Page 12 of Embrace

“Oh brother!” She groaned. “You weren’t supposed to be looking at my ass.”

“Why not? You know we’re going to have to consummate our marriage one of these days.”

At my words, she tilted her head and looked deep into my brown orbs. “You know once we cross the line, there’s no turning back.”

“If I recall correctly, there was a point in our lives when we promised each other our virginities.”

“That was a childish promise. This is real…”

“Shit that was real to me then too. I told you then and I’m gon’ tell you now. We’re locked in.”

“Blaze,” she huffed.

“Suvi,” I mimicked.

She pouted her lips and crossed her arms. I patted her ass before I rested my hands on her waist.

“Don’t trip about anything. You trust me?”

“With my life.”

“Same here. All you have to do is go with the flow. We gon’ take it one step at a time and let shit fall into place. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Suuuuu!” An inebriated family member called out to Suvi. I laughed and held her hand until she stood from my lap. She tossed a smile in my direction before she walked away to greet who I believe was her cousin, Monique.

I stood up from the chair and lifted it up. I returned it back to the table it was taken from and mingled with family.

“Yo, Blaze,” BJ, my brother, called out to me.

“What’s up?” I replied as I walked over to him.

I hadn’t realized I’d be in constant movement since I woke up this morning. I knew I’d crash when the night was over, but I’d ride the wave until then. When I caught up to my brother, he and my sister were pouring shots with some of our other cousins.

“You’ve been dodging the shots all day. It’s time to turn the fuck up, dawg,” BJ explained.

A soft chuckle escaped my lips. “Say no more.”

Shots were passed out and we took them to the head, then repeated the process several times. I’d lost count after shot number four, but I was grateful for the solid food I’d eaten prior to the impromptu drinking competition I’d unknowingly became a participant in.

“Y’all drinking without me?” Suvi asked as she slid into the rowdy group and grabbed a cup.

“You joining?” I asked.

“Yes. The best way to celebrate nuptials is with some liquor.” She poured a deep ass shot and tossed it down her throat. She licked her lips and let out a low groan.

“Let’s see if you can keep up with the big dogs,” BJ teased.

“I’d like us to be able to walk out the reception,” I warned.

Suvi giggled. “I mean I don’t mind being carried out.”

I laughed.

We’d been bombarded by family all evening. I hardly had time to form a thought before I was pulled into another direction. Hell, it was crazy how I’d only gotten to really see my lady a few times. We were both too distracted to process the fact we’d really just gotten married.

“It’s time to throw the bouquet!” The DJ shouted into the mic. “I need all the single ladies to step out onto the dance floor.” He pressed play on his soundboard and Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” song blared through the speakers.

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