Page 29

YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED…

Today I would be attending Asif and Anastazia’s wedding with Unique, and I was already excited.

They’d rented out the entire Welmington Hotel in Beverly Hills, so we got to choose whatever room we wanted to stay in overnight for free. Of course, everyone chose the presidential suites offered, the biggest one being left to the soon-to-be married couple since it had extra rooms and space.

The wedding would be taking place in the beautiful outdoor space in the back of the hotel. I could see it from the living room window of our suite, and it was already decorated so beautifully with the couple’s color scheme of chocolate, gold, and cream, just like the elaborate invitations. It was obvious no expense had been spared on the occasion.

I wished I’d known Anastazia before as I do now, because I would’ve been able to do her makeup for such a special event. Brides were always my favorite clients.

“Damn. Look at you,” I commented when Unique came from the back room dressed up in his tuxedo. He, along with Lequay and Bashar were in the wedding while the other brothers would just be in attendance.

Unique explained that because it was so many of them and they were all close, they used a hat system. The groom would pick three names out of a hat, and whomever was chosen would be groomsmen. I thought that was a dope idea, mainly because it proved how close the boys were and how they didn’t harbor favoritism or jealousy at all. It was quite obvious in person too.

“I know.” Unique winked, tugging on his chocolate brown suit jacket.

The suit fit his six-foot-four frame so perfectly, and the color was something I’d never seen before but loved.

“Whatever.”

“You look beautiful though, baby.” He pulled me into him. “We should have a redo.”

“You think so?”

“I do.” His eyes scanned my face like they always did while he was pondering. “How long would it take to plan some shit—not as extravagant as this ’cause I ain’t as rich just yet, but close.”

“Maybe a year or two, but I would hire a planner. The ladies advised me that it was the only reason they weren’t crazy when planning their weddings.”

“Do that then.” He kissed my forehead lightly and stepped back to gather our things to leave.

“Are you serious? I can’t tell if you’re joking sometimes.”

“Deadass.” He tugged open the door of the elaborate suite for me and nodded for me to come on.

We rode the elevator down and then made it out to the exit of the hotel which was off a beautiful stone balcony and large beach.

My mouth immediately fell open seeing all the snow littering the outside. It was everywhere, thousands and thousands of pounds, and if I hadn’t lived here all of my life, I would’ve thought it’d actually snowed. I didn’t even recognize my city.

“Shit,” Unique commented, clearly as astonished as I was looking at the beautiful winter wonderland wedding, only with a black excellence color scheme of gold, cream, and chocolate.

We got our names checked off to be sure we were a part of the wedding party before being let through, which was crazy since we were the only people occupying the building.

“I thought they bought the hotel out,” I said as Unique escorted me to my seat, bypassing the people already seated, including the parents, his other brothers, and their wives.

The walkway and seating area was the only thing not covered by snow, but from the looks of the snow everywhere else, I could tell it was real. It sparkled and let off a little bit of a rainbow coloring too. It made me wish it did snow here in LA because it was so beautiful amongst the area.

“They did, but you can never be too safe. Don’t want anybody just walking up in this muthafucka. I think bro would body a nigga for ruining his wedding to his beloved Anastazia.”

I giggled. “As he should.”

“Hey, beautiful!” Lisara beamed, standing to hug me. Prime followed suit.

“This is so nice.” I sat down. “I have never seen anything this beautiful,” I complimented, eyeing all the major and minor details that fell in line with the color scheme of the wedding. My favorite had to be the gold roses placed throughout the wedding setup and of course the snow.

“It is.” Lisara nodded. “Makes me feel like I need a redo.”

“Same.” I smirked. “How did the snow get here?”

“Sif had it imported.” Lisara simpered.

“That’s my boy. His wife said she wanted it to be winter ‘round this muthafucka and he made it so,” Prime said, smirking and clearly impressed by his offspring.

I could only imagine what he had to go through and pay to get snow everywhere like this and with approval from the city. I had to take photos.

“Didn’t even know you could do that,” I spoke lowly, catching all the places the beautiful snow covered. “You’re gonna have to go bigger,” I joked with Unique who shook his head at me with a bright smirk.

“Farrah, this is my son Unique’s wife, Kabrina. Kabrina, this is Stazi and Leeci’s mother.” Lisara introduced the woman who came down the aisle and hugged her.

“Nice to meet you.” I shook the woman’s hand. She had the same brown skin as her daughters and was just as beautiful.

“You as well. I see all of the boys did good,” she somewhat jested.

“Thank you.” I half smiled.

“Hey, girl.” Banks sat next to me with her friend Kailey on the other side of her.

I chatted with Banks and Kailey about typical girl stuff and also how gorgeous and elegant the wedding was so far. I noticed Banks’ attention veer off when Low and Free came in to sit down. She spoke to him and he simply gave her a head nod.

Unique got bored of us halfway through, so he left to the back along with Prime in order to prepare to walk out with Couture since she along with Scotland and Analicia were bridesmaids. Bambi came to sit by me, of course delivering the laughs like always.

Cheering sounded off, and I saw it was because Asif was walking out, his dark cinnamon complexion beaming in the sunlight. His facial hair was lined up perfectly, and like Unique, his tuxedo fit his staggering height and perfect build nicely. He’d cut his locs off, shocking us all, judging by the gasps, and somehow, he was even more handsome. His haircut was fresh, and I got a whiff of his cologne as he bypassed me.

“Don’t make no sense.” Bambi shook her head, clearly thinking what most women with working eyes were thinking at the sight of Asif St. Thomas.

We both let out low, knowing chuckles. The man was fine just like his bride. They were well matched.

He came to stand at the altar, shaking his head at the wedding party doing the most at his arrival. He came off very laid-back and an in-the-cut type of dude, so it made sense that he wasn’t exactly relishing in so much attention.

“That boy handsome!” Banks shouted, and she was able to pull a cute but subtle smile out of her stoic brother.

The wedding party laughed just before Sophie came out as the cutest flower girl in history. I’d never seen Asif smile as widely as he did upon seeing his daughter, who I didn’t even know wasn’t his biological daughter until Unique told me this morning. You would literally never know otherwise.

He told me Sophie had never called her biological father daddy, only Asif, and that the word step was outlawed around him. Her last name was St. Thomas and everything.

“Hi, Daddy!” she yelled once she was done, making him cheese and scoop her up to kiss her chubby cheek before he released her to her feet to go sit with her grandmother Farrah.

Yolani came out, but from the other direction as to not be confused with the wedding party, and stood at the gold microphone off to the side. As the pianist near her began to play, her lovely voice came flowing through the hidden speakers.

The groomsmen and bridesmaids began to come out, arms linked, to the music. Finally Prime appeared at the back, arm hooked with Anastazia who wore a beautiful white beaded gown that was strapless, lacy in some areas, and bearing a split.

She easily captured everyone’s attention as she and Prime made their way down the aisle, and her groom was no exception. His eyes never left her, misting a little bit at the sight of his bride.

Once Prime delivered her to the altar, Asif took her hands in his, leaning over to kiss her neck and then her hands like he couldn’t help himself. I could see Anastazia blushing a bit through the veil.

The wedding party quieted down as the preacher began and then let us know the bride and groom would be reading off their own written vows. Anastazia went first, tearing up halfway through as she read them, and next thing I knew, so was I.

Bambi handed me a tissue as Anastazia concluded her vows and gave the floor to Asif.

“I don’t really write shit down. I’m more of a top of the dome type nigga.” He chuckled lightly and so did the rest of us. Licking his lips, he continued. “But um, ain’t really enough words to explain how I feel about you. Every day I find a new reason why I love you, real shit. Soon as I met you I think I started saving everything up for you: my heart, my time, my loyalty, my dedication, my last name. I don’t think I ever wanted you as a girlfriend. I always wanted to make you my wife. My only regret was not getting in yo’ business earlier and finding out I could’ve been had you. But God makes shit happen a certain way for a reason, love, and a nigga is just beyond blessed and grateful that He found me worthy enough to exist in the same lifetime as you, baby.

“I couldn’t imagine there being a day, an hour, a minute, or even a second where I didn’t love you or you didn’t occupy my love, my heart, my future, and I realize it’s because it was always meant to be yours. And there’ll never be a time where I won’t want you, love you, admire you, ride out ’bout you. There’ll never be a time where a nigga can say Asif St. Thomas don’t love the fuck out of Anastazia St. Thomas. There’ll never be a time when a muthafucka can even question it or tell you different.

“When I told you I’d go to war over you, I meant that shit. When I said I would do whatever for you, I meant it. You tell me you want Mars so you can start ya own fucking planet; I’ll go get that shit for you or die trying.” The wedding party chuckled and judging by the snow surrounding us, homie wasn’t lying. “Never met a woman that was so selfless, and just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. And we all know you a fucking sight to see, girl.” She blushed and sniffled as he smirked. “What you did to protect yo’ baby girl, my baby girl, my princess, and the people you love is some admirable shit but you’ll never have to lift a finger to protect again. I promise to protect you with my life, love—protect this union with my life. Like I always tell you; you rare and I’m lucky.” He finished up, and Anastazia was now crying.

I didn’t think anyone had dry eyes because even the brothers’ standing behind him were glazed at the moment.

The preacher finished up, asking if anyone objected, to which of course no one did. I attributed that to Asif being sure security was tight, and then he pronounced them as husband and wife, just before Asif lifted Anastazia’s veil, kissing her very passionately. They spoke something in audible to one another as they kissed some more.

We ‘oohed’ and ‘aahed’ at the sexual tension behind it, before cheering them back down the aisle.

Once the couple was gone, the wedding coordinator escorted the whole party to the reception area, which was taking place in a huge ballroom.

We waited for a little minute before Asif and Anastazia returned, the latter having changed into a pretty, soft pink dress that went perfect with her walnut complexion.

We all stood around while they had their first dance to “You Put a Move On My Heart” by Tamia. They danced to Tamia’s song, just the two of them, then the second song was the two of them plus Sophie as Monica sang “Why I Love You So Much,” while their adorable son slept in his grandfather’s arms. Prime never wanted to share that baby, seemingly.

Afterward, everyone sat down at the elegant table decorated with gold silverware, plates, and cups like we were dining with royalty.

There were waitstaff there to deliver our meals as Farrah, Lisara, Prime, Analicia, and a few of the brothers delivered speeches.

Everyone with the exception of Farrah mentioned how Asif had been smitten with Anastazia from day one, and I thought that was so sweet. Farrah did, however, mention that what she loved about Asif was that from the beginning, he made it clear he intended to marry her daughter, further supporting everyone else’s claims.

Unique’s speech was the most ignorant, per usual, making everyone laugh or shake their heads or both, and then we all ate, having our own conversations before watching Asif take off Anastazia’s garter.

“Keep in mind that your parents are here!” Lisara shouted.

“Do yo’ thang, son.” Prime went against her statement.

Asif had scooped her up with ease, before running his hand up her dress salaciously to remove it, his mouth on her neck. I think everyone could feel the heat rising in the large ballroom.

Lisara and Farrah playfully shielded their eyes while people whistled, cheered, and clapped loudly. Anastazia’s face had reddened beyond belief as she laughed. One couldn’t deny the happiness.

After that, we cut the cake, delved into it, and then the deejay began doing his thing, playing all of our favorites, old and new school, plus some hood shit for the boys.

The dance floor was packed even with the little kids—mainly Harmony, Brisa, Sophie, and Yailey were grooving to the point where people were recording them. Another little girl named Blaire was in attendance, and I’d learned she was Asif’s half-sister on his late mother’s side.

When the deejay started playing Pretty Ricky, we hollered in excitement, making all the older folks clear the dance floor in haste as if we were going to trample them. We wasted no time forcing our husbands to get up and be our dancing partner much to their chagrin.

“I don’t play like that, love. It ain’t safe for you when it come to shit like this. That’s how we got baby boy,” Asif said as his wife began to grind against him, making him blush cutely. I had never seen this man blush and smile as much as he did in the presence of Sophie and Anastazia.

His new wife ignored him, doing the most until he gripped the back of her neck and bent her over, making her jaw drop in shock.

We mirrored her, laughing with our jaws on the floor as Asif lifted his brows as to say ‘told you.’

“Sif!” she exclaimed, blushing as she came back upright, allowing him to hug her body from behind.

“You trying to dance, but I’m trying to dance .” He spoke against her neck as she smiled salaciously. “You too sexy for all that shit.”

The party continued on for a few hours as we ate, drank, took pictures, danced, and chatted. I had never had this much fun at a wedding.

“I think I’m drunk,” Analicia said, making us giggle.

“You’re not the only one. Thank God we’re spending the night in this hotel,” I said, feeling buzzed myself as I smirked at Unique from across the room. When he nodded his head to tell me he wanted a quickie, I shook my head, giggling when he balled his face up.

“Right. We’re staying here, and they’re about to fly off to the Maldives,” Bambi said.

“I bet she gon’ come back pregnant.” Scotland nodded, and we did the same, agreeing.

“Girl, that’s an easy bet.” Couture nodded toward the couple as they swayed to “Let’s Wait Awhile” by Janet Jackson.

They began to kiss hungrily, his hands on her ass, and before the song was even at the halfway mark, Asif picked his bride up, and left the ballroom.

“Fuck getting pregnant in the Maldives. She gon’ be pregnant tonight .” Presley said what we were all thinking, making us laugh rambunctiously since, except for her, we were all a little drunk.

“Let’s listen,” Couture said.

“What are you Analicia now?” Bambi laughed. “But I’m down.”

“Pass. Too close for comfort, otherwise I would’ve suggested that too.” Analicia ate some of her food.

The rest of us hopped up, leaving behind Presley and Analicia, hurrying out of the ballroom. Since the hotel was otherwise vacant, when we heard movement in the bathroom right outside the ballroom, we rushed to listen, laughing and tripping over ourselves out of tipsiness.

Bambi put her ear to the door and bucked her eyes, making Scotland rush up to it and do the same before bucking her eyes as well.

“I told you if I was a man I’d go for her.” Scotland faked a blow job, causing us all to gasp and giggle.

We took turns listening and sure enough, Anastazia was in there deep throating while her husband moaned lowly in awe. I was too buzzed to make out his words, but he was praising her efforts.

“Fuck is y’all doing?” Lequay asked, startling us, making us yelp and then dart away from the door, bypass him, and head back into the ballroom, almost running one another over as we guffawed.

We immediately grabbed our men to dance just in case the bride and groom heard us and got suspicious that we were spying.

We danced for a little longer before the couple returned, and Asif looked like he’d had the best day ever.

“Why you lit the fuck up?” Unique questioned. “You got some head, huh?”

The brothers chortled loudly.

“Unique!” Lisara chided and of course Asif ignored his crazy brother, never confirming.

“Did you?” Scotland asked Anastazia lowly, knowing her ass already knew.

“I don’t know what y’all talking about,” she answered but couldn’t stop smiling, making us laugh.

We partied for a bit more, and my boy Sif was so happy on that dancefloor with his wife, singing along with her and everything, cause of that head he got. We were cracking up, especially because he was more laid back usually.

My favorite part was slow dancing to “Faded Pictures” with Unique though. Anything involving him was my favorite.

“We want to thank everyone for coming today and making an already special day even more amazing. But I really want to thank my husband for always going above and beyond for me. I couldn’t have asked for a better husband, father to my baby girl, and father to my son, who I pray turns out to be just like his daddy.” The room let out awws and giggles since most of us were twisted, including the new married couple. “He made it snow for me! I am really spoiled now.” Anastazia beamed as she spoke into the microphone.

“Now and for forever,” Asif said, making his brothers shout in agreement and praise. I couldn’t stop laughing at how he was still beaming from that head.

“You guys can stay at the reception as long as you want to, and the hotel is booked for the rest of the week, so stay as long as you want in your suites as well. And on that note, we’re leaving.” She handed the microphone back to the deejay as we cheered, following them out of the ballroom and then the hotel.

We watched as Asif helped Anastazia into the car, before he got in himself, pulling off. They were headed to the private airport to leave on a jet to their honeymoon.

“That was so fun.” I fell back onto the bed once Unique and I returned to the suite.

“How fun?” I felt his hands gliding up my dress, and it made me smile and giggle drunkenly.

“Very,” I moaned, feeling his lips press to my inner thigh as he trailed his way up.

His big hands gripped the waistband of my panties as he began to tug them downward. Once he had them off and past my feet, Unique gently placed my legs onto his shoulders, swiping his tongue between my folds, slowly.

“This what I been waiting to eat all day,” he moaned, sucking on my clit as I spread my legs wider.

I loved the way Unique ate pussy, like he had a passion for it, studied it, and made sure to master the shit.

Spreading my legs wasn’t good enough, so he pushed my thighs out and upward for more access as he buried his mouth in my pussy, ignoring the abundance of nectar that leaked down his face.

“Fuck,” I whimpered, nails scraping the back of his head as I began to cum.

My legs quivered as the orgasm overtook me, and Unique continued with his tongue lashing, before filling me with two of his fingers. My eyes seemingly rolled into the back of my head as I came apart yet again, calling out his name.

He kissed up my stomach as he shoved my dress upward, and once it was off, I tugged him down to me so we could kiss nastily. I didn’t wanna let him go, so he made do, unbuckling his slacks and freeing himself.

“KK.” He moaned into my neck as soon as the head of his long, girthy dick made its way inside of me.

He moved slowly as I hugged his neck, caressing the back of his fresh fade as his beard tickled my neck while he rocked in and out of me.

We were both so tipsy we hadn’t bothered to cut the lights off, so we were right there on the bed, fucking with all the lights on like we were flagging in planes. And as fine as my husband was, I didn’t mind seeing every crevice of him as he brought me to my peak for the fourth time tonight.

“I love you.” I cooed against his mouth as he started to speed up, slamming into my wet pussy and rendering me silent.

I held onto him as he went even harder, nearing the edge, and just as I felt that familiar swirl of sensation, he finished too.

“I love you more,” he finally responded, panting as we kissed.

We ended up staying at the hotel for three more days since it was already paid for, and I couldn’t have asked for a better vacation at home in a sense. I got to kick it with the girls and my man as much as I wanted, lay on the beach and play in the snow within days of each other and all without a worry in the world.

* * *

Entering my aunt Bell’s home, I was surprised to see Sharon on the couch in what looked like her nightclothes. It was in the evening, so either she spent the night last night or was planning to tonight.

“Hi, Kabrina.” She smiled softly.

“Hey. Where is Aunt Bell?”

“She’s in the shower. I feel bad because my kids and I are in her home, and it’s not much space,” she said.

Sitting next to her, I asked, “You’ve been staying here?”

“We have. The kids sleep in the extra room, and I’ve been out here.” She looked down as she spoke, as if she were ashamed.

Nodding, I exhaled, then said, “Sharon, I want to apologize to you for the whole thing that happened in church. It was never meant to hurt you, but I can see how it did.”

“I understand. You kept the plan a secret for Unique.” She drank more of her tea.

“I did. He comes before everybody, and I had to have his back.”

She smiled softly and replied, “I remember when I felt that way about my husband.” Her smile melted off her face as quickly as it had shown up. “I don’t know what to do now, though. He claims the guys are lying and that I need to trust him.” She looked to me as if she wanted my advice.

“I mean, I’m not the best person to go to, as I haven’t been married for decades or anything. And I didn’t even do it on purpose.”

“Huh?”

“Unique and I got married in Vegas while drunk. The annulment was harder to get than we thought, and eventually, we realized we wanted to be together, so it was no point in separating.” I gave her the abbreviated rundown.

“Ah.” Her eyes lowered for a beat like she found that whole shit to be odd. It was.

“I told her she needs to divorce his gay ass and go back to preaching, get her own thing going.” Aunt Bell came into the living room, her same rose soap she’d been using for years peppering the air as she leaned down to kiss my cheek in greeting.

“I don’t know about all that, Rosabel.” She set the mug down on the coffee table as my aunt sat down. “People aren’t fond of female preachers, which is why I even stopped and got married. I wanted to be in the church, and I knew preaching wasn’t my calling because of all the sexist people.”

As my aunt Bell began talking, someone began assaulting the doorbell. This wasn’t my home, so I let my aunt get up to answer it, seeing her brows were already bunched in irritation.

When she opened the door, Devante stepped inside briskly, almost knocking her down.

“Sharon, you need to come home,” he said sternly as if he were her father.

“Nigga, you need to get out!” Aunt Bell shouted, but he ignored her presence completely.

“Kyle, I told you I need some time to think,” Sharon responded.

“Think on what?” He moved further into the living room so he could stand before us like we were his congregation. “I told you they are lying! You’re going to ruin everything we’ve built over some random men you don’t know?”

I was trying to fade into the background and remain quiet, but hearing him claim Unique and his brothers were lying pissed me off.

“They are not lying,” I intercepted, and he looked over at me like he’d just realized I was in the room. His expression quickly switched to disgust. “There is evidence, including pictures of you with them, and if it needs to be done, a DNA test is also proof. Also, your parents are very much alive. I met them.”

Ignoring me like he’d done my aunt, Devante turned his attention back to his wife. Moving closer and sitting in the chair beside the couch she was on, he took her hand into his.

“Baby, my name was never Devante Compton. I have never been married, and I do not have six other children. You have to believe me.” He gripped her hands in his as Sharon looked off.

My aunt and I were watching, probably both hoping she didn’t fold. Unique told me that while in the church, Devante sort of admitted to everything by claiming he was forced out of their lives. Then again, Sharon claimed it was too much going on for her to think straight.

“Then what would be their reason for doing this, Kyle? That doesn’t make sense. Why would those boys randomly choose you to pin this on? Majority of them are rich, so it can’t be for money. What would be the reason?” She finally let her eyes meet his. When he failed to come up with a response, she continued. “I need you to be honest with me. It is the only way we can ever get anywhere.”

Devante looked off, still holding his wife’s hands before turning back to face her. His eyes were glazed over like he was about to cry, and I hated the pang in my chest that let me know I felt sorry for him.

Sniffling, he nodded then spoke. “It’s true.” He’d spoken so softly it was almost inaudible. “I’ve been struggling with those desires since I was in high school, and it was the reason I even had sex with my ex-wife. I thought if I did that it would make it go away. It didn’t, though, and even worse, she got pregnant. My parents, who are alive, were very religious as were hers and… they made us get married.

“From there, I thought if I was married and forced into this life, my desires would go away. I tried,” he began to break down, “I tried to be normal. I got her pregnant when I was supposed to, I prayed away those thoughts, and I was faithful to her.” He paused like he wasn’t sure if he wanted to continue. “But as the boys got older, and I had more free time, the thoughts returned. God says an idle mind is the devil’s workshop, and it’s true.” He sniffled, shaking his head at himself. “It got harder to stay away from when I had so much time to think about it, and I failed. It was nothing more than an emotional relationship with the occasional fellatio, but she caught us. She wouldn’t believe what I told her, and she wanted a divorce.

“When I wouldn’t come out, my… the person I had the affair with exposed me, and my career was over. My sons hated me, my ex-wife didn’t want me, and no one wanted Devante Compton as their preacher. But it was the only way for me to make a living. I knew if I wanted to make money, I had to rebrand. And by that time, my ex had a new husband, my sons were happy with him it seemed, they already didn’t like me anymore, and it made no sense to try and interrupt that. Plus, how would I juggle my old and new identity?” His eyes scanned hers as she cried quietly, listening. “I’m sorry for lying, but I knew you wouldn’t give me a chance, and we wouldn’t have this beautiful family if I were honest, Sharon.”

Sharon was quiet for a long while, as were Aunt Bell and I before she finally whispered, “Thank you.”

“But baby, I love you. I don’t wanna break up or be with anyone else.”

“Have you been with any men recently?”

Swallowing hard, he responded, “No. I had a slip up a few years ago, but nothing since.”

Yuck. I would’ve been knocking his head around by now, but Sharon and I were very different people.

“I need you to leave,” she said after some time.

“Honey—”

“I need time to think now that I have the truth.” She cut him off.

He rose to his feet, slowly and sullenly.

“Well, just know that I love you. I never meant to hurt you, and I am willing to do whatever to save us.”

Looking up at him, she said, “I love you, too, but if I forgive you, you have to make some changes.”

“Anything. I’ve been in counseling for my desires for years and?—”

“No. Not just that. You need to make amends with the Comptons.”

From the look on Devante’s face, it appeared like someone had let all the oxygen out of his lungs at her request.