Page 35 of Going for Three

I gaspedwhen my favorite makeup artist to work with spun me around so I could see myself in the mirror.

“You never fail me, Paige,” I complimented her on her work. I fanned myself, trying to calm the waters trying to cascade down my cheeks.

Paige grinned proudly. “My work is easy to do because of how naturally pretty you are. I’m so excited for you.”

I smiled. I had worked with Paige a lot over the years. I wouldn’t call us friends, but we had a great stylist and client relationship. She knew what she’d done today would be my bridal makeup. She’d been sworn to secrecy just like the other two people who knew—Vari and Jah. It felt right to only have our best friends there as our witnesses. My mama was going to curseme out when she found out, but I figured one secret for her to keep was enough.

After we agreed to elope, I went out to buy my dress the next day, and Kinga went searching for his tuxedo. We made our choice on Sunday, and today was Wednesday, our wedding day. I woke up feeling so excited about marrying the love of my life. I hadn’t seen him yet, but when he called me a few hours ago, I could feel his joy through his voice.

Vari walked into the room just as I stood from my seat.

“Oh my God…” His voice cracked. I watched his hand cover his mouth as he stared at me in awe. “That man is going to bawl his eyes out when he sees you.”

I grinned shyly. “He won’t be the only one crying. I can’t believe we’re getting married.”

Paige began to clean up her things while I went to stand in the full-length mirror.

“I can,” Vari replied while closing the distance between us. He came to stand behind me, looking handsome in the black tuxedo he was wearing for the special occasion.

“I told you Kinga was in love with you. He knew what he wanted and didn’t stop until he got it… until he got you.”

He straightened out my veil for me. I took a deep breath then released it slowly. My hair was styled in a high ponytail that flowed in beautiful curls down my back. My stylist had added these tiny rhinestones that really elevated the look.

My dress was a fitted mermaid dress with floral embroidery until it flared out in white tulle at the bottom. Even though we were eloping, Kinga insisted on buying the perfect dress for me no matter the cost. I had to get it tailored because of my pregnant belly, but the designer, IliAnn, happened to be in town and willing to work with our time clock.

Nick entered the room and began circling me to gather footage for our wedding. Since he was here, that meant Kingawas on his way to the courthouse with Jah. I wished I could have a glass of champagne to celebrate but had to settle for sparkling cider instead. After pouring a glass for me, Vari returned to my side with an envelope in hand.

“From your man.” He winked then handed it off.

I peeled the envelope open to find a letter written by Kinga. My heart fluttered as I began to read what he had to say.

Charmony… I can’t wait to marry you. See you at the courthouse in a few, baby.

Xoxo, Kianis Kinga

I held the envelope to my chest. Turning to Vari, I said, “I’m ready to marry the man of my dreams.”

We arrivedat the courthouse half an hour later. Vari held my hand to help me inside. All I could hear was my thumping heart. My every inhale intoxicated me with excitement until we were right outside of the doors. I caught the trail of Kianis’sSanctuarycologne and nearly started to drool. The hints of vanilla comforted me. If I had any nerves, they would’ve been gone in that moment. I knew that scent was going to lead me right where I needed to be—in Kianis’ arms.

The doors were pulled open a minute later. “All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo began to play, setting the mood. I lifted my eyes and collided with Kianis standing by the altar waiting for me. He was thoughtful enough to have a red carpet laid out for me to walk down. There were tea lights on each side of the aisle, and it was covered in rose petals.

Vari handed me my bouquet, and I squeezed it to my chest. My breaths came out in short spurts as he walked me closer to my forever. My eyes were watering so badly I knew I didn’t have long before my tears started to fall. I sighed in relief when I finally made it in front of him.

He straightened his shoulders and lifted his head despite his tears. He smiled at me and shook his head.

“You’re fucking perfect, Charm.”

“So are you,” I whispered choppily.

Our officiator began our ceremony moments later. I couldn’t take my eyes off Kianis. He couldn’t take his eyes off me either. I felt the tether between us grow brighter and stronger by the second. To know I would never have to do life without him brought my soul joy.

When it was time for us to say our vows, Kianis went first.

“I don’t have much to say but that I love you with everything in me. Having you in my life has completed me. With every breath in my lungs, I will be the man you deserve, the man who keeps a smile on your face, the man who would sacrifice anything in this world to have you. With you is where I want to be. It’s where I belong. I knew from the first time I saw you that you were special. Even though you were mean, I knew you were worth the fight.”

I smiled, remembering the day we officially met at Maison du Soleil. He placed a comforting hand on my belly.

“I’m going to love you through any and all storms. You are my heart, my rib, my life. You and my son are proof of God’s favor over me.”

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