Page 63 of Weddings on the West: Vol. I Brick & Destiny

“He fucked with Peep,” I said simply.

“That’s why we didn’t get dinner today? Oh, hell yeah. You know I’m willing to slide for sis, no questions asked,” he said. I rolled my eyes at his goofy ass.

“She ain’t your sister, nigga,” I snapped.

“She is… but you sure you wanna do this?” Kilo asked one final time. “You know I'm down for whatever, but I'm almost positive this is gon’ send us to hell.”

I nodded at him before looking at the huge dimly lit building. Destiny's tears may just as well have been accelerant because that building was doomed the moment I saw her crying over the shit hole. I was really doing the community a favor. That nigga had the newest cars and clothes, and the building was completely upgraded, yet not one member of his congregation looked like they were doing half as good as he was. The nigga stole money and did absolutely nothing to better the lives of his people. My family may have been sent by the devil himself, but we would never have our people struggling like his.

“Fuck it,” I said dropping the lighter into the fluid and watching with pride as the building quickly went up in flames. I stayed there until the entire thing was fully engulfed, and I knew they wouldn’t even be able to salvage a hymn book out that muhfucka. If my wife couldn't go to church, nobody was going in that bitch.

“Amen,” I muttered as my brother and I walked off, disappearing into the night while the flames swelled.

Sixteen

Worth the Wait

DESTINY

“Breaking News!

Endless Prosperity Church of God in Christ is closed indefinitely after an overnight fire that started last night and is still burning early this morning. Investigators say there are signs of foul play, but no leads as of yet. When asked, Reverend Isaac William Cooper II declined to comment.”

My mouth dropped at the same time the glass of water I was holding hit the ceramic tile of the kitchen floor. I was too busy staring at the TV in total shock to even notice the mess of glass, ice, and water scattered across the floor.

“Dammit, Peep. I’ma start taking part of your stipend for glassware if you keep breaking my shit,” Brick fussed as he entered the kitchen and immediately went into cleanup mode. I couldn't be bothered to tell him that all of that could have been prevented if he let me bring in some plastic cups or at least a tumbler. He was so particular about his housewares that he wouldn't let anything go in that cabinet that didn't match.

My initial reaction was hurt, watching the building that I was so proud of be reduced to nothing more than rubble. Ironically, the more I watched the drone circle around the pile of smoldering ash, the more weight lifted off my shoulders.

Brick paused his cleaning when he noticed what I was watching.

“Fuck,” he mumbled, standing to his feet. “I—are you okay?”

“What did you do?” I turned to him suspiciously.

“Nothing,” he answered loudly, but the mischievous grin on his face spoke louder. I ran my fingers down the tattoo on his bare chest before pulling him in for a kiss. He quickly scooped me up and put me on the counter to keep my feet safe from the broken glass since he had completely neglected that task.

When he reached between my legs and found nothing in his way, his face lit up like it was Christmas morning and he just got the gift he had been begging for.

“That's my girl,” he beamed as he brought his lips to mine again. I pulled away from his kiss and pulled his hand from between my legs.

“What's wrong?” he asked with concern.

“I'm ready,” I answered back. As amazing as his tongue and fingers were, I was tired of third base. I needed him inside me. I had been trying to throw subtle hints, but at that point, I was fully prepared to take matters into my own hands.

“I wanted to wait until I can take you on a real vacation and make it special for you,” he said sheepishly. My bottom lip poked out. He had been trying his hardest to make that trip happen, but every time he called the travel agent, something else popped up. Now, I realized why he was in such a rush.

“This is special,” I assured him, grabbing his face and kissing him. What could possibly be more special than your man committing First-Degree Arson in your honor?

Girl, you’re starting to sound as crazy as your sister.

I stood by my original thought, though.

“Everything is special with you. I don’t wanna wait anymore. I wanna do it here, where I’m comfortable.” I pulled him in for another kiss and pulled my dress up over my hips. If I had to take it right there, I would.

“Shit,” he said after letting out a shaky breath. He snatched my body forward on the counter before picking me up and carrying me back to our bedroom. He stood me down in front of him and helped me out of my clothes. I had been lounging around the house, so I only had on a simple t-shirt dress.

“You sure?” he asked, biting his lip as he looked down at me. I gave an uneasy nod. I was sure, but that didn’t stop the nerves from creeping in.