Applause erupted as they reached the center of the floor, and guests rushed to their sides, offering greetings, compliments, and laughter before posing for pictures. Crown, Nivéa, and Nyla took photos first, followed by family and friends. Afterward, Crown handed Nyla off to Nivéa so the photographer could capture a photo of just the two of them. Once they finished, Nivéa introduced Crown to a few of her invited relatives. The introductions were brief since her family was small. His boys then pulled him to the side.
“Proud of you, dawg. Real talk. I’m glad you found your one. You and your wife look amazing. When you know, you know.” Domo said with a wink.
Crown took in the bandages wrapped around Domo’s arm due to their recent shootout. A real soldier, Domo had dragged his sore ass out of bed without complaint to be front and center for his president’s big day.
“I appreciate it, fam,” Crown replied, slapping hands with him. “You good?”
“Good as I ever been. Don’t shit stop a Knight.”
“Facts,”
Behind Domo, Smoky watched Crown, a smile creeping onto his face. They were only a couple of months apart, him being the oldest, and he felt a sense of pride watching Crown transition into this new chapter of life. At his side stood his wife, Tanya, who shared in the joy.
“Congratulations, brother. I’m so happy for you.” She said, her eyes sparkling. “I got y’all a little something, especially for Nivéa.”
Tanya gestured toward the gift table near the entrance, overflowing with stacks of black and mauve-glitter-wrapped boxes, cards, and envelopes.
Crown chuckled, trying to imagine what the hell she had picked out for Nivéa. Based on her devilish grin, he knew it had to be something wild.
“What you get her?” He asked with a smirk.
“It’s a surprise. Your ass have to wait and see.” She playfully stuck out her tongue. “Let’s just say… if she wasn’t already pregnant, she would be soon.”
“Damn, baby. What did you get her? Now I’m curious. Talkin’ ‘bout more babies and shit.” Smoky chimed in, eager for details.
“Don’t worry about it. Your ass can’t hold water from this muthafucka.” Tanya shot back, and they all shared a laugh.
“Really appreciate you being here and for the gifts, sis.” Crown said, pulling her into a hug.
“Of course. You know I’ma always be here to support.”
With a friendship that dated back to high school, Crown felt like Tanya was as much a sister to him as Smoky was a brother. When he pulled back, Smoky was still staring at him.
“Can’t believe this shit, bro. Thought I’d never see the day yo’ picky ass find someone to meet your standards and settle down. But you did and I’m happy as fuck for you. You done good. Niv a whole vibe.”
“Thanks bro, real shit. I appreciate the love and being by a nigga’s side through whatever.”
“You know I got you.”
Crown pulled Smoky in for a long brotherly hug, holding onto the moment. When they finally separated, his gaze landed on his brother.
Danger smirked, raising his hands in greeting. Crown wrapped an arm around his shoulder, and they lingered, soaking in the moment just like he had done with Smoky. They were the kind of men who didn’t often show affection, not because they didn’t care, but because their lifestyle rarely allowed for it. Life for them was all motion, no brakes. So, when they did embrace, they sat in it.
The love they shared was genuine, unshakeable. They were the definition of “my brother’s keeper.” Even when disagreements arose, their bond remained strong. Danger would lay down his life for Crown without hesitation, just as Crown would do for him.
“Congrats on everything again, bro. Wish Mo could’ve been here to see ya. She would’ve gone crazy over this shit. I love you,nigga. And just know I’m gon’ take care of your kids like they’re my own. I’ll always be there for Nivéa, too. Whatever y’all need.”
“No doubt. I’m already knowin’.” Crown eyed him, thinking his little brother looked dope all dressed up. “Look at you, nigga.” He teased.
This was nothing new for Crown; he often dressed up for his career. But Danger never dared to dress up. The most you'd catch him in was Jays and a fitted cap when it came to switching his style up. Boots and vests were his lifeline.
“Shit, look at you. Pops would be proud as fuck. He might’ve clowned us for these tuxes, but he definitely would’ve been proud you got married.”
Crown chuckled, recalling their father dressed in a vest and denim when he married Kerri. “Sounds about right. All he ever preached about was Knights and us finding a good woman.”
“Hell yeah, you did that.” Danger boasted.
“I hear you might’ve, too.” Crown nodded toward Caresha across the room.
