Page 209 of Rhet

Time passes by and now Penny and I are standing outside of the church.

“You ready?” she asks her red locs curl down her shoulders. The emerald green, silk sheath off-the-shoulder dress look amazing on Penny.

“Yes let’s do this.” I say.

Penny gives the wedding planner a thumbs up and the church doors open, the piano and Jasper’s voice fills the air. Penny throws her shoulders back, places a smile on her face as she begins to walk down the aisle. The church doors close again.

Dante can’t walk me down the aisle since he and Ms. Helen is seated to front trying to keep mom comfortable. I look up to the sky wishing that my dad could be here.

I hear footsteps coming rushing behind me.

“Julian?” I cry.

“Rhet said you didn’t have anyone to walk you down the aisle, I know I am not your dad, but I would be honored if you would have me.”

My eyes fill up of water as I rush forward and hug him.

“I would be happy if you do.” I squeeze him tightly and I let go.

The wedding planner clears her throat. Julian passes me a handkerchief.

“Are you ready?” he asks

I nod, tap my eyes, “Yes I am”.

The doors open and Julian and I step in arm in arm.

There are garlands of white peonies and hydrangeas weaving along the pews.

Then on top of the stairs in front of the priest, I see a row of gorgeous men standing, then I see Rhet. He looks dashing in his black tuxedo. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile so bright.

I don’t see anyone else. Just him.

As Julian passes my hand to Rhet’s my palms are sweaty, and I look into the blue eyes I fell in love with.

“You look beautiful,” he says.

“You too.” My hand trembles in his. Rhet squeezes it and then he does something thing I will remember for the rest of my life. He taps his pocket square. We both burst out laughing and, in that moment, I knew that this man, who can be an asshole to many is the perfect man for me.

RHET

July 4th(One year and four months later.)

There are somethings in this life I thought I would never be. A married man is one and a father is two. A father of a very spoiled princess. I see my wife coming to me with a screaming red-faced baby girl. She looks like she has had a struggle with our kid as she kicks her feet and throws her body back.

“She wants her daddy,” Zeeta says as she places her in my arms. Gia Marie Ashely Banner was the most beautiful baby in the world. Immediately my princess calms down and places her head down on my shoulder. Uncle Jasper got her a pink onesie with tattooed sleeves on it. Combined with the pink and black head band, my baby looks adorable.

“She is a traitor. Oh, Dante called and the Bio-N program is going great,” Zeeta kisses her on her cheek then tip toes to kiss me.

“I’m happy to hear that.” I reply. A week after the wedding with the help of Senator Barrett I got Dante into the Bio- N program. That made Zeeta happy and if she’s happy I’m great. I look at my wife’s ass as she walks away from me. How long was this party going to be?

“What the fuck is this world turning too? Rhet has a kid?” Cole asks

I look at him with a stern look “Are you not seeing my child in my arms,”.

“Shit sorry Gia. I’m sure you say worse” Cole says as he touches her arms.

I sip my whiskey and look down into the glass. Turning to Dax who is standing at my right I ask “This taste weird to you?”

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