Page 44 of I Found Love

“Family and friends, we are gathered here today, not to mark the beginning of a love story, but to honor a bond that is already formed. Today, Sanchez and Kenya, stand before you, ready to speak promises that will guide them through the rest of their lives together.” A slight breeze moved through the space, slightly lifting my veil as Sanchez gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “Marriage isn’t just about sharing a home or a last name. It’s about choosing each other—over and over, day after day, moment by moment. And now you’ll share your vows—spoken from the heart—to seal that choice with words.” He waved for Bryson to approach with the rings before he turned to Sanchez. “Sanchez, you may go first.”

He sucked in a deep breath, giving my hands another squeeze before he began. “When I first came home I thought I had my path figured out. I promised myself I’d have tunnel vision. No attachments to anything or anybody. No distractions. Just build my business, stay out the way, never look back and damn sure to never go back. I was determined. I was gon’ chill with my people and celebrate that first day, then get missing, but that was the day that I saw you and in that moment everything changed for me.

You were unexpected, but exactly what my soul needed. You gave me a space to be vulnerable, to be whole and to be a man worthy of the kind of love you so freely give. You’re the calm to all of my chaos. My confidence whenever I doubt myself. My clarity in any moment of confusion. You’re everything that I need you to be.

You’ve challenged me. You’ve believed in me. Loved me loud, soft and honest. So, today, I promise to love you back the same way. Loud when life is quiet. Soft when shit gets hard, and honest, even when it’s uncomfortable.

I’ll protect your heart like it’s my own, keep you laughing, keep you safe, and never let you forget how loved you are. I promise you to be the man that you prayed for, the man you deserve, and the home your heart can rest in.

You’re the best decision that I’ve ever made, Kenya Dailey, and today, I vow to never stop proving to you that I was yours, too.”

By now my makeup had to have been a mess. I couldn’t stop my tears from flowing, nor did I want to. The look on his face while he spoke went hand in hand with the conviction in his voice. He meanteverythingthat he’d said to me. I wished so bad that I could kiss him after he slipped the ring onto my finger, but the officiant turned to me and let me know that it was my turn.

“Sanchez,” I started with a shaky voice. “You showed up in my life like a raging storm. I tried running to get away from you, but I learned quickly that there was no shelter.” I chuckled a little. “No matter what path I took or which way I turned, Ialwaysran into you. I worked overtime tonotfall for you at all. I told myself that I was fine on my own and that I didn’t need the distractions or complications—or a love that made me nervous just by how real it was.

You didn’t rush me or force me to fall in love with you. You were just present, patient and constant. So much so that I looked up and realized that I couldn’t imagine what my life would be without you in it nor do I ever want to. You, too, became my calm. My laughter. My safe space. And in the midst of me trying to guard my heart, you healed it.

Today, I vow to love you the way that you’ve always loved me—fully, freely and without fear. I’ll continue to be your peacewhen the world gets too chaotic, your voice of reason whenever your thoughts get too loud, your soft place to land, your number one fan and the love that you’ll never have to doubt.

Youarethe man I prayed for—the love I never saw coming.” I smiled. “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. I’ll choose you, in every lifetime, in every version of myself, and I vow to never let you forget that.”

The officiant allowed a second for my words to settle before saying, “by the power vested in me, and witnessed by all who love you… I now pronounce you husband and wife. Sanchez, you may kiss your bride.”

The officiant’s final words were barely off his lips before Sanchez lifted my veil and kissed me deeply. As promised, his hands began to roam, landing on my ass that he gave a rough but gentle squeeze. Our family and friends roared with applause and cheer as we kissed like we were the only two people in the room.

I had to pull back and break the kiss, otherwise he would take things further not caring who was in the room with us.

“Ladies and gentleman, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez Dailey.” Sanchez and I lifted our hands and I blushed at everyone cheering and applauding us. My mom let Nairobi down and she ran straight into her father’s arms before the three of us took the walk back up the aisle together.

All of our guests went to the cocktail hour while we went to take pictures with our family. Nairobi was exhausted with the whole thing and probably hungry, so after we finished with pictures and got her changed, I let my mom take her to get something to eat while Sanchez and I took our pictures.

“Ay, where you goin’?” He caught my wrist when I got ready to walk away.

I looked back at him and smiled. “I need to go inside and change for the reception.”

The resort had allowed us to close off the two largest banquet halls for the reception and gave us two suites to use for the bridal party so we didn’t have to go all the way back to the ones we were staying in when it was time to change.

“Come here right quick.” He started to pull me in the opposite direction but I resisted.

“We can’t, babe.” I grinned.

“Yeah, we can.” He pulled me in. “I just want a moment with my wife.” He kissed my lips. “Alone and uninterrupted.”

I smiled against his lips. “I won’t ever get tired of hearing that.”

“Bet not.” He gripped my ass and kissed me again. “Officially locked in for eternity.”

“Today has been so perfect.”

“Facts.” He nodded. “Woulda been better if we woke up together and shit.”

“But wasn’t waiting to see me worth it?”

“Know it was.” He smiled. “Told you that you was gon’ be the finest bride ever.”

“You did, but you’re my husband. You have to say that.”

“Shit’s the truth,” he countered. “Never seen a bride in my life that looks like this.”

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