Page 69 of Papa's Beloved

A knock on the door interrupts any further conversation. Aunt Lilian opens the door. Chief is on the other side. He’s dressed in a Dove gray tux. My colors are purple and silver.

“Ladies,” he greets everyone. “I have something for the bride.”

“Please come in, Chief.”

He pulls me into a hug. “That’s Pops to you.”

I smile. He’s been trying to get me to call him Pops for years.

“Alright Pops,” I say with a smile.

He pulls a box out of his jacket. He hands it to me. I open the box with a gasp. Purple and white diamond earrings sparkle in the black velvet box. They match my ring.

“Oh, Pops. This is too much.”

“Nonsense. You’ve done so much for my boys. You deserve this and more.”

I nod my head, blinking back tears. My throat constricts with emotions. Aunt Lilian takes charge and takes the earrings out of the box, replacing the pearl earrings I’m currently wearing. Another knock at the door. This time Imani answers. It’s uncle Louis. He looks handsome in his tux and tails.

Behind him, Kelsi, Stormy and Lucia pile in. Kelsi, Stormy, and my sisters are standing up with me. Aunt Lilian is acting as mother of the bride and Uncle Louis is walking me down the aisle. I hug Chief one last time and tell him we’re ready. He nods and heads to tell Papa.

Papa

I HAVE MY ARMS WRAPPEDaround my woman. My wife. I can’t believe I finally get to call her that wife.

“What are you thinking?” She asks.

“That I’m the luckiest man on the face of the planet. Patch on your back, ring on your finger, and my baby in your womb. This day couldn’t get any better.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”