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Prologue

Khatori ‘Tori’ Lewis

wedding day…

Even though Joni and I stayed together at home last night. We separated early this morning so we could get ready for today. It was finally our day, and I couldn’t be more excited. I never thought I’d see this day because at one point in time JaVon was an option, and I’d be damned if I let him give me his last name.

The wedding and reception were being held at The Regent, so we all had suites here, courtesy of my man. I was getting ready in our suite while the men were in Tae’s. Currently, it was me, Leah, my mother, Mesha, Ma Pat, Gee, Rah and Gabi. We were having a time in here, especially with Gee cutting up as usual.

“I’m so glad this day is finally here. I thought I was gone have to beat the braids off Joni’s head if I had to hear him say something about his wife again,” Gee joked.

“Oh, Gee. It’s just getting started. He’s about to show out real bad,” Rasheeda input.

“Not too much on my husband.” I smirked, putting emphasis on my husband.

“Lord, here she goes with this shit. Hurry up and have that gal come beat up my face so I can leave y’all in here.” Everybody in the room erupted in laughter when she said that.

“It’s beat your face, Mama… not beat it up,” Ma Pat explained through her laughter.

“Whatever it is, they need to hurry up. I need to make sure my man got a good seat.” She waved us off.

“Gee, you invited Deacon Simpson?” Rah asked.

“And did.” Gee smirked as she got her makeup done.

I busied myself as Mesha and Rah helped Leah get dressed. I didn’t want her dressed until the very last minute because the girl was a wild one.

While I sat and got my hair done, I traveled down memory lane. All this started because I wanted to get my lick back, and it’s been the best lick ever. I went from a man who couldn’t keep his dick to himself and not know how to love me to a man who didn’t have a problem letting me know I was all his and that the love he had for me is priceless.

“Aht…aht. Suck them tears up until I set your face,” Tara, my makeup artist, fussed. She was doing my makeup while Nae did my hair.

“I’m sorry,” I simpered.

After my little meltdown, they continued their jobs, and now it was time to get dressed.

“You ready to get in this dress?” My mama asked with Mesha behind her.

“I am.”

It took no time for me get dressed, and it was now showtime. I walked out the room of my suite, and all the ladies were waiting on me. Gee looked at me with tears in her eyes.

“Tori, I love you just like I love the rest of them raggedy ass grandbabies of mine.”

“Well, tell me how you really feel, GiGi,” Rasheeda interrupted.

“Shut it up, Rasheeda. Anyway, I knew you were special when Joni first mentioned you. I saw the passion in his eyes and knew you would be around for a while. I didn’t think you’d be around with all these damn kids, but I’ll blame that on Joni,” she laughed.

“I want you to know that I love you baby and I love you for my boy. I honestly didn’t think my boy would ever get here but he’s always proving me wrong. You better not tell him I said that either.” She pointed.

“Yes ma’am,” I giggled.

I watched as she went into her purse and pulled out a ring box.

“I know you already picked out Joni’s ring, but I had Rah take me to that man and had him make some changes.”

She opened the box, and the most beautiful band was inside.

“This was Joni’s grandfather’s ring. I just had them add two smaller diamond bands and add some to the band. I know how you kids like the bling-bling,” she laughed.