Page 93 of Awakening
“I love you both so much,” I whispered, “This isn’t normal, but it’s us, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Knox leaned in first, kissing me tenderly. Maverick followed, more heat behind it, like a promise he intended to keep. We didn’t rush. That night, the flames of our passion burned slowly.
They made love to me like vows whispered in a language only we understood, and when I fell asleep between them, rings still on my fingers, their hands on my waist, I knew this was home. This was forever.
Epilogue
If you had told me five years ago, even 2 years ago, that I’d be standing in a fall-kissed garden in Somerville, Massachusetts, legally marrying a woman, my woman, our woman, Ajaih Jeffries with Maverick beside me, our hearts beating in sync, I would’ve asked what kind of fairytale you stole that from. When I packed up and moved to Santorini to pursue my passion for cooking and my dream of working with Lefteris, I didn’t think that Maverick and I would ever find our way back to each other in this capacity. I knew we’d get together and wrestle in the sheets, but I’d long given up on us saying ‘I Do.’
We chose Somerville because it didn’t just allow our union, it recognized it. Every detail of this day was curated with intention. Jewel tones kissed every surface: deep purples, wild sunset oranges, bright fuchsia, gold-tinged dahlias, and marigolds blooming from tall glass vases. Velvet runners draped along long banquet tables, candles flickering against the early autumn dusk.
The aisle was lined with wild blooms and votives, the altar a simple arch wrapped in fall florals and twinkle lights that pulsed like slow heartbeats.
Maverick looked over at me and grinned as the string quartet began to play. He was radiant, dressed in a deepburnt orange tux that hugged him in all the right ways, the golden undertones of his skin catching the light like a walking sunrise. I wore eggplant purple, sharp, clean, regal, with matching gold cufflinks inscribed with ACF. My chest was tight, but my soul was still.
Our best men, Caleb, James Jr., and Ahmir, stood behind us, hands clasped, beaming. I came into this not sure what to expect from Caleb and Ahmir, and I’d never been so glad to be wrong about two people in my life. The brotherhood that bloomed between us was an added perk of falling in love with Ajaih. Never any weird energy or stares, or pointless use of “No homo,” just respect and love. Yanna, Dana, and Lena stood opposite them, beautiful in satin gowns in their jewel-toned shades, their eyes glassy before Ajaih even took a step down the aisle. The tears they shed were of joy and happiness. They knew Ajaih’s pain, and now they were bearing witness to her triumph. The soft chatter hushed as the music shifted to Happily Ever After by Case.
And then, the doors opened. In that moment, I forgot how to breathe.
Ajaih appeared like a goddess carved from moonlight. Her dress, a sheer illusion with intricate white beading, hugging her in ways I can’t describe without sounding blasphemous. The gown clung to her curves and spilled behind her in a lace train so beautiful I swear I heard someone whisper damn behind me. Her hair was swept into Old Hollywood waves, glossy and soft, parted like a dream. Diamond earrings sparkled with every step. Her makeup was luminous, a soft smoky eye, a dewy glow, and a rich nude lip.
She was a vision, my vision.
And Maverick? Full-on tears, though I wasn't far behind. She walked down the aisle on the arm of Dro, who wore a custom black and garnet tux and walked like he was giving away royalty.
When they reached us, Dro paused and turned to the guests. “Now listen,” he said, holding Ajaih’s hand as if it were spun gold. “Giving my baby girl away wasn’t easy, but gaining two good men who worship her like I always prayed she’d be worshipped? I’ll call that a divine upgrade.”
Laughter filled the air, but it was a warm, teary kind of laughter.
“I trust y’all,” he added, looking at me and Maverick, eyes full of love. “Don’t make me turn this suit into a uniform.”
“Sir, never,” Maverick choked out through a grin.
David Sr. stood before us in all his pastoral grace, eyes glistening as he looked out at the small circle of people who loved us best. “Today,” he began, voice rich and full, “we celebrate a love that defies limitation. A union built not in secrecy, but in boldness. In truth. And in joy.”
He looked right at me, “Today, I gain another daughter,” then at Maverick, “And two sons.”
The vows?
There wasn’t a dry eye in sight.
Maverick went first, his voice steady but thick with feeling, “I spent years wondering if I was too complicated to love, if I even deserved to be loved. Then I met you both and realized I wasn’t too much, I just hadn’t found enough. I realize now that I’d been merely existing, holding my breath waiting for the next round of pain and heartache, but with the two of you, I was able to exhale,breathe, and heal. Within the love we’ve built, I never had to feel like the parts of me that were complicated were a burden. Instead, the complicated parts of me became easier with the love and support of my forever loves.”
I went second, breath trembling, “You both found me when I was afraid of the unknown. Running from what could be, but you didn’t just see me, you chose me, over and over. Made sure to pour into me, catered to me when I didn’t know I needed, and affirmed me when I second-guessed myself. I vow to do the same. Every damn day.”
Ajaih went last and wrecked us.
“I’ve been a soldier, a daughter, a protector, a survivor. I’ve cried myself to sleep at times, praying for a love that would find me, that would allow me to bloom. A love that was gentle and kind but firm in pushing me to get out of my head and continue to walk in my purpose and immerse myself in my passions,” she said, “But with you two, I’m soft, I’m safe, I’m home, I’m free, and most importantly, I’m awakened. I vow to love you out loud, without apology. And I vow never to let our love become small to make others comfortable.”
We kissed, one, then the other, in a beautiful blur of applause and sobs and laughter.
And when we turned to walk back down the aisle as a married trio, our hands clasped, our rings glinting in the setting sunlight…I realized this wasn’t just the start of a new chapter. This was the moment we became legend.
The reception took place at the same breathtaking country club as the ceremony, with panoramic views of the Atlantic, the sunset casting a romantic glow over everything. The décor was pure autumn opulence: tables draped in velvet linens in rich burgundy, burnt orange, and aubergine, accented with copper flatware and cut glass goblets. Floating candles rested in hurricane vases with scattered pomegranate seeds and fig slices adding texture. Chandeliers dangled with hanging amaranthus and pampas grass.
The menu was a curated masterpiece, designed by Knox, of course, blending fall flavors with coastal luxury as we dined on: Butternut squash bisque with a hint of curry and coconut cream, served with cornbread croutons, oysters on the half shell with champagne mignonette and a sweet mango-habanero salsa, grilled pear and arugula with honeyed pecans, goat cheese, and a white balsamic fig dressing, pan-seared halibut in brown butter sage sauce, atop a bed of roasted sweet potato and leek purée, bourbon glazed short ribs with caramelized onions and truffle mac & cheese, and smoked collard greens with turkey, maple roasted carrots, and garlic herb biscuits. Our lives were as non-traditional as they come, so instead of awedding cake, we offered an assortment of our favorite desserts, which included sweet potato crème brûlée, apple cider beignets with bourbon caramel sauce, and a dark chocolate torte with sea salt.
As the music began to swell and lights dimmed, the DJ introduced the first dance.
