Page 43 of You Deserve Good Things

Just when I was about to launch into a full-blown, ugly cry meltdown, Jacory walked in.

The room stilled. I swear he walked in like a damn movie scene—slow-mo effect, beard perfectly lined, eyes laser-locked on me like I was the only woman in the world.

He took one look at my wild hair, wild eyes, wild heart, and said calmly, “How bad is it?”

Daniale threw a thumb over her shoulder. “She’s about five minutes from setting this boutique on fire.”

Jacory walked straight up to me and wrapped me in his arms.

His warmth hit my skin before his voice did.

“Baby. Breathe.”

I collapsed against him, fists in his shirt. “Jacory, this wedding is a disaster. The venue is gone, the flowers are wrong, the dress ain’t ready . . . How the hell am I supposed to—I’m ’bout to lose it.”

He stroked my back slowly, deliberately.

“Baby . . . look at me.”

I did.

He cupped my jaw, his voice a velvet vow. “None of that matters. You matter. You’re my bride, and all I need is you. I don’t give a damn if we say our vows in a parking lot. You’re the only thing I planned for.”

That man. That voice. That presence. Melted me.

That night he made love to me like I was the only thing keeping him breathing. He kissed away my panic. He whispered over my skin that I was his peace, his promise, his forever.

And the next morning, my whole tribe had activated and assembled like a squad of Black Avengers type shit.

Mama and Daddy hit the highway and drove for hours andfoundmy dream flowers.

Chase pulled up on the venue like he was in an episode ofPower, threatening lawsuits and snapping necks with professionalism.

Daniale walked into that boutique like she was the CEO of karma and justice and got my damn dress handledin record time.

And when I saw my people ride for me like that, I broke. I ugly cried in the middle of my kitchen. Snot hanging and everything.

Later, I caught Chase and Daniale low-key whispering.

He leaned into her like he had a secret just for her soul.

“So, you done playin’ with me?”

She blinked. “Boy, what?”

“You heard me. Go peep some rings, Dani.”

Her mouth dropped open. “You play too much.”

But she blushed so hard she looked sun kissed. And I knew. That man had her wrapped.

That night, I sat on the balcony in a silk robe, lookin’ up at the stars that watched me fall in love in every lifetime.

Jacory came behind me, arms wrapping around me like armor.

“You ready, my love?”

I turned, tears in my eyes, joy in my chest.

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