Page 100 of Before I Say I Don't
Roman: But I know you, Kam. You’re probably pacing in heels or biting your lip right now, running a thousand scenarios in your head. Breathe, baby. You’re stronger than anything in that room. You been winning cases since college—you’ll win this one too.
I exhaled slowly, his words hitting deeper than the makeup brush had earlier.
Me: You always know what to say. And yeah… I’m nervous. But I’m ready.
Roman: That’s my girl. And for the record, I wanted to see you before all this—just for a minute. But nah… I’ll play my position. For now. So do me a favor—send me a pic of that pretty face before I lose my patience.
I hesitated only a second before lifting the phone, snapping a selfie. The reflection staring back looked unshakable, even if my stomach told a different story.
I sent it. Three dots appeared instantly.
Roman: Damn. That ain’t makeup; that’s intimidation. You look dangerous, baby. Like you about to ruin him and look good doing it. And just so you know—when this circus is over, that face, that body, that smile? All mine. Don’t get it twisted. I don’t care how many eyes are on you today. I’ll be the only one you’re walking out with.
My chest tightened—half nerves, half fire.
Me: Roman… stop. Lol.
Roman: Stop? Nah, baby. I’ll stop when you’re on my last name, in my bed, and moaning loud enough for the whole block to know who you belong to. But you look beautiful, baby. I don’t care what happens today; just know I’m proud of you and I’ll be right there, standing tall when you need me.
My throat tightened, my thumbs moved slower on the keys.
Me: Thank you, my love. For everything.
Roman: Always. Now go let them finish making you even more beautiful—if that’s even possible. I’ll see you at the aisle.
I smiled, phone warm in my palm. The nerves didn’t leave, but they weren’t as loud anymore. Because Roman was right… I’d already won.
Initially, I had reserved a lavish suite at a grand hotel downtown, a place where all of us girls could gather for hair andmakeup together, but the closer we got to that day, the less I wanted to be surrounded by fake smiles and “bestie” energy. So I made a last-minute decision and traded the chaos for my own intimate room… and the only person I truly wanted by my side in that space was Danica.
She was sitting on the edge of the bed scrolling through her phone when I stepped out of the bathroom in my silk robe, hair pinned up, and a cloud of setting spray still hanging in the air. Danica smirked at me over the screen.
“Girl,” she said, shaking her head with a grin, “we might have to playtwosongs for you to walk down the aisle. You gon’ be moving slow after last night.”
My mind flickered back, uninvited—Roman’s hands pinning me to the mattress and his mouth tracing every inch of me. The way he took his time at first—patient, passionate—before flipping me over and reminding me exactly why my body had no business with any other man. His voice in my ear, that low growl telling me I was his. The hours blurred—slow burn, then wildfire, then nothing but tangled sheets and me begging him not to stop.
I rolled my eyes, laughing, pushing the memory down before my face gave me away.
“Shut up. I can walk justfine.”
“Mm-hmm.” She sipped her coffee, side-eyeing. “That man must’ve put his whole foot in it, ‘cause you glowing like a bitch with a trust fund!”
“Danica!” I laughed harder, tossing a throw pillow at her.
Before she could roast me more, a knock came at the door. We both groaned in unison.
“I swear, if it’s one of them fake ass bridesmaids trying to ‘check on me’…” I muttered.
Danica got up and cracked the door.
“Oh," she exhaled, her voice flat and tinged with annoyance, as she stepped aside.
In walked Diane, looking like a walking Hallmark card in that silver dress—pearls, diamonds, and enough sparkle to blind the first three rows. All she was missing was a “Congratulations!” banner and theme music.
Danica and I exchanged a discreet eye-roll.
“Here comes Sister Sparkle,” Danica muttered, just low enough for me to hear.
“Oh, Kamira!” Diane gushed, her tone oozing that insincere mother-in-law warmth that made my skin crawl. “Your makeup looks absolutely stunning! I can’t wait to see you and Angelo say, ‘I do.’ This is such a beautiful day! I’m just so thrilled to have you as part of the family!”
