Page 174 of Rather: The Therapist

“My bad about that, man,”

“You really didn’t have to do him that dirty,” Killian sniggered.

“I’m suing that motherfucker. Watch.”

“You gone sue me?”

“Yeah. And look at this nigga. Ugly ass. Keep getting in my fucking face.”

“Kofi– stop, man.” Killian’s warning made me hate I couldn’t see what was happening behind me.

“Chill. Just be cool, Kofi. I’ll make sure he edits the pictures.”

“I can’t wait until this is over. I’m hitting that nigga in the back of his head.”

“I said be cool.”

With my eyes still trained on Rather, I watched everything around us fade to white. There was a stillness in the midst of movement. This was the calm after the storm. Everything in my world would be fine as long as she next to me.

My peace.

Just short of me, she ceased movement. Slowly, Chem lifted her veil and pulled it over her head.

My Rose.

I’d never understand God’s plan when he created such a flawless creature. As if one wasn’t enough, there were six others just like her. They were as beautiful as they were lethal.

My heart.

Using his thumb, Chem swiped away the fallen tears. The way he loved and cared for her was influential. Before meeting either one of them, I knew exactly how to treat them by the way he cherished them. He’d set the tone for our union and the ones to follow.

She peered at him with so much love and admiration in her eyes. The reciprocation didn’t go unnoticed. He was as fascinated with her as she was with him. Whispers were exchanged. The panged expression on Rather’s face tugged at my heartstrings until finally her smile powered through.

My dear.

I took her by the hand and guided her up the two steps. At the altar, where she’d promised to meet me, we stood.

I love you. She used her hands to express.

I love you, I responded.

All over. Everywhere. So much it hurts.

That kind of pain, the best kind of pain, is the only pain you’ll ever feel, I signed.

This was the woman I’d love for the rest of my life. This was the woman I’d cherish. Grow with. Grow from. Learn from. And hold onto until the end of time. I’d spent two years waiting on this woman, but the wait was finally over. She was here and she was mine.

SEVENTEEN

“Sleeping beauty.”

The sound of his voice would never expire in my head.

“Say it,” he whispered.

“Sleeping beau-ry.”

Tiny chuckles followed Princeton’s new attempt at a word. His vocabulary was improving and so were his social skills. My presence was the balance he needed. And, his hugs were the solution I needed. They made the world around us feel so small.

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