Page 42 of Still Forever
Kennedy took labored steps as the song continued. I had chosen the song because it explained everything that I felt over the last six months.
“Oh, I prayed for you
Oh, I cried for you
I can’t believe we’re here at last.”
She finally made it to the altar, and I could see that she was crying through the veil's material. Her and Leon stopped just short of the altar.
“Who gives this bride away?” The officiant asked.
“I do,” her pops said as he turned to her and removed the veil from her face, kissing her cheek. Then he stepped up to me and grabbed me.
“Keep making my baby girl happy, son. I’m proud of you.” He said as we slapped hands.
“Preciate it, pops, she’s in good hands,” I assured him as I hit his back twice. He walked back over and took a seat beside her moms, who had tears running down her cheeks.
I smiled and reached out to grab her hand, and she took one step so that we were at the altar together. She blew out a deep breath, tear streaks staining her makeup. Her hands were sweaty, and I knew that she was nervous.
Using the same square that Judah had given me, I dabbed her face and then mouthed the words “you beautiful” to her. She smiled.
The officiant read through his script and then came the time for the vows.
“The bride and groom have prepared vows that they would like to say at this time. Jaxon, we will start with you.” He said as he crossed his arms in front of him and waited for me to speak.
“KD. I love you. I can’t promise that I’ll be perfect. I can’t promise that I won’t piss you off. But I promise I’ll never walk away from you. I’ll protect you with my life. And make sure I love you loud enough so the whole world hears it.”
She gave the vows right back, “I love you, Jaxon. I promise to be your safe place in the middle of chaos. To always remind you who you are when the world wants you to forget. To love you like my life depends on it. And to keep choosing you, even when it’s hard.Especiallywhen it’s hard. Forever.”
The ceremony continued, “I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your bride.”
My hands were on her face, pulling her in. I kissed her slowly at first, and then deeper. It was as if I were putting my signatureon something that already belonged to me. We parted ways, and she bit her lip. The entire room was on their feet, clapping for us as we walked hand in hand to the waiting room of the venue.
“This is really the happiest day of my life,” she sighed as she leaned against me. My hand went to her stomach. You couldn’t even tell that she was pregnant, but over the last two weeks, touching it had become a habit.
I chuckled, “We got more days to come, Shorty.” I said as I put my arms around her and held her.
The reception was loud, full of food, music, and too many people. Due to Mafia regulations, we weren’t able to have the million people there that she wanted. But those who had passed the clearance and signed the NDA had come.
We sat through probably fifteen speeches.
Trouble’s best man's speech about “instant demotion” had everybody laughing. Storm’s drunk speech brought the emotion. Then my father and Judah decided to give their speeches together, and that shit might as well have been a comedy skit.
“Congratulations, you guys,” Remy said as she came up to us with a bright smile. She reached out and hugged KD first, then came around and hugged me.
“Preciate you, Rem,” I said as I sat back in my seat.
“Thank you, Remy,” KD said as she took a sip of whatever juice they had put in her wine flute, and I left them to have a conversation about the dress that she was wearing.
In the corner, Storm was out of her seat rapping Kodak Black with her eyes closed. Trouble was beside her, jaw tight, looking like he was ready to take her home. We locked eyes, and I shook my head. Nigga never let sis have her shine.
“G, nigga we got an issue,” Judah said as he rushed to me with a serious expression.
“What?” I grilled, not in the mood to talk about business.
“Did you know Remy’s sister was that fine when you called off the alliance? That muhfucka is sitting on two acres of ass. From now on, don’t speak for me. I can make my own fucking decisions.” I pushed that nigga off me.
When I glanced back where I had left KD, she was gone. I swept the room and saw Remy talking to her father. Kennedy was the only person in white in the building, so it shouldn’t have been hard to find her, but as I walked through all the guests, I didn’t see her anywhere. I headed toward the restroom but stopped short when I saw her standing alone outside in the garden.
