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ONE YEAR LATER: SUMMER WITH BAE

I was finally on my cruise with my family, and I felt like a new woman. After locking down, moving into my new house, and continuing my life under the radar, I was free from my demons. Now I was on my dream vacation, not wanting it to end.

I stood at the pool deck where there were waterslides, an infinity pool, a wave pool, and a kids’ water area where I had been playing with Coast, Solace, and her kids.

He was sleeping in his Dior wagon after a long day in the water, while I sipped my lime Casamigos margarita as the sun went down.

I had a little time to myself with my son before I handed him off to the babysitter we had on board.

I couldn’t believe my little preemie was two years old now.

“What you doing over here by yourself?” Mula asked from behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

His moist lips planted a kiss on my neck. I turned to face him and smiled. He removed a piece of my hair that stuck to my glossy lips.

“Just enjoying the sunset, reflecting. This view proves I’ve come a long way. I’m content where I am with you, the baby, and my day ones.” I smiled faintly.

“I’m glad you’re feeling good and moving ahead in life, but I want you to come inside with me.”

“Okay, but before we do, I want to say something.”

“What is it?” He looked at me with urgency.

I sighed. “I know you said you never wanted the results, but I can’t keep it to myself. Coast is biologically yours. I felt like you should know because I don’t want you to ever doubt him, even though you said you didn’t want to know.”

“I knew he was mine, Yummi. He looks just like me. Now, let’s go inside to the ballroom. It's urgent.” He grabbed the wagon handle and walked off, so I followed him.

“What’s going on? Are we having dinner early or something?” I asked when we made it to the ballroom hallway.

“Yeah, after I show you this.” He smirked and then pushed the doors open.

When we walked in, I was stunned, but still didn’t know what was going on. There was a runway stage, people were sitting around dressed fashionably, and there was a camera crew.

“What is this?” I asked nervously.

“What it look like? We’re about to have a fashion show, but it’s for your swim line. Yummi Tan Lines is about to take off, and I’ma help you like I promised.”

“This is so nice, Lameek. When did you plan this?” I asked, tearing up.

“When I paid for the trip last year. I found your inventory in the garage and then invited a crew of models and videographers aboard to make this happen. You need a visual of your brand to make it come to life. You wanna go backstage to help out? Ya mom is back there doing makeup. Solace and Kehlani are walkin’ down the runway, too. ”

I beamed. “Of course!”

The runway stage split the ballroom into two, so behind it was set up with hair and makeup.

Girls were walking around in my brand, and when they spotted me, they started complimenting my work.

I was so filled with joy, but I sucked up my crying and helped out.

Once they were suited up, I sat in the front row with my son and my man and watched the girls strut the runway.

I took so many pictures that my phone memory was full.

Once it was over, the crowd cheered for me as I walked the stage with the girls and said thank you. A lot of the attendees on the cruise wanted to make orders, and I sold what I had on hand. I was ready to start my website and promote myself again, like before my brother died.

“That was dope as hell, baby. Thank you for everything.” I wrapped my arms around Mula and kissed him while the cameras still went on.

“It was, and when we get back on land, I’ve got some stores that want you in there too. I’ve been pitchin’ yo’ brand on the low when I’m out doing business. Now let's give Coast to the sitter so we can celebrate your launch and new beginnings.”

I did what Mula told me.

After we left the baby in the kids’ cabin, we went to our luxurious cabin and put on our nightlife clothes.

It was a beautiful night, so I put on a white, strapless mini dress with one of my bathing suits under it because I was going to end up in the pool, night swimming.

We headed to the outdoor nightclub on the deck.

Mula and I were relaxing in VIP, getting intoxicated while patiently waiting for our nightcap after the party was over.

“I know you’ve been planning the wedding, but I don’t want to wait for the date you set, that’s four months from now,” Mula uttered while I sat on his lap.

“What do you want to do about that?” I turned around and gazed at him.

“There’s a chapel on the boat; let’s sneak off and go. Just me and you.”

I giggled. “You’re so exciting.”

Mula made me stand up with him, and then he grabbed the bottle of champagne we were sharing.

We left the deck and wandered the ship as we laughed and finished our champagne.

Mula hugged and kissed me from the back, making me love the way he smothered me with affection.

We were on our rockstar shit. I wasn’t regretting marrying him while we were intoxicated.

We went inside the white chapel that had wooden benches and white roses surrounding the church. The pianist was playing a soft melody, putting my nerves at ease.

“Are you ready to do this?” Mula grabbed my hands while we stood at the opening of the chapel, waiting to be signed in.

“Yup, I am more than ready.” I smiled at him, and he kissed my forehead.

“Welcome to Chapel Of The Tide. Are you two lovebirds trying to tie the knot on this beautiful night?” the woman standing at the door asked with a pleasant smile.

“Yes, we are,” I replied generously.

“Okay, I need the husband-to-be to stand at the altar. You will walk to your soulmate like a real wedding. You’ll be able to sign the marriage license after the ceremony,” the woman instructed.

Mula walked to where the pastor was standing at the podium, and the woman gave me a pretty white sheer veil to put on. Luckily, I was already wearing white, even though it was a skimpy dress from Valentino Garavani, and I had on a diamond necklace Mula got me before we left for the cruise.

As I stood in the small, empty chapel, my heart raced with excitement and nerves. The soft breeze brushed through the open windows, causing chill bumps to form on my arms. Everything felt surreal, yet so perfect. In just a few moments, I would be marrying the love of my life, Lameek Wave.

As the piano's gentle melody filled the air, I took a deep breath and walked down the aisle. My eyes locked with Mula's. His gaze was filled with love and tenderness, melting away any lingering doubts or fears.

We stood face to face, our hands intertwined, ready to embark on this incredible journey together. As the words of commitment and love were spoken, time seemed to stand still. And then, finally, we were pronounced husband and wife. In that moment, pure bliss washed over us.

Without hesitation, Mula pulled me into his arms, his lips meeting mine in a passionate and heartfelt kiss.

The kiss sealed our love, promising a lifetime of shared dreams, laughter, and unbreakable bonds.

In that small, empty chapel, surrounded by love and with our souls intertwined, our love story was just beginning.

“When we get back, you can pick out whatever wedding ring you want,” he assured me.

“Okay, baby. I would marry you without a ring again.”

After our cruise, I went back to Sable Cove, feeling refreshed.

I got on my grind with my brand, and Mula helped me get in stores like he promised, but I was on a grind deeper than that.

I wanted to connect with the people, so I started showing my face again, selling my bikinis in the club and in salons.

The girls were loving it, so giving up was never in my plans again, but drama was, and I was de-escalating it and protecting my peace at all costs.