying to Serenity giving us one last song before we had to move the party on the compound, Quincey and I were lost in our usual cocoon.
Head resting on his chest with his heartbeat thumping in my ear, I looked around the room taking in my blessings. “I’m so happy and ready to be your wife.” I finally got my happily ever after.
The End
