Page 29 of Heart of a Savage
“You will. He’ll be back this weekend.”
“And when is the wedding?”
“July thirteenth.”
Mom frowned. “Two months? How can you plan a wedding in two months?”
“Are you pregnant?” I had to ask because this was moving at the speed of light. I understood that she’d known him for a year, but to get married in two months was wicked business.
Paige giggled and shook her head. “I knew you were going to ask me that, but no, I’m not pregnant. I just really think I’ve found my person. He knows what I want before I even have to ask. He balances me when I feel myself about to trip out, and when I start thinking about my family… it’s like he does things to distract me from getting caught up in my feelings. I just love everything about him.”
I stared at her and could tell that she was genuinely happy. I loved that for her, but I was still keeping my eyes on this guy. Oftentimes, people mistake lust for love. It’ll be all good in the beginning, then once the honeymoon phase is over, that’s when the true colors begin to show.
I knew Paige could handle herself, but I still didn’t want to see my friend hurt. She’d been through enough to last her a lifetime.
“I’m truly happy for you, baby. Although he should have asked for my blessing first, I see that you’re happy, and that’s all I want for you.”
“Thank you, Mama. I took him to see Papa Lo?—”
“What? When?” I queried, shocked.
“Last month. He asked him for his blessing then.”
“So, he gets to meet him before we do?” I was offended.
“Arieana, chill. He needed his blessing, and Papa Lo knows best. He was the one who had him vetted.”
“Arie, sometimes it’s not about you, baby. You both are growing up on me, and while this is a surprise, I want nothing more than you both to start living a normal life and giving me grandchildren. Joseph and Priscilla would be so proud of you, Paige,” Moms said, standing and waving Paige over to her.
Paige stood and fell into her embrace. “I love you, Mama ’Brina. Thank you for being what I lost. You’re the best bonus mom a girl could ever need.”
“And I love you more, my sweet baby.” She kissed her cheek and cupped her face.
“I need y’all to help me find the perfect dress. The venue is already paid for, and I’ve been in touch with a wedding planner. I’m really excited!” She beamed.
“We need to get on that right away. Also, does he have parents?” Moms asked.
“He does. They’re coming up at the end of the month, and of course, they want to meet you guys.”
“You still didn’t answer my question,” I told her.
“What question?”
“How is this going to work, P? Is he moving back here, or are you moving to South Carolina?”
She was silent for a moment as my mom and I looked at her.
She scratched her head, then looked at me, sighing. “I’ll be here for two months after we’re married. That’s when our house will be complete, then I’ll be moving there with him.”
“So, you’re going to uproot your life for him? This is your home. What the hell do you know about South Carolina?”
“I’ll adjust. What’s the issue, Arie?”
“I just think you’re moving too fast. You just introduced us to him and have been hiding his ass for a year. Now you’re about to marry him and move a million miles away with this man?”
I couldn’t help but feel a deep sadness that my sister—my best friend—was leaving me. We’d been through so much together. We’d been friends since we were in sixth grade. She was the only female that I loved and trusted with my life.
There was no Bonnie without Clyde.
