Page 51 of Always There Bayou
“You know I would never leave him out of something so special,” I assure them. “He’s gotta walk you down the aisle and give you away to me, Bunny.”
“Ahh, I’m so excited for the future!” Denny squeals, and I chuckle, nodding in agreement. “Now, how about we go dance for a bit?”
“You know I have two left feet.”
“And that’s perfectly fine,” they smile, standing. They hold their hand out to me, and I take it. “I got you, Corduroy. Just follow my lead.”
I nod and let them guide me out to the dance floor, where a few other couples have gathered for a slow dance. Everyone around us slowly starts to fade into the background as I hold Denny in my arms,swaying back and forth to the music. It felt so good to be here amongst all of the people I care about the most. That day couldn’t have gotten any better.
March 28th, 2025
I couldn’t believe it, but three days later, I was at another celebration of love. While this one may have been an elopement, I was just as excited to see two more people whom I cared about take that next step.
When Harley called me last night to ask if I could come down to the courthouse with Denny this morning, I was so confused until she explained that she and Cheyenne decided to have a small ceremony because they couldn’t wait. They planned on having something bigger for both of their families and friends after the season ended. I liked that idea and even let it simmer in my head for a bit as Denny and I rode to the courthouse. Would they be down for something like that?
“By the power invested in me by the state of Louisiana, I now pronounce you wife and wife,” the judge said with a smile, pulling me back to the ceremony at hand. “You may now kiss your bride.”
The rest of us cheered on as they sealed their marriage. It was sweet to watch and warmed my heart. I glanced over at Denny and Nala as they held hands and squealed in excitement. Over these last few months, Denny had gotten close with not only her but also Chey. It was another thing that brought me joy because now Dennyhad more friends to hang out with when they got tired of me. They’ve never quite had that experience, so I was grateful to Chey and Nala for including them in their plans whenever they had any.
“I guess it’s your turn next, huh, Cory,” Simone whispers to me as she bumps my shoulders lightly. I playfully rolled my eyes, but there was no denying the smile that spread across my face as they traveled over to Denny once more. “When do you plan on asking them?”
“Soon,” I say with a nod. “I have a few things I want to plan out first, but I want to ask them on the same day that I retire.”
“I still can’t believe you’re retiring,” Simone says with a sigh. “I’m gonna miss balling with you.”
“There’s going to be plenty of time for us to have a pickup game or two in the future,” I chuckle. “But for the next couple of months, all I plan on doing is being there for Denny and transitioning into a more slow-paced lifestyle. I think it’ll be good for me.”
“You know what, I think so too,” Simone agrees, slinging her arm over my shoulder as the other walks over to where we were. “Y’all ready to go grab a bite to eat?”
“Aww, are you treating us, Simi?” Harley teases, and Simone smirks before turning to me.
“Cory is,” she says, and my mouth falls open.
“Now, I didn’t say-”
“That’s so sweet of you, Corduroy!” Denny says with a smile, and instantly, I melt. They come over and playfully push Simone away before wrapping their arms around my neck. They smile down at me,and I smile back up at them. “You sure are an amazing friend, Cory.”
“Simone set me up, you know,” I whisper, and they giggle before nodding. “You love to see me sweat, huh?”
They smirk before moving their lips closer to my ear so that no one can hear when they whisper, “I love to see you do a lot of things.” They bite my earlobe lightly before kissing it and pulling back to see me flustered. “You’re so cute.”
“You better chill out before we have to take a rain check on that celebration lunch,” I warn. They giggle, stepping out of my embrace before taking my hand in theirs.
“Ugh, come on, you two love birds,” Chey laughs as she and Harley walk around us towards the exit. Nala and Simone follow, leaving Denny and me to bring up the rear.
We head over toThe Charmsand get seated in a private room. I learned my lesson from last time and knew that I didn’t want a mishap like what happened when Christie rolled up on us. The last thing any of us needed was her, Meila, or Kelsey to bring their asses around, starting drama again.
Speaking of Christie, it’s been quiet as hell since that altercation a few weeks ago. It’s almost like she disappeared after being exposed for the lying cheater she was. I didn’t feel bad for her at all because she brought this upon herself. I was madder at the fact that I’d spent so much time with a woman who didn’t care for me as much as she led on. I wholeheartedly think that my finally letting her go was the first step on my road to recovery, and I was grateful that I had taken it.
I was tired of the toxicity and drama, and all I wanted was to be happy and at peace.
And I could see that future clearer and clearer with each passing day.
Later That Night
“I love being around your friends,” Denny gushed as we got ready to settle in for the night. “I never thought I’d have a friend group who accepted and cared for me as much as you do, but because of you, I was blessed with one. Ahh, it feels so good!”
“Well, baby, I’m so glad you feel that way,” I smile, climbing into bed to cuddle with them. They snuggle up in my arms, resting their head against my chest. They sigh deeply before staring up at me. “What’s wrong?”
