Page 109 of Out of the Blue

I rush to her side. Brax would’ve done this for me, but her reaction proves I’ve made the right choice. “Yes. You. You’ve been more of a parent to me than anyone else in my life. You gave me food when I didn’t have any other meals. You always kept tabs on me. And even though you never admitted it, I bet you had something to do with Apex giving me the reward money.”

She swallows, and her eyes flick down to my bouquet. “I am so very honored, Cordelia.”

“Then it’s all settled. You’re my honorary mom, and now everyone who matters will know it.”

She brings me in for a hug. When she steps back, I gaze directly into her eyes. “I love you.” Never have I used this term so often, and it feels good.

Rita’s hand lands on her chest. “And I love you like the daughter I never had.”

I pull her in for another hug as Juanita bounces into the room carrying Tenor, who’s all decked out for the occasion. “I want to do a quick fluff of your hair and then we have to go.”

I break apart from Rita and Juanita fusses over my hair. Which I thought was perfect, but she still finds pieces to curl and spray.

“Thanks, baby sister. You look beautiful in your purple gown.” She beams at me.

Trent and I chose to have our wedding at The Chalet, the premier venue in New Jersey. It’s an old mansion that’s been converted into an event space not too far from our home in Jersey City. It features little rooms for our guests to wander through, which we’ve decorated with photos celebrating our lives. The main ballroom has been set up so Hunte and TLR can perform, plus a kickass DJ I insisted on so all band members can enjoy the reception. It’s going to be an amazing day, one I’ll always cherish. Mainly because Trent will be at my side.

And because all of the people who matter most in my life are here.

The venue’s wedding planner walks in, together with the rest of my wedding party—Denice, Cheri, and Fee—who are dressed in varying shades of purple. I figured choosing a color and letting them pick their dresses was the easiest thing, and my decision was spot on. They all look fantastic.

Once we’re all assembled, we go to the outdoor courtyard where our ceremony will take place. I remain hidden around the corner as each woman proudly struts up the aisle.

“I’m so excited for you,” Juanita says, doing last-second adjustments to my hair.

“Thanks. And I’m proud you’ll be out on the road with us, making this motley crew look fantastic.”

The wedding planner touches Juanita’s shoulder and my sister kisses me. Then I give Tenor a pat. “See you on the other side.” My maid of honor saunters up the aisle holding our four-legged furbaby in lieu of flowers.

Rita steps up next to me. “I’m beyond happy to see you like this. You’re more settled, less brittle. And you radiate happiness. Thank you for giving me this honor.”

I kiss her cheek. “Knowing you’re next to me now, like you’ve been ever since I met you, makes my day perfect.”

The music changes.

“Here’s our cue,” I note as the wedding planner fluffs my train.

Rita looks at me. “Let’s go make you Mrs. Washington. Again.”

“Please.”

The second ceremony happens in a blur, except this time it’s not only the love from Trent piercing my heart. My bridesmaids grin from ear to ear. The handsome groomsmen beam at their lead singer. Brax and Sara stand proud and tall in the front row, next to Trent’s siblings and their significant others.

When my husband’s lips cover mine, time stands still. I’m where I belong. No more fear he’ll leave me alone ever again. My life is so different now that he’s in it.

Our guests clap like Hunte played a brand new song just for them.

With my arm in his, we walk up the aisle, stopping and turning near the end. The string quartet plays a beautiful classical piece. The sun shines from above. My love is next to me. This day couldn’t get any better.

Our friends surround us and give us congratulatory hugs. Rita, Denice, Fee, Cheri, and Juanita remind me I belong. The guys from the band high five my husband, then snuggle with their wives. We drift into the various rooms and sample the variety of delicious foods and receive even more well-wishes from our friends.

Auntie Gloria puts her plate down and comes over to us, her arms outstretched. “Come here, you two.” We’re enveloped in her warm hug.

“You’ve made me so happy. I knew you were going to make it, no matter what. And now I have a new niece!” She hugs me again.

“I’ve never had an aunt,” I admit.

“Well, you do now. And an uncle and cousins.” She waves behind us, and her husband and kids appear.

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