Page 30 of Finding My Bodyguard

“Royale said to keep it short,” Alyza whispered. I nodded, taking the phone from her hand and walking a few feet away.

“I’m getting married!” I announced. “I ran away, Tessa. I don’t want to be stuck in a loveless marriage with Kashus.” I confessed all at once. An instant wave of relief washed over me.

“I know,” she replied.

“You know?” I wondered how much she was privy to. I know I’d asked London if he could send a message to her, but I never confirmed if he had.

“Yes, you got a lot of explaining to do, heffa, but I won't ask you to do it on your wedding day. Hold the phone back. Let me see you.”

I did as she asked, pulling the phone back so I could show off my dress. There was so much I wanted to say to her—so many things to catch her up on.

“Monroe, oh my God! You look gorgeous!” she squealed into the phone, causing me to smile.

“Thank you,” I replied.

“How are you? How’s the baby?” I questioned.

“We’re fine!” She pulled the phone back so I could see her growing belly bump. I smiled. We stared at each other off and on, settling into an awkward silence… both of us avoiding the elephant in the room.

“Are you safe?” Tessa broke the silence. A look of concern plastered across her beautiful face.

“I’m okay, Tessa. I’m the safest I’ve been my entire life,” I told her. Contessa’s face immediately relaxed.

“Good.” She smiled. She was happy for me but was worried about my safety. Contessa understood the gravity of what I was doing. Defying family tradition, it was dangerous, and neither of us knew the outcome.

“How long do I have to keep this a secret from your father?”

“I’m not sure.” I shrugged.

“Dr. London is something. He tried to fly me out there this evening. I thought I was going to have to show him orders from the doctor that I couldn’t travel this late in the pregnancy.”

I giggled at her mentioning London. “He’s the most unselfish man I ever met.”

“He has you smiling. I’ve never seen you smile that damn hard.”

I couldn’t even hide the grin that was plastered on my face. London did make me smile.

“Which is saying a lot considering the circumstances, this decision is abrupt but—”

“It’s your choice. I get it.” Tessa cut me off, and we shared another knowing silence.

“I wish you were here, Tessa.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be watching from my phone.”

“Times up! We gotta start soon, or we’ll miss the sunset.” Alyza walked up behind me.

“I love you!” Tessa screamed as I handed Alyza the phone.

“I love you, too!” I shouted back.

“I’ll hold this during the ceremony.” Alyza took the phone and headed to take her seat. A rush of emotions flooded me. The amount of effort London had put into making this day special was so heartwarming. Contessa was my only friend in the world. Having her here if only by phone meant a lot to me. I returned to my spot behind the doors and waited for my cue, taking in the moment and allowing the gentle rustling of the palm trees to calm me. Suddenly, a sense of peace washed over me, and I felt at peace with my decision.

“You ready?” Meechie grabbed ahold of my arm.

“She better be, and we don’ flew all the way out here.” Polo walked up on us and latched onto my other arm.

“As ready as I can be. Thank you, guys, for doing this,” I replied.

---