Page 9 of Before We Say I Do

Chapter Three

Men’s Empire Tuxedo Shop

Ding.

Raphael Valentine pivoted on his black oxford shoes. "You're late, brother."

Strolling toward him, Kyle loosened the tie around his neck, pulling it off, and tossed it around his collar. He checked his Rolex.

"Two minutes?"

"Late is late."

"Okay. What do I owe you for it? I've long forgotten your hourly rate."

"It's on the house." Raphael pointed at him. "This time."

Kyle smirked and reached out, the two brothers slapping hands, then drawing one another in for a hug.

"How are you?" Raphael looked in his face.

"Couldn't be better."

Raphael nodded. "So, are you ready to do this?"

Kyle's smile broadened. "More than ever."

"That's a very strong response, brother."

Kyle nodded. "It's the truth. I don't think I've ever been more ready for anything in my life."

"It's a beautiful thing, isn't it?"

"Yeah. All of the years spent either alone or spontaneously dating feel like such a waste of time when you find the one."

"Is that what we're calling it now, spontaneously dating?"

Kyle laughed, his amusement reverberating around the room. He stroked his beard. "I'd say so."

"I say more like whoring."

More laughter bellowed from Kyle, and Raphael joined in on his jollity.

"What's all this laughter about that we're not privy to?"

Kyle and Raphael turned to Hunter, Xavier, Lance, and DeAndre, who strolled through the doors one behind the other.

"You're all late," Raphael reminded.

Hunter approached his brothers. "Don't change the subject."

They greeted each other with hand slaps and hugs.

"Raphael just called me a whore." Kyle's laugh kicked up again. "Usually, when someone insults me, I'd come back with ‘I've been called worse,’ but in this case, I don't think I have."

The men laughed.

"I'm sure one of those poor women you left behind would beg to differ," Lance joked.

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