Page 58 of The Rhythm of Raine at Dawn

“And without further ado, I’d like to welcome the founder and CEO of Infinity Dance Studio, and everyone’s favorite top-selling R&B artist, Raine and Dawn Williamson,” Ginger announced as we stepped out of the building.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as we stepped up onto the small stage. Cameras flashed, and we posed and smiled for the reporters and fans before us. I glanced out at the sea of people and instantly found our families in a designatedsection. They waved excitedly, and I couldn’t help the smile that stretched across my face as my eyes landed on the only other person who held my heart in the palm of their hand…our daughter, Hazel.

About two years ago, Raine and I agreed that we only wanted one child so that we could give them all of the love and attention they needed while still being able to do the careers we loved. We researched and decided that reciprocal IVF was what’s best for us. That way, we were both able to contribute to our child’s birth. I know I said I never wanted to carry, but this felt different; it felt right. And when the eggs were transferred to Raine for her to carry, I felt even more connected to her. It was beautiful.

Then we welcomed Hazel into the world, a beautiful baby girl who was the light of both of our eyes. Our little family was perfect, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. We had our own house now, a daughter, a cat, and a dog…now Raine was opening her own studio. We couldn’t ask for a better life.

“Hi, everyone, and thank you for coming out to join us in this momentous occasion,” Raine began to say into the mic. “These past few years have been nothing short of amazing. I’ve had my share of ups and downs, but I’ve also been able to experience what true love and healing feel like.” She turned to me with a smile. “Never did I think that uploading one little dance video to this woman’s song would change the course of my future, but I’m grateful for that. I’m grateful to have a friend like Ginger who pushed me. I’m grateful to have a wife like Dawn who always believed in me. I’m grateful to have a family that isn’t perfect, but did their best to be the best they could be.”

She paused, closing her eyes as a tear slowly fell. She took a deep breath before glancing up at the sky, a smile stretching across her face. I knew that she was sending up love to her mom, who we’d lost a few months after our wedding. I knew that she could feel the love her mom was sending back down to her inwaves by the way she nodded. She looked so at peace, and it filled my heart with so much joy.

She glanced back at the crowd and nodded once more. “I truly appreciate every last one of you for believing in me and loving me.” She turned to me. “And you for being so damn amazing. I love you. I love Hazel. I love us. Always.”

“Always, Siren,” I nodded, holding her hand up to kiss it. “Always.”

We stared at each other for a beat longer before she finally turned her attention back to the crowd.

“Well, I know y’all are probably hot, so I’ll keep this next part brief,” she joked, and everyone laughed. “The Infinity Dance Studio is now open for business! Welcome!”

Ginger handed her the comically large scissors, and she cut the pink ribbon, sending cheers throughout the crowd. We stepped back to allow everyone to head inside and look around. Raine handed the scissors back to Ginger, and they quickly and cautiously exchanged hugs before I pulled Raine into my arms, kissing her with all the love I could muster. She giggled against my lips, but wrapped her arms around my neck as she deepened it. Once we broke apart, I rested my forehead against hers, and we stood there in silence, enjoying the closeness and the brief moment of peace.

We could feel the love radiating between us, and damn, was it a good feeling.

The End.