Page 50 of Rayzor: Tell Me It’s Mine II

“You better take care of my best friend. She’s the only one I got, and I’d hate to be smiling in my mugshot because you can’t get your shit together, alright?” she threatened.

I chuckled. “Aiight, Suk. I got her. I promise.”

“You better.”

Eris’s train grazed the sand as Rhea held it for her and made her way to me. When she got close enough, I felt it in my heart that this was the right direction. She carried a baby-pink and purple boa big as her body but intricate enough for detail.

Her makeup was breathtaking. Light but enhanced in the right places.

“You look so damn good,” I complimented.

“I was excited to see you. If all these people weren’t here, I’d ride you in the sand.”

“We can say fuck ‘em, all but the kids, and you can still ride me.”

She giggled.

“Let’s say our nuptials first, sir.”

“I know that pregnant, married pussy about to be a beast. I might gotta get you double pregnant.”

“Please, Courtland.” She laughed.

“We’re gathered here today to celebrate this joining union of Courtland Kirkland and Eris Richardson…” the Justice of the Peace began.

“The bride and groom have prepared their own vows.”

I shook the nervousness off as she placed her hands in mine.

“Man, what do I say to a woman that saved me?”

Eris gasped. “Oh, Lord.” She started getting emotional.

“Eris, I know this ain’t been easy. You’re seeing the good, bad, ugly and the unknown with me and you still chose to love me.”

Her eyes began to water. The words that hadn’t even been formulated had knots in both my stomach and my throat.

“I don’t come from your ordinary family. And you, all of you, y’all took me in. Not because of who I am or what I got. Y’all genuinely love my ass. That still gets me when I think about it. I thought I knew what family meant, but all of that changed when you came into my life. I wake up every day trying to be a better man for you, the better example for the kids. I never want any of y’all…” I looked out at the kids. “To ever hesitate to come to me. I don’t care what it is. I don’t care how you think I’d feel or none of that. I’m family. I’m daddy to both y’all, and you…” I winked at E.”

“That’s fuckin’ right!” Suki shouted.

“You’re giving me my first born, and there’s never a word that I can use to describe what that feels like. I’m whole. I was half alone, but I have my rib to complete me. I love you, baby, believe that.”

Eris’s makeup was ruined by the time I finished. It was both the hormones and emotions, but I didn’t give a fuck. She still looked beautiful.

I reached out and caught her tears as they landed on the side of my finger.

“I know we said we’d write our own vows, but my God. I don’t even have the words right now.”

“Take your time, baby. Don’t rush,” I encouraged.

“Courtland, you’re the man that I’ve always wanted but didn’t know what that meant until we met. From the first night I saw you, I knew you’d change my life. You’ve given the kids and me something we’d all been missing… love. We all love each other because we’re meant to. You love us because you can. No matter what’s happened, you’ve always been there. Whether that’s words of encouragement, advice or truth, it’s always come from a place of love.

Loving you is the right thing. The betterment of my soul. I prayed for you before you came into my life, and now that you’re here, it feels surreal. I’m a little black girl from Georgia who got my own Cinderella story. It’s not perfect; the pages are crinkled, some details need rearranging, but the ending is still the same. I found my Prince Charming. I love you, Courtland, and I’m yours forever.”

I had to turn my head to the side because her words were hitting me in the fucking chest. My handkerchief didn’t hit on shit.

“Oh yeah, his ass a goner!” City called out.