Page 60 of Only You

Once again, I could feel the sun hitting my closed eyes. Brice had opened the blinds again after he’d gotten up.

“Damnit, Brice,” I groaned.

I chanced opening them, then quickly covered my head with the comforter while they adjusted to the brightness. It was Saturday, and it had been almost two weeks since that night at the docks. Our life was finally quieting, and I’d even returned to work.

Flipping the comforter down, I finally sat up. In my groggy haze, I noticed a tray on the nightstand. A breakfast of eggs, toast, bacon, and fresh-cut fruit sat on a warming plate. I moved it to the bed and began to dig in when I noticed a note. It was handwritten on a small, silver-embossed card.

Think back to any time in the past that included us. Do you have one?... I loved you then, Tayla. Eat.

I sat smiling over the note as I ate breakfast, reflecting on our time together. Once I’d eaten, I finally headed into the bathroomto handle my morning routine. I stepped out of the toilet room and over to the sink. While I brushed my teeth, the reflection of a dress hanging on the linen closet door halted my task. My mouth fell open, and my toothbrush, which had been in my hand, went into the sink.

What in the…

My hand went to my chest as I stared at the satin white sheath-style spaghetti-strap dress that draped low in the front around my breasts. Its length led to the ground, forming a small train. It was simple yet beautiful. With it were strappy Swarovski crystal-encrusted heels. Attached to them was another note.

Now that your mind has gone to our past, let me bring you to the present. I still love you, Tayla Renae. Get dressed.

I had no idea what Brice was up to, but my smile never faltered when I sat at the mirror applying my makeup. After everything was perfect, I carefully slipped on the dress and heels and headed to find Brice. When I reached the living room, Brice was on one knee, wearing an impeccably tailored black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt and a satin black tie. He held an open ring box with a large three-carat oval diamond on a diamond band in his hands. Inside the same box was a band for him that matched mine.

“Brice! You cut your hair!” I yelled probably louder than I should have.

“You don’t like it?” he asked quietly as he stared into my eyes. I didn’t think it was possible but his ass was even finer than before. I hadn't seen him this way in years.

“Damn!” I said as I took him in.

“No, Baby, I love it! Did you do that for me?"

"Tayla, everything I do is for you," he said as I melted.

"Yes!"

“Yes?” He asked, confusion evident on his face.

“Yes, I’ll marry you!” He let out a hearty laugh, and I melted even more.

Damn!

“Let me ask you first, Baby,” he said teasingly. I nodded.

“Tayla Renae Young, today I want to change your last name to Washington because my love for you is forever. Will you marry me?”

“Yes!” I exclaimed. Then, Case’s Happily Ever After began playing. Once again, in the safety that Brice had created, I hadn’t noticed that the sliding glass door was open. Brice stood and walked outside. When I reached the door opening, my breath was taken away. The backyard had been transformed into a small, quaint setting for a wedding ceremony.

A white satin carpet covered in black rose petals lay before me. At the end sat an arch of white roses with black ones sparingly mixed throughout. Underneath the arch stood Brice, and to his left was Stephon, wearing an all-black tuxedo and shirt. Jourdan stood on the other side, wearing a black satin dress similar to mine, but stopped mid-thigh. Each holding a baby. In between stood the officiant. Ms. Adri, standing by the door, placed a beautiful veil adorned with Swarovski crystals over my head, then hugged me tightly before handing me a bouquet of red roses. Then I began slowly walking towards my forever, not stopping until I reachedhim. He took my hands into his before the officiant started to speak.

“My name is Kenny Smith, and I have been called to wed you two this afternoon. I had the honor of marrying Stephon and Jourdan, and you two are strengthening the family ties, I see,” he said and chuckled.

“I told Steph the same thing,” Brice cut in, turning his neck to stare Steph down. Steph chuckled. I’m assuming that was one of the reasons he’d asked him to marry his sister.

“You ready, now, man?” Kenny asked.

“Fosho.”

“Would you like to recite your vows?”

“Yes,” Brice answered quickly.

“I’m going to speak from my heart. Tayla, there were several times when my heart stopped beating because I thought that I had lost you forever. I never want to feel that feeling again. I want my heart to beat forever for you and with you until our last breath. Which, better be together or me first because I’ve already told you, you can’t ever leave me again,” he said and laughed.

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