Page 51 of Weddings on the West: Vol. I Brick & Destiny

“Because of me,” she said with a hint of sadness in her voice. “I grew up having to survive by any means necessary, so I may have made more than a few mistakes with my boys. I taught them how to be good men, exceptional even, but I didn’t—couldn’t—teach them how to love. I don’t know if he’ll ever be able to love you… but seeing you two together gives me hope for it. That’s all I want… for all of them.”

I didn’t answer because for the first time all day, I was fighting tears. She grabbed a tissue, gently dabbing at my face to preserve my makeup before she continued. I could tell this wasn’t normal for her, and I completely understood. Raising three young boys, Black boys, under the conditions that she did probably made her feel like she had to be hard, but her soft and gentle side came out naturally with me. I don’t even think she realized it.

“Be patient with him, don’t take no bullshit, and don’t let that lil’ nigga play in your face. Just remember he had a different kind of upbringing, so showing up for him may mean something different than it does for you. And don’t ever hesitate to call me if you need anything,” she said softly before standing up to leave the room.

“Mrs.—Kalida?” I called back.

“Yes?”

“Do you think you could help me and my sister get me into my dress?” She turned back and looked at me, a flicker of something I couldn’t read in her eyes.

“Absolutely,” she answered with a soft smile. Eden came back in and the two of them helped me finish getting ready. My mother was missing in action, probably somewhere taking credit for something else that she didn’t do, but she wasn’t missed. I had already promised myself that if she did anything to try to ruin my day, I would let Eden loose on her and make her instantly regret it.

“You look so pretty, sis,” Eden cooed as she circled around me with her hands clasped to her chest.

“Eden… Are you crying?” I asked, turning to look at her. I hadn’t seen my sister cry since the day she found out my parents were separating us.

“I’m not!” She sniffled before quickly grabbing me by my shoulders and turning me to face myself in the mirror.

“I’ll give you two a minute,” Kalida said, excusing herself as she slipped out the room.

“I’m so proud of you,” she said softly, still doing a horrible job at concealing her tears.

“For getting married?” I asked, looking at her in disbelief. This couldn’t be the same woman who preached until she was blue in the face about how men weren’t the prize and women should have more aspirations than simply being a wife and mother.

“No,” she said with a sniffle. “For living. For not letting them box you in or dictate your life anymore. I know how it started, but I love seeing you with Brick… You two really balance each other out and I’m so happy for you.” She pulled me into a hug, squeezing me tight before rushing off, presumably to cry in peace. I sat there trying to gather myself when a text came in on my phone.

Brickly

You haven’t tried to run yet, have you?

There’s still time.

Brickly

Try it if you want to… I got security at every exit.

I laughed, then paused because I did notice an armed security guard at every exit… Was I a hostage?

Brickly

Anyways, I just wanted to tell you that I’m happy as hell that you didn’t skip town on me, and I wouldn’t want to do this marriage shit with anyone other than you.

I sighed, remembering the words Kalida just said to me. No his message wasn’t some super heartfelt declaration of love, but it meant something.

I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else either. Thank you for seeing me. I’ll meet you at the altar.

Smiling uncontrollably, I put the phone down and called the makeup artist back in so she could finish prepping me for the biggest night of my life.

* * *

It was 7:31p.m., and I had not yet been deflowered.

I had, however, officially been pronounced as Mrs. Brick Ismael West. The wedding went off without a hitch, even though I thought that man was really going to shoot my dad when he started coughing loudly during the “speak now or forever hold your peace” part. Regardless, we were married, and though it was nothing like the wedding I originally planned for myself, I couldn’t have been happier.

I was on my way back from a bathroom break when I bumped into Kilo and Pistol.

“Hey!” I said with a huge smile. I knew I had an in with Kilo as he was already warming up to me. He really seemed like he just wanted community and a strong family connection. Pistol on the other hand was impossible to read. He always had an expression on his face like he was ready for murder, but his tone was always low and calm. Brick said he was the “crazy” one, but so far, only one of the West Brothers had ever attempted to kidnap me.