Page 86 of Still Made For You

I’ve overcome so many obstacles set before me, but I remained solid. The beautiful person I saw before me showed no signs of the trauma I’d experienced. I call it a blessing because there were so many times I wanted to give up. Even though there were times I saw no way out, I never gave up. The lessons in life taught me that although you may be suffering right now, it’s only temporary. You won’t always be in that dark place where you’re crying out for help. Life does get better, and those tears won’t last always.

I remember the times when my smile barely reached my eyes because it wasn’t real. Now, my cheeks hurt at times when I wake up every morning to peace, genuine love, and stability. Those things may seem simple to someone who hasn’t been without them at a point in their lives. Justice and my brothers had no idea how much they added to my life. It was one of the reasons I shut down Nana Shelley’s idea to have them live with her. They were a major part of my happiness, my motivation, and my purpose in life. I’m not ready to let them go and I probably never would be.

“Do you like it?” Serenity peered her head into the bathroom. I smiled, turning to face her.

“It’s perfect. Thank you, boo.” She watched me for a moment without saying anything.

“What?” I giggled nervously because I hated being stared at.

“You look so beautiful. It’s crazy to see how much you’ve changed over the years. When we first met, you were this shy, timid girl seemingly lost in this world, and now you’ve transitioned into a boss bitch. I’m proud of you, Yani. I know we tell each other this often, but I mean it. I had no idea you would become such an intricate part of our family, and we’re truly blessed to have you.”

“Ren, don’t make me cry!” I pouted; she already knows I’m an emotional gangster who cries at the drop of a hat.

“Well, I’m the makeup artist, so there’s no better time to do it. I’m serious, though. You’re an inspiration to so many young women, including myself. I pray life gives you back all the love you’ve poured into others.” Her words encouraged my heart, knowing she truly cared about me.

“Thank you, love. I’m so happy to be able to add Graham to my last name. This family means a lot to me, and I’m thankful you all have let me into your lives and accepted me as your own.” Some people have horror stories about their in-laws, but they’ve truly been a godsend to me.

“We’ve got you, forever. Now hurry up and come out of this bathroom so we can get you into this dress.” She swiped a tear from the corner of her eye.

“It’s almost time!” I squealed. I couldn’t believe I would be a married woman by the end of the day. Thinking about all the things I’ve been through to get here made this even more special to me. Not only was I marrying my best friend, but the man of my dreams. Justice used to be my crush in my younger years so to be taking this leap of faith with him felt surreal. He became my knight in shining armor, and I prayed I could be the same for him.

Walking into the room, I observed the woman standing before me. At one point in my life, I felt all alone in this world, but these ladies have all played a major role in my healing. I could call on any of them for help and rest easy knowing they would do whatever for me. It was an incredible feeling to have a support system you can count on. These ladies were my village. The ones who celebrated my wins and wiped my tears. Now, I’m here sharing one of the happiest moments of my life with people who genuinely love me.

Everyone wore their bridesmaids’ dresses, while Janae was dressed as the maid of honor. I wanted all of the dresses to be the same color, but hers had a little more sparkle than the others. The royal blue radiated on their skin, letting me know I’d chosen a good color.

“Wow, you ladies are so beautiful. I know I said it last night but thank you for being a part of my special day. I don’t know what I would do without each and every one of you. This day will be even more special because I will have you here with me to celebrate. I love y’all so much. We may be friends, but you all are my sisters. Thank you for being the family I needed.” I bit down on my lip gloss covered lip to stop the imminent tears threatening to fall.

“We love you too, baby girl. Now get your butt over here so we can get you dressed. The limo will be here to pick us up in twenty minutes, so we don’t have time to waste.” Tyeis voiced.

The time on the clock read two, and the ceremony would be starting at four. The butterflies in my stomach were going crazy right now. There were so many thoughts running through my head, but I wouldn’t allow any of them to stop me from enjoying my special day.

“Take that robe off and strip, heffa!” Janae cackled, holding a glass filled with what appeared to be a mimosa.

I knew she was happy to finally be able to get a drink without having to worry about the twins. They hired a full-time nanny to help with the babies, and she brought her along for the wedding as well. Justice purchased a suite for the nanny as well as a few other family members who would be helping with the children during the reception. As much as I loved my little nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren, there would be no children at the wedding or reception outside of the flower girl and ring bearer, who would also be with the nannies when the ceremony ended.

Once they got the dress over my head, they helped me get myself together. Yaya and Tyeis buckled my shoes while Janae added my veil and jewelry. When all of my items were placed on me, and Serenity finished my hair, they all stepped back to take their pictures. I hated being the center of attention, but there would be no way to avoid it in this case.

“Aww, Yani!” Ty squealed. All of the ladies were tearing up while making me pose. I looked up at the ceiling, trying my best not to get in my feelings.

“Let’s hurry up and get ourselves together so we can get a move on it. Loyal texted me to let me know they are at the church, and so is the pastor.” Ty informed us. My stomach twisted with nervous energy. It was starting to feel real to me now.

“Let’s go get you married, Boo!” Janae latched her arm with mine as they led me into the hallway. We took more pictures once we got outside, even though we had a photographer for the service. Loyal wanted to do it, but we convinced him to hire a close friend of his. I wanted my family to be a part of the service, not working. After we got into the limo, I almost had a whole panic attack.

“Calm down. I can feel your energy going crazy right now. There’s nothing for you to worry about. Today will be all you’ve ever dreamed it would be. I’m going to make sure of it,” Janae held my hand in an attempt to calm me down. My phone vibrated in my purse, so I used my free hand to grab it. Justice’s name flashed across the screen, calming me almost instantly. Realizing he’d sent me a text, I clicked on it to see what it said.

My Husband: Today is the day! I know you’re somewhere stressed and overthinking, so I wanted to tell you to cut that shit out and bring your fine ass to me.

My Husband: Today, I get to marry my best friend, my heart, my everything. I love you more than words, and I’ll never stop. I can’t wait to see you walking down the aisle. See you soon, Mrs. Graham.

My lips quivered as I reread the messages over again. Even after all this time, he always seemed to know when I needed him. Even when the world was falling apart, there he stood, ready to weather the storm right along with me. If I knew nothing else in life, I knew I wouldn’t be alone in this world. The people God placed in my life made sure of it.

“You look like an angel, baby girl.” Papa Truth kissed the top of my head as we stood in the hallway of the venue. The venue we chose fit the theme I wanted; of course, Chasity executed my vision perfectly. I’d seen pictures of the reception hall as well, and I loved it. The winter wonderland theme looked elegant and beautiful with the extra touches of snowflakes and ice sculptures.

“How are you feeling? Are you ready to get married today?” He asked. His salt and pepper beard appeared freshly trimmed, with his vibrant curls sitting on top of his head. My father-in-law was a handsome man, and I’m happy to know he was finally dating again. He deserved to be happy.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied.

He reached down to help me pick up my train. The mermaid shape of my dress fit my curves perfectly; however, it would take me a moment to get used to this long train of mine. Inside, I felt like a princess in this dress, and I was so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and purchased it. Janae and Serenity almost cussed me clean out when I tried to buy the simple silk dress. Although I like it, this one fits me so much better.

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