Page 363 of Kentrell

As soon as the Rev cleared the first row of pews, that was my cue.

I stepped out…

Applause rose like a wave from the guests…

Thunderous.

My heart pounded, but I kept my steps cool and even…

Kensei did his big one with these tuxes.

I usually looked good, but today?

This was next-level shit.

I made it to the end of the runner, took my spot to the Rev’s left, and turned just in time to see Wani clown his way down the aisle.

Swaying with every step… mouthing the lyrics to Ayesha like he was starring in his own music video. She was smiling… trying to stay cute… but I saw that dimple pop. Rashad, sitting out in the gallery, clocked the whole thing with a side-eye, but stayed cool about it.

Next came Kensei. Smooth. Effortless. Gliding Stacia down the aisle like he’d been born for this moment. Smiling at random folks in the audience… flirting with the camera lady… and throwing a wink at Zonda… who damn near swooned like she was twenty years younger.

Then Lex. The diplomat. Always knowing how to walk into a room like he owned it.

Him and Mars? They looked like a movie scene—her fiery, him cool, both moving in perfect rhythm. Like he knew just how to handle her without killing her fire.

When they reached the end and broke apart—taking opposite sides of the arch—the music dipped low…

The doors pushed open wider…

And there she was.

My niece, Koi.

Dressed in cream satin and layers of tulle… her little chocolate sash tied in the perfect bow at the back.

“The bride is coming!”

Her high-pitched voice rang out like a church bell, making folks in the pews chuckle.

“Did you hear me? Get up!”

She put one hand on her hip, attitude on full blast.

That sent the whole room into a fit of laughter.

And just like that…

Everyone stood.

“The bride is coming!”

No sooner had those last words left Koi’s mouth,Chrisette Michele’s “A Couple of Forevers”kicked in like a perfectly timed movie soundtrack.

Right on cue, my niece started her flower petal mission… strolling down the aisle with her little basket, dropping cream and chocolate-dyed rose petals like she was blessing the carpet with every step.

By the time she made it to me, she looked up with that big proud grin like she wanted me to tell her she nailed it.

I winked down at her, giving her that nod she needed.

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