Page 60 of Love Sanctioned

I laughed. “Dead ass.”

“I think it’s time we formally meet.” He extended his hand. “Hondo Carter, my wife is good friends with Karsyn.”

I shook his hand. “Posydiann Murphy.”

“No introduction necessary. Your name precedes you and not only because you walked in that venue yesterday.” He chuckled.

“You gotta do what you gotta do.”

“That I can respect. I’d like to discuss a potential business proposition. After the wedding festivities of course.” He nodded toward the crowd of women. They were loud and seconds from turning into linebackers over that damn bouquet.

I nodded. “That’s straight.”

“I’ll be in touch. It was nice meeting you, and again, congratulations on your nuptials.”

“Preciate it, bro.”

Just as he walked off, Karsyn tossed the bouquet. It was airborne for about five seconds before it landed on ol’ girl with purple hair. Amethyst, I think.

When she caught it, she did a lil dance, happy as hell. I stood there for a few minutes taking in the festivities before Junnie was pointing to her watch and ushering me and Karsyn to the car. We said our final goodbyes, then we were off.

“I love you so much,” she said, nuzzling into my chest.

“I love you too.” I turned her face to mine, shoving my tongue down her throat. We couldn’t get to a place where we were alone fast enough. There was too much material between us.

“You did good, even though Junnie did all of the work,” she said after we finally parted.

I laughed. “I’ma pay for it. When we get home, there will be a hefty bill waiting.”

She joined in on the laughter. “You’re absolutely right and she’s worth every penny and some.”

I grew quiet for a moment, my eyes outside the car as we went toward the airport. Unc was supposed to be here. He had been there through all my trials as a youngin, so the fact he wasn’t here to watch me have my shit together messed me up.

“What’s wrong?” Her voice interrupted my thoughts.

“I was thinking about Unc. It’s fucking me up that he isn’t here.”

“I know and I’m sorry you have to carry that, that you’re without him.”

I reached down and gripped her chin, making her look up at me. “You don’t have anything to be sorry for, Syn. You didn’t do that shit. He’ll answer for it in due time. Right now all I wanna focus on is me and you.”

I sat back against the pool watching the sun set. Everything about this particular moment was necessary. Killah was right, I needed to see the beauty in things to understand why some things in the worst ways were necessary. Life had to be experienced after so much fucking loss, and what I hated the most was more life had to be lost. The game didn’t stop because I was on my honeymoon or off the grid. Over the last few days, Karsyn and I had done things I swore I’d never do while enjoying one another’s company. We went from swimming with the turtles to chocolate making, couples massages, and even a scenic boat tour around the Pitons. Now we were on our last night, and the rest was much needed.

My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. When I glanced down at the number, I knew it mentally. Nobody skated from this free, not even the motherfucker who played the smallest roles.

“What’s up, boss?” Oren, one of my most loyal lieutenants, greeted me.

“Shit, can’t call it. Have you been good?”

“Real good. Killah said you needed me to put in some overtime at the hall.”

“Yeah, that’s right. Clean up after the party. NorthPark some shit. Clean it up for the next.”

“Aight bet. Was it a messy one or did they keep it clean?”

“Messy as fuck.”

He laughed, knowing exactly what I was requesting. “You got it. And congratulations on your nuptials. I heard the festivities were nice. I’m tryna be just like you, boss.”