Page 43 of I Found Love

“It seems so unreal that I’ll be a wife in an hour, Mama,” I said. “Like, we’ve already felt like husband and wife, but it’s about to be official now.”

“I can,” she said as she clasped my bracelet on my wrist. “I’ve been dreaming of this day for the longest.”

“Here,” she went over to the vanity then returned with a custom pearl pin that she was putting in my hair. It was perfect for the style I was wearing because it was already pinned back some on one side. “Your something borrowed,” she let me know. “Every time I’ve worn that I felt like I was surrounded by love. I hope you feel the same.”

“And your something blue.” Sam approached with my bouquet that had a satin blue ribbon tied to the base.

“Something old.” Big Ma walked up with a lace handkerchief. “Don’t mind the yellowish tint.” She smiled as she helped me stuff it into my dress. “It was my mother’s. This is a little piece of the past that has seen a lot of love. It’s yours now.” She gave me a tight hug as I thanked her. My heart was full with her entrusting something so sacred and special to her, to me.

Finally my sisters approached, both of them smiling big.

“Saving the best for last.” China teased.

“Okay, here.” Italy lifted a bottle of perfume and spritzed it all over me. The scent was warm, sweet and inviting. I couldn’t exactly point out which perfume it was specifically. “We had it customized so stop trying to figure it out.” Italy smiled, calling me out. “It represents a fresh start, big love, and your own sparkle.”

“Sis.” China stepped up and took my hands. “You’ve been my safe place, my biggest cheerleader and my forever example. Today, you get the kind of love you’ve always given—and no one deserves it more.” She hugged me tight. “I love you so much.”

“Watching you walk into the love you deserve is the most beautiful thing.” Italy started as she stepped up again, hugging me next. “You’ve always been my hero, sis.” She pulled back and smile at me. “Now you’re his.”

I kept hold of one of Italy’s hands then grabbed one of China’s so that I could address them both. I had to fight to hold my tears at bay because Tres warned me that she would not betouching up my makeup now that the artist was gone. I knew she didn’t mean it but I didn’t want to work my friend on her off day, so I was going to try my hardest.

“You two have been my strength, my joy and my reason to keep going, even on my hardest days. Hearing your words means more to me than you’ll ever know. I’m walking into this new chapter carrying your love with me—always.”

I hugged them both, still doing my best not to cry. My sisters really meant the entire world to me, so sharing this moment with them was everything. Sure, we did it at both of their weddings too, but we all knew that me getting to this point washuge.

I had just finished up my final touches when Zara knocked letting us know that it was time to go down. I nodded before grabbing my bouquet then followed her out of the room, down the hall where my father was waiting for me by the door that led to the beach where the ceremony was taking place. His smile grew as wide as Texas when he noticed me.

“Ready, baby girl?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” I smiled back and accepted his waiting hand.

“I’ve walked you through your first steps, your first days of school, even your first heartbreak. But this—this is the proudest walk of my life.”

“Daddy…” I felt myself tearing up.

“You’ve always been beautiful, strong and full of grace. He’s a lucky man.”

“Don’t make me cry before I make it down the aisle, Daddy.” I simpered.

“I can’t make any promises, sweet pea.” He smiled, gently caressing my cheek with his thumb. You’ve always been my soft spot, Yaya. Watching you become the woman you are today is my absolute honor.”

“I love you, Daddy.” I hugged him tightly.

“I love you more”

“Oh, I know you said you didn’t want to cry but let me show you the cutest thing.” He pulled his phone out to show me a video of Nai, who was my junior bride, walking in. As soon as she saw her father, she tossed the bouquet and took off running in his direction. I knew she wouldn’t do right because she definitely didn’t in rehearsals. She was too excited to see her dad just like in the video.

I sucked in a deep breath and let my father know that I was ready before gently looping my arm through his and taking my place at the top of the aisle. On cue, Grey began to sing the song that I’d picked to walk in on,Forever With You. She’d made it before signing with Sanchez, but it was still one of my favorites and perfect for the moment because I was walking into my foreverwithmy forever.

He was standing at the altar with his hands clasped in front of him appearing to be composed, but I knew better. His thumbs were twiddling and I could tell by the way he was swaying from side to side, he was just as anxious and full of emotions as me. His lips were tucked in as he patiently, or impatiently, waited for me to make it to him.

With each step, memories flashed—his voice the first time he told me that he loved me, the way his arms felt wrapped around me in the most challenging moments, his face when he walked in to the delivery room when we were having Nai, his laughs when we were chilling and he would say the most ridiculous things, the first time we met—it all played like a movie in my head as I made my way to him.

When we finally reached the altar, my father kissed my forehead, his lips lingering longer than usual, before he finally pulled back and placed my hands inside of Sanchez’s. His fingers clasped around mine as he stared deep into my eyes.

“You look…” His words trailed off as his eyes carefully took me in. He didn’t finish his sentence. He didn’t need to because the way the he looked at me said more than his words ever could.

The music faded once we were in our rightful positions in front of the officiant who smiled warmly at us, then at the sea of guests who’d come to witness our union before he began.

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