Page 87 of Still Made For You

We waited a few moments to make sure they were ready for us before the music started playing.

A few moments earlier

“Charity texted me saying they’re here. The pastor is in the office space waiting for us. Are we almost ready?” Loyal asked, walking into the room. We were dressed before we got here, but of course, we needed to make sure we had what we needed.

“Cartier, are those pants fitting better than the other ones?” Cartier was one of the only people who wasn’t able to make it to their fitting due to his wrestling matches. I thought we’d be okay, but when we tried on his suit yesterday, his pants were too long. We ended up having to run back into town to have them fitted. The rush job wasn’t cheap, but it was worth it.

“Yeah, these fit perfectly,” He turned around to give me a full view. Solomon had given him a line-up, and my boy looked fresh as ever. It’s crazy how time flies because I swear it seemed as if he was a little boy yesterday, and now he’s a pre-teen. As much as I didn’t want them to grow up, I knew I had no choice in the matter. We were all growing older and wiser.

“You good, Cayden?” He’d been his usual quiet self this morning, so I almost forgot about him being in here with us.

“I’m straight, Bro. What about you? Do you need anything?” He asked. I smiled then shook my head. Ciyani’s brothers became a part of my family the moment I invited them into my world, and I felt blessed to have them. People often ask what it was like raising children who aren’t mine, and the question always caught me off guard because they are mine. They were my family, and they would be forever. I counted it an honor to be able to watch them grow.

“Alright, don’t forget the order we’ll be walking in. Make sure you get in the correct formation so we’re not out there looking crazy. Well, mainly y’all because I’m gonna be fine as hell whether y’all fuck up or not.” I shook my head at Loyal. He wasn’t the best man, but you couldn’t tell from the way he gave out orders. Speaking of the best man, I searched around for Dreaux. When I spotted him, he appeared to be fixing his tie. I was happy to have him here with me on my wedding day. We used to talk shit about getting married and settling down. He swore he’d be a bachelor until his dying day, but I always knew I’d settle down one day.

“Are you sure you don’t want to back out? I can sneak you out of the back without anyone seeing us.” I laughed, but there wasn’t a doubt in my mind. Marrying Ciyani would be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in life.

“Ain’t no backing out, Bro. I’m ready to see my girl walk down that aisle today,” I confirmed. We slapped hands before he fixed my bowtie. Ciyani twisted my hair two days ago, and I’m happy to say I’ve been able to maintain it while we were apart.

“I can’t believe you’re about to be a married man. You’ve always been the lover boy out of the two of us, so I guess I shouldn’t be too shocked,” Dreaux teased.

“What can I say? The ladies always loved them some Justice,” I quipped.

“I’m proud of you, bro. Although I’m technically the oldest, you’ve set the example of how a man should carry themselves. I remember when you first met Yani, your ass was ready to take my head off behind her, after only knowing her for a few minutes. I should have known then your ass would end up being lovesick over her,” I laughed, recalling the day in question. Ciyani left an impression on me that day at the park, and not much has changed.

“Hell yeah, she was my baby long before we ever made it official.” I knew in my heart I’d run into the girl who punched me in the face that day. Of course, I had no idea the impact she would have on my life. Ciyani taught me what it really meant to love another person. Outside of my family, I’d never felt so protective over another human being.

“Thank you, bro. Love can be a beautiful thing when it’s with the right person. One day, we’ll be switching roles, and I’ll be the one helping you get ready for your special day.” Regardless of how Dreaux came off, I knew he wanted love for himself. I think the majority of his reservations came from the weight of his responsibilities.

Raising three girls on his own wasn’t easy, and he barely took breaks from the street life because of his hunger to provide for his family. Even as his best friend, he refused to let me help him in any way. It used to bother me back in the day, but I’d become used to it over the years. I still did what I wanted to do to try to take the pressure off of him, but I understood his mindset. He hated the idea of owing anyone. Most men have an issue with it.

“Man, I have to get into a relationship in order for that to happen. Right now, I don’t see it happening for me. Women are much too complicated for the type of life I live right now. Maybe once the girls start graduating, I’ll think about it. Right now, I’m enjoying the freedom being a bachelor provides me.” I nodded. It would probably be hard to find a solid woman who would be okay with the way he lived life. It wasn’t impossible, but I could understand the hesitation.

“It’s gonna happen when you least expect it. I appreciate you being here with me. We’ve been through so much over the years and I’ve never once had to question your loyalty. I know you have my back no matter what, and I’ll always be down to ride for you. You’re prideful as hell at times, but we’re brothers. If you ever need me for anything, you better not hesitate to call on me,” He nodded but didn’t say much. Dreaux avoids emotions like the plague, so I expected nothing less from him.

“Love you, Bro,” I knew he loved me, and I loved him the same.

“Love you too, Just.” He patted me on the back before walking off to answer his phone.

“Alright, fellas, it’s almost time to get in line. The ladies are here, and the family has been seated,” Loyal announced. A knock sounded off before my father entered the room. He hugged my brothers and cousin before walking over to me.

“How are you feeling, son?” He embraced him into his arms, and my spirit calmed down.

“I’m ready to see my bride,” I admitted. I hadn’t seen Ciyani in two days, which was the longest I’d been away from her since we moved in together years ago. I missed her like crazy, even though I knew I’d been spending the rest of my life with her.

“I’ll be headed to her as soon as I leave out of here. I just wanted to lay eyes on my boy before your big day.” My mother’s spirit surrounded the two of us.

“When you boys were younger, Ophelia and I used to talk about what the future would look like. She used to speak about which one of you would get married first or be the first to give us grandchildren. In my mind, I thought time would move slower than it has. All of my sons are married and starting families of their own. I thank God every day for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of all of your milestones. It’s something I’ll never take for granted because I know just how short life can be. I know your mother isn’t here in body, but you and I both know she wouldn’t miss this day for anything in the world.”

I believed it. She used to talk about how extra she would be at our weddings and how she wanted to have a mother-in-law suite at our houses. I thought about her when we bought our house because I could picture her going through the home praying in every room. Moments like these were bittersweet for me.

"Thanks, Pop. I wouldn’t be the man that I am without the two of you, and I’m glad to have you here with me today. Ciyani and the boys love you as much as we do, so I’m happy to share you with them.” When Ciyani told me that she had asked my father to walk her down the aisle, it pulled at my heartstrings. I knew how important it was for Ciani to have a father figure walking her down the aisle, and I was more than happy to share my father with her. After all, he spoiled her almost as much as I did.

“Those are my babies; I would do anything for them. I’m going to go find Ciyani now so we can get this service started. I would wish you luck, but you don’t need it. This is only the beginning, and I promise if you put in the work, it’s going to be worth it. If you ever need me, even if it’s just for advice or to vent, I’m here for you. I love you, son.”

“I love you too, Pop.” He gave me one last hug then he turned to walk out of the room.

“Let’s get this show on the road, a nigga is hungry and ready for some liquor!” Loyal shouted. He did make a valid point because I could already taste Granny’s dressing and mac & cheese right now. A chef prepared breakfast for us this morning, but it was nothing compared to my grandmother’s cooking.

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