Page 165 of Falling Into Gravity

They weren’t married yet, but planning had started.

“You okay?” Noodle asked, looking up at Aku through the mirror.

“I don’t know,” Aku whispered, her hand brushing her bump.

She turned toward the door where French stood, already wiping his eyes, the emerald green suit clinging to him like it was made for this moment. His posture was perfect. His energy was strong. But his eyes were soft as hell. “You look like your mama when she married me.”

Aku’s lip trembled. “I can’t cry no more, Daddy.”

“You can,” he nodded. “You just gon’ look pretty doing it.”

They all laughed.

French took her hands gently, then glanced at Noodle and Ahvi. “Give us a second?”

The girls and Lunar stepped out, whispering and wiping their faces.

French looked at his daughter, then placed both hands on her cheeks. “I ain’t gon’ lie. I still don’t know how I feel ‘bout all this.”

Aku raised her brows, already knowing where he was going. “I know, Daddy.”

“But that nigga love you,” he smiled, eyes still a little sad. He wasn’t ready to let his little girl go. “If I had to pick somebody to hold you down…it would be him. I see it now. I see what y’all got.”

“I love him too,” she said, her voice cracking.

“I know.”

They hugged tight. Her stomach pressed between them.

“You ready?” he asked.

“No,” she whispered.

He laughed a little. “Me neither but he might shoot this shit up if you don’t come out.”

“He will,” Aku laughed, still wiping her face.

Malik stood tall at the altar, hand slightly trembling, his crisp cream tux jacket hitting just right over a black turtleneck. A black rose was pinned to his chest. His braids were neat and clean. His chain sat under his collar, but you could still see it peeking through just enough to remind the world who he was.

The music started.Higherby Nipsey. Bu walked behind Pharoah’s chair, which rolled with ease down the yellow brick road. They were Malik’s best men. Bu was in a clean cream suit, that fit him like a second skin. Of course, Pharoah’s tux was navy blue, still in theme, but paying homage to Crescent.

Pharoah’s face was calm, but his hands were shaking a little on the arms of his chair.

The room stood as they made their way down. People whispered his name. Not because of pity—but because it was beautiful.

He was there…Alive…Honored.

He and Bu stood proudly beside Malik, two anchors in his life—one of blood, one of pain, both of love.

Malik’s eyes scanned the crowd. It was packed with faces he’d known since forever. His Mama, Myesa, was already dabbing her eyes in the front row. Anthony, his Daddy, was standing tall beside her in an ice-gray suit with a velvet lapel and Air Force 1s so white they looked blessed. Gran Betty had tears rolling down her face too. She was so happy her boy was out the hood and living good.

Solar sat in the front row already crying, fanning herself slowly with her wedding program. The whole family was besideher - Luna, Javen, Tiny, Mav, Qamar, Siasia, Stephanie, and Griff. Pimp was also in attendance with Devonte.

Malik turned back toward the aisle and pulled in a breath just as the song started.Perfect Duetby Ed Sheeran and Beyonce was the perfect song for their union.

I found a love for me. Oh, darling just dive right in, follow my lead.

Aku was beyond stunning.

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