Page 91 of Maceo

“He knows about this?” I asked.

“Now you know I can’t hold water when it comes to this man,” Salima said, giggling.

Deuce chuckled. “If anybody should be here, it should be me. I mean, I take full credit for you even knowing sis existed.”

“Nigga, you always want the credit,” I said, playfully throwing up my middle finger.

“I take credit where credit is due.”

“It was my idea to go to Mr. Luckey’s that day,” I reminded him.

“And you got there because I was driving. You’re welcome. Now, what are y’all niggas waiting for? Get your ass to the altar.”

Shar laughed as she pressed the button for the surround sound. The smooth melodies of “Forever” by Damage came through the speakers. Shar picked up her bouquet. I offered her my arm, and she slipped hers through it. Slowly, we made our way toward our best man and matron of honor. Salima wore a big smile, and even Deuce’s ass looked happy.

As we came to a stop, Shar turned the music down low. Salima cleared her throat.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate one of life’s most cherished moments when two hearts become one. We are here to witness and bless the marriage of Maceo andmygirl, my bestie, my wifey, baby’s mama, and my ride or die, Sharina.”

Deuce chuckled. “Baby, I don’t think that’s how it goes.”

“That’s how it’s going tonight. Besides, nothing about this is traditional. Now can I finish, sir?”

He smirked and motioned for her to continue.

“As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted. We are gathered here tonight to witness the union of Maceo and Sharina. Let me just say that watching you two fall in love has been adorably cute and funny, and I called it a long time ago. It’s a beautiful thing when two people who aren’t looking for love find it with each other. Shar, you have been my girl my entire life. I love you beyond rhyme or reason, and I’m honored to be here in this moment.”

Shar blew her a kiss. “I love you too.”

“I’m gonna give you two a chance to say your vows now. Shar, you can go first.”

Shar smiled brightly as she handed over her bouquet and turned to me. She grabbed both of my hands and stared lovingly into my eyes before speaking.

“Maceo Ahmed Dillinger… you’ve owned my heart from the first time I laid eyes on you. True, I was just trying to get into your pants at first…” She paused to laugh, and so did I. “If I’m honest, the more I got to know you, the more I liked you, and it scared me. I was afraid to give you my heart because I wasn’t sure how you would handle it. I can confidently say you’ve done an amazing job of taking care of my most prized possession.

“Thank you for seeing past my rough exterior. You tap into the woman in me that loves softness. She loves cuddles and movie nights. She loves surprises, big and small. She values the quality time we get together. Moments where it’s just us are when I am the most at peace with the world. With you, I can let my hair down and be my annoying, goofy, extra, freaky self.”

“We all know y’all are some freak hos,” Deuce said with a chuckle.

Shar laughed. “Be that as it may… I love you. I love you for the life you’ve given me and for giving me you. I know with you, I’m safe and fiercely protected. Even in the midst of danger, I would follow you because I know there is nothing you wouldn’t do to make sure I came out unscathed. There is nobody else in this world that I would rather walk through all of life’s ups and downs with but you.”

She cupped my face. “I see you, and I stand ten toes down behind you. There is nothing we can’t get through together, Maceo. Even if the whole world turns against us, as long as we have each other, we will always pull through. You’re my person in every aspect of the word. I’ve got you.”

She stood on her toes and kissed me softly before returning to her spot.

Salina swiped a tear from her eye. “You’re up, Maceo.”

I closed my eyes for a moment, preparing to be in my most vulnerable state. It wasn’t often that I completely let my guard down, but Shar deserved that in this moment. When I opened my eyes, she was staring at me with nothing but love in her eyes.

“Sharina Nicole Gladden. I don’t think I have the words to express just how much I love you. In my heart, you are right next to my family. I’ve never allowed a woman to get as close to me as you have. Love isn’t a foreign concept to me, because I love many people. But I’ve never loved anybody the way that I love you. You give me peace. You give me strength and encouragement.

“I’m used to tough love. I’m used to that rough, aggressive shit, but you give me softness a nigga never knew he needed. I look forward to slow days with you. Days where we do nothing but lay up and talk. I look forward to you making me watchGirlfriendsorLiving Singlefor the millionth time. Even though I complain, I secretly love when you plan spa days for us. You know you got a nigga skin glowing and my feet all soft and shit.”

She grinned at me, knowing that I talked big shit every time she brought out the foot spa and facial products. Yet and still, I sat my ass right there and let her do her thing. I cupped her face as I stepped closer to her.

“You’ve made my house our home. Before you, it was just a place with walls that I didn’t care if I slept in. You’ve filled those walls with love and laughter. You’ve made it a place I’m happy to come to at the end of a long day. There is nobody I’d rather spend my long days with. Nobody I’d rather have carry my last name and my children.

“You’ve given me everything by simply giving me you. There is nothing in this world I wouldn’t do for you, Sharina. No mountain is too high, and no risk is too dangerous when it comes to you. I promise to protect you with my life. If there ever comes a time when I’m no longer here, I’ll wait for you in the next life because there is no time or space where I want to exist without you. I love you with my soul. Today, tomorrow, and forever. With everything in me, I love you, Shar.”

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