Page 36 of Going for Three

It was hard to hold it together hearing him confess his love with so much passion in his voice and desire burning in his eyes. I tucked my bottom lip, believing every word of his honeyed confession. It was sweet like honey and wrapped my heart in a vice grip, refusing to release me anytime soon.

“When I was a young boy, I would go to the basketball court and shoot for hours whenever my parents argued. Even if I had school the next day, I’d be out there all night perfecting my shot. That’s how I became a perfect shooter. Until I met you, I didn’t believe in true love. I only knew toxicity, infidelity, and unhappiness. You introduced me to a whole new world.

With this ring, I promise to love you through sickness and health, through richer or poorer, through the good and the bad.” His voice cracked, so he rushed to finish. “Thank you for loving me, Charmony. My life is better with you in it. You’re my good luck charm simply because you exist. If I have you, I know I will always win in life. I also want to let it be known I will crash the fuck out about you, too. Anybody can get it. On God, my hands can be bisexual, too.”

Giggling softly, I believed every word. I nodded slowly, wanting nothing more than to crash into him, but there would be time for that. Now, it was my turn to share my heart with him, and I held nothing back.

“When I ran into you in Maison du Soleil, you couldn’t convince me that you didn’t just want to have sex with me.”

He cracked a grin knowing what I said was true.

“I am so happy you didn’t give up on me. After having so many public relationships that failed, I thought love wasn’t for me. Then you came along, packaged as everything I thought I’d already experienced. Thank God I was wrong about you.

You are the greatest thing to happen to me. You see me in a way no one else has. When I’m with you, I never have to use my brain. You cater to me with tenderness and go out your way to make sure I can feel your love. Even if you’re thousands of miles away at a game, you prioritize me. I appreciate that so much. I appreciate all the effort you put into preparing for our son’s birth.”

I couldn’t hold them in anymore. My tears began to fall rapidly. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to gather myself. When I felt more in control of the love gushing out of me, I opened them to find Kianis looking so perfect. I reached out and ran my finger along his tattoo.

“You are a great man, and I wish more people could see it. To have you by my side makes this life that much more enjoyable. I can’t wait to travel the world with you, making more children to shower in our love. I can’t wait to be waiting at home with a meal to satisfy you after a long day of work. I can’t wait to celebrate your wins and losses, being whatever you need in the moment to know you’re not alone. I will continue to show up as your good luck charm, your prayer warrior when needed, your cuddle buddy, and best friend. I love you too, Kianis. You complete me too.”

The officiator told us it was time to exchange rings. When I turned to Vari, my friend was in shambles. I chuckled softly, squeezing his hand as he handed Kinga’s ring off to me. Turning back around to face my love, I allowed him to place my ring on my finger. I did the same for him, realizing how official this made things. The use of the word husband and wife was no longer a joke. It was a fact.

“By the power vested in me by the state of South Carolina, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride.”

The officiator barely had the words out before Kinga was crashing his lips into mine. Sparks exploded all around us, and I had to hold on to his tuxedo jacket to balance myself. His love cocooned itself around me, creating a bubble of safety.

When we separated, all I could see was Kianis.

“I love you.”

“I love you more,” I replied with a grin.

“We’re married!” Kianis shouted excitedly. We turned to our best friends, feeling like nothing could tear us apart.

We left the chapel and headed outside for photos. Kianis wouldn’t leave my side, and I was perfectly okay with that. As his arms wrapped around my waist, we stared into each other’s eyes, completely forgetting about the photoshoot.

“This is the best day of my life.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks as I smiled shyly. “Mine too.”

He stroked a finger down the side of my face. “Perfect… No one could ever replace you, Charmony. You have my whole heart.”

I smiled up at him. “You can trust me with it.”

He smiled back. “I know. That’s why I feel so confident about having you as my wife. I can’t believe, out of all the men on this earth, God chose me to love you. It’s the greatest gift he could’ve given me. I get to start a family with the woman of my dreams.”

His words settled into my spirit, making sure I knew this was what he wanted more than anything in the world. I don’t know how long we stood there just entangled in one another’s gaze, reflecting the love, affection, and admiration we held for each other back and forth, watching fireworks explode in the depths of our eyes.

I felt whole in that moment, 100 percent satisfied and confident in the man standing before me. Being away from him wasn’t an option. So, when we naturally began to drift toward each other like magnets, I didn’t fight it. I allowed myself to sink into it. To fill me up with all the goodness of the universe. And when his lips landed on mine, my eyes fluttered closed to savor every second of our kiss. Nothing would ever be better than genuine and authentic love. I could only thank God that I got to experience it in my lifetime because it was the most expensive commodity to exist.

“Kianis! Kianis!”

I turned the volume up on my headphones as I left the locker room behind and headed toward the tunnel.

After the conversation with my mama, I’d been avoiding my father for a week. His many texts messages forewarned the bullshit he was on, and I wasn’t in the mood. They were trying to ruin a beautiful thing, and I wanted no parts of that. Unfortunately, he knew I’d be here today.

I sighed when he grabbed my shoulder then forced me to turn around and face him. “That’s how it is? You ignore your old man when important conversations need to be had?”

I waved him off. “Man, I don’t owe you a conversation or a reply. My life is just that. I’m going to do what I want regardless of what you say.”

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