Page 366 of Kentrell

Darius still had Zoe’s right hand lifted, waiting for his part.

“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” the Rev asked, glancing between them.

Zora’s tears were falling freely now… her lips trembling, but her chin lifted like she was holding herself together for her baby.

“Her mother and I do,” Darius answered, speaking for both of them as he gently lifted Zoe’s hand… pausing long enough for Zora to let go…

And placed Zoe’s shaking, dainty hand into mine.

Her fingers curled tight around my palm like she needed that little anchor to keep from floating away.

I held on tighter.

When Darius turned to head back to his seat, Zoe and I climbed the four steps, taking our places under the arch, standing on either side of the Reverend like we were stepping into position for the biggest promise of our lives.

“Marriage is a sacred bond…” Rev started, voice full of weight and meaning.

“Amen!”

Somebody from the pews called out loud and clear—sounded like Uncle Ahmad, judging by the gravel in his voice.

The room chuckled, the tension easing just a bit.

“…A promise made in the presence of loved ones and witnessed by God,” the Rev continued, barely missing a beat.

“Today… Zoe and Kentrell stand before you… ready to make that promise.”

Then he turned to me first.

“Kentrell… do you take Zoe to be your lawfully wedded wife?

To have and to hold… from this day forward…

For better… for worse…

For richer… for poorer…

In sickness… and in health…

To love… and to cherish…

For as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

My voice didn’t shake. Not once.

He gave me a knowing smirk… like he could feel how ready I was.

Then he turned to Zoe, her hand still trembling in mine.

“Zoe… do you take Kentrell to be your lawfully wedded husband?

To have and to hold… from this day forward…

For better… for worse…

For richer… for poorer…

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