Page 57 of Hooked on Loving Him

Nevertheless, my acceptance had become the catalyst for Ashari’s pain, which had me wanting to hide under the nearest rock. Once Pastor Reese started praying, Ashari’s sobbing turned to sniffles and hiccups, giving me a moment to regroup. The truth is if someone wants to see the outward countenance of a man fall… push his woman to a broken state. In the greatest display of God’s blessing I have ever experienced in my life, Ashari didn’t run. In fact, she has been sticking beside me through every post-therapy session I’ve had since that day. The relief I feel knowing there are no secrets between us has me anxious to get today over with.

“Why are you sitting here smiling and frowning like a fool? Do I need to get the pastor to exercise your demons beforenon-soprano finds out that you—” Jawaan asks, cutting into my thoughts as Kyce cuts him off.

“Don’t start, little brother. This is a happy occasion and?—”

“You’re a—butt doesn’t have to keep reminding me how happily married you are with your whupped tail,” Jawaan says, frowning.

Man… I’m about to marry my heaven-sent blessing.

Listening to my brothers go back and forth does the opposite of what Kyce is attempting, while churning begins in my stomach as my breathing accelerates.

*knock, knock*

A series of knocks sound on the door before it opens, and the wedding planner, Ivy Dillard, smiles pleasantly, allowing me to exhale instantly.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I need to steal the groom for a little bit,” Ivy says.

“Now, bro, if you wanted to run, the wedding chick isn’t the person to do it with,” Jawaan says.

“Shut up. I’ll be back in a bit.” Making my way to Ivy, my steps are as heavy as my pulse, and my body tingles all over.

“This is my first time doing this, so don’t make me regret it. Your bride-to-be has already had her makeup put on, so please don’t say anything that will have her crying,” Ivy says as we head to the location she’s set up for Ashari and me to meet before the ceremony.

“That’s a promise I can’t make or keep if I was stupid enough to lie.”

My heart pounds in my ears, increasing in tempo the closer we move to the location, as a fluttery feeling settles within my stomach.

“As a woman who one day hopes to be on the other side of the wall, I respect it.”

My breathing increases as Ivy’s steps become slower because going twenty-four hours without Ashari makes me uneasy. Ashari’s sister and friends wanted to spend some time with her before the wedding, and although I was unhappy about it, I didn’t protest or pout like I wanted to. With Kyce being married with children, it left me to spend the evening convincing Jawaan that I didn’t need one last night doing single nigga shit.

“Okay. Turn around and don’t look, no matter how bad you want to. Seeing the bride before the wedding isn’t a custom I’m willing to let you ignore,” Ivy says when we reach a hallway where a wall separates two sides coming from either direction.

Doing as I was told, I put my back flush against the wall and closed my eyes while waiting for Ashari to reach me.

*click, clack, click, clack*

The sound of heels pierces the quiet hall as I wet my lips, and my back begins moving away from the wall.

My baby is here. Damn, I need to see her.

“Ut unh, Kayshon. Stay where you are, or I will send Ashari back to her dressing room.” Ivy’s chastising voice rings out, causing me to slam back into the wall like a petulant child, doing as I’m told. “Now, extend your hand, and I’m gonna place Ashari’s hand in yours.”

“Shari,” I say, desperate to hear her voice because she hasn’t said anything, and I need to confirm the person in the area with me and Ivy is her.

“I’m here, Kayshon,” Ashari says as Ivy connects our hands, causing a volt of electricity to surge through my body.

“I’m gonna step away to allow you some privacy, but I’m watching you, Kayshon Patton,” Ivy says in a motherly tone, causing Ashari to giggle lightly as warmth fills me, and I sigh when peace overcomes me, instantly calming my weary spirit.

The sound of Ivy’s steps walking away gives me permission to speak to Ashari. This moment is just as important to me as the vows we will exchange when we reach that part of our ceremony.

“How are you feeling, Shari? I missed you last night.”

“I’m ready. Marrying you isn’t something anyone has to convince me to do. I also missed you too. Between Jordan and Amari, I’m not sure who will be sneaking out of the reception first.”

“Sounds like y’all had a great time then.”

“They did. I wanted to be cuddling with you,” Ashari says, causing a smile to upturn my lips.

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