Page 122 of Senior

Deuce stood and took a stance beside me, grabbing my hand. Like his little shadow, Daxon came and grabbed the other hand. If that wasn’t enough, Sevyn came and wrapped her arm around my waist.

“You’ve got this, Ma,” Deuce said. “Tell this nigga how you feel.”

“Shut up, Stanley,” I said with a chuckle.

I took a deep breath and looked up at my man.

“Stanley Jordan Dillinger Sr. My sweet, caring, and loving man. God knew when He put you in my life, that I would never be able to get rid of you.”

Snickers rose from the crowd.

“I owe much of my life to you, Stanley. You and this family took me in when my own mother put me out. You all have loved me, protected me, and nurtured me into the woman I am. You’ve seen me through every hard phase of my life, whether it was as my man or my best friend. Life may not have given us the chance to grow as one, but it’s been a blessing to watch you grow from the sidelines. You are deserving. You are worthy. You are a beautiful… beautiful soul, Stanley. It’s an honor to know and love you.”

Tears streamed down his face, and he bit his lip as he turned away from me. I cupped his chin and forced his eyes to meet mine.

“Look at me, baby. I speak life into you because you are a man that will take on everything so those you love won’t have to suffer. I know you have carried the weight of the world on your shoulders for so many people for so long. Look at me and understand that I’m here to carry that weight with you. I will carry it for you if I have to, baby. No matter what misconceptions others may have of you, I know you to be the most passionate, loving, and caring man that stands ten toes down behind the ones you love most.

“Knowing you has changed my life forever. Every trial and tribulation has led to this moment. If I’m being honest, I didn’t think that we would get here, but you did. You have always had the most faith in me and us, Stanley. This moment… above every moment we have shared, feels full circle. You promised me the world and you’ve given that to me, even if you had to do it in stages.

“You loved me enough to let me go, without any promise that I would return. I’m sorry it took me so long to come home, but I’m here now and I’m not going anywhere ever again. You are the love of my life. You’ve always been my safe space and my protector, but now you are my peace, my provider, my confidant, and shield in the face of every storm. I take you as the father of my children, the head of our household… my husband.

“There is no moment, no matter how stressful or exhausting. No matter how many tears we’ve shed. No matter the disappointment or frustrations, I will never leave your side again. I choose to fight with, for, and beside you.”

I leaned forward and kissed him. “My man, my man, my man.”

A grin broke out on his face as he peered down at me.

“I know that’s right!” Shar yelled as the other girls clapped.

“You better say that shit, Mama!” Salima added.

Ms. Rebecca smirked as she waited for things to calm down before clearing her throat.

“The rings?”

I was surprised when Deuce handed me a wedding band.

“I figured you would need this,” he said. “Just a placeholder until you can pick out the one you want for him.”

This was an expensive ass placeholder. The band was made completely of diamonds. Senior produced one similar to this one in a smaller setting.

“Repeat after me,” Ms. Rebecca said. “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, faithfulness, and of the vows we have made today. These rings are a symbol of wholeness and perfection, linking these two souls forever.”

We repeated the words and slipped the rings on each other’s fingers.

“I’m not even gonna ask if anyone objects.”

“Cause their biggest opp is standing up there,” Titan said, laughing, causing everyone else to laugh.

Deuce threw him a glare.

“By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”

“Watch how you kiss my—” Deuce started.

“Shut up Stanley!” Senior and I both said, making everyone laugh.

Senior gripped the back of my neck. “Come here, woman.”