The pressure to keep up a certain appearance and simultaneously ignore her mother’s questioning stare only added to her fractured emotional state. But she would not allow any of it to spill over to any aspect of Ava’s wedding.
As they ran through the steps again, Keiran’s body next to hers was too distracting. She didn’t know if she could keep it together much longer, certain every emotion was plain for all to see, but that could just be her paranoia. She was holding on by a thread here, a slowly fraying thread because she didn’t know what to do.
Ava swooped in as soon as that walkthrough was over, dragging her off to the side. “Everything good?”
“Yes, great, fine. Let’s do this so we can get to dinner then rest. We all need some sleep. Big day tomorrow,” she said as cheerfully as she could muster. Not well enough, it seemed. While Ava let her be, Reba and Remi shot worried glances her way. Did she look as pathetic as she felt?
She spied Scott talking with Keiran, but his sidelong glances irritated her. She was obviously the topic of discussion. When she excused herself to use the bathroom and found Maxine at the sinks after she exited the stall, she lost it, figuring she was here on behalf of her twin.
“Don’t,” she warned.
“I’m just here to use the bathroom. Same as you. Promise.” Maxine held up her hands.
“Sorry,” she rasped out, throat tight, tears threatening to burn their way out. She yanked the paper towels out until an entire set rolled down. “Fuck!” She ripped off what she wanted and wiped furiously at her hands.
Maxine’s eyes widened. “Wait, hey, just let me help you.”
“Forget it.” She didn’t want sympathy from Maxine or anyone. She just wanted her brain to sort everything out. She swept out of the bathroom and ran into Remi, who she waved off with a slash of her hand.
She called it a night by nine, coaxed Ava and the rest of the bridesmaids to do the same. She didn’t look at Keiran when they left. Not once. Go her.
WEDDING DAY BROUGHT perfect weather. Cherisse gave a silent salute to the weather gods and begged them to keep the sky blue and the day cool. No oppressing heat or rain, please and thank you. Ava and the other bridesmaids were busy getting their hair and makeup done.
Cherisse expected to be called in for her session soon, but she needed a last-minute meeting with Reba. Reba was good about the actual setup. Cherisse had no worries about it. She’d gone through the process while Reba had assisted her with the baking of all the goodies for today except the main cake. But she wanted to make sure her frazzled brain hadn’t forgotten anything, and that’s where Reba came in.
“Cherisse!” Her mother was swiftly heading her way, face made up and hair done, wearing a silky blue robe that was securely cinched at the waist. “You have to get ready.”
“I know.” She still wore her setup wear of old shorts, a t-shirt, and slippers.
“Now! You’re the maid of honor. You can’t be out here still with this.”
She rolled her eyes, backing away while still repeating details to Reba.
“Might want to watch where you’re going, boss lady,” Reba advised, and Cherisse whirled around, running right into Keiran. He wasn’t dressed yet, either, still in baggy shorts and a t-shirt. The groom and his party were on the other end of the venue, ensuring Ava and Eric wouldn’t see each other before the ceremony began.
“Sorry.”
“It’s all good,” Keiran drawled.
She felt compelled to say something, anything to melt this wall of ice between them. But she wasn’t at fault here. “Ball’s in your court,” she reminded him.
He nodded. “I know.”
“Cherisse Amelia Gooding!” Her mother’s voice rang out across the venue.
“You better go.” Keiran turned away before she did, heading back to the groom’s room.
The photographer was getting his official shots in when Cherisse entered the suite. Ava’s makeup and hair were done. She was still clad in her robe, the wedding dress hanging nearby. Remi played secondary photographer with both her camera and her phone.
“Hustle your ass.” Scott pointed to the chair. “I gotta get beautified, too, you know.”
When Scott finished up her face, she helped Ava finally put her dress on. Her sister twirled once she was ready, hands on her hips. “Well?”
Cherisse blinked over and over. Her sister looked stunning. Scott tapped her nose. “I swear to God if you cry this off.”
Her mother lost the battle first, sniffling. Then Julia, who looked ready to bawl all her makeup off. Only Remi remained dry-eyed, capturing all the emotions. Scott rushed to ensure no one had smudged, handing out tissues before hustling out to get dressed.
Against everything telling her to leave him alone right now, she texted Keiran, using their maid of honor/best man connection as an excuse.
Cherisse: we’re at crying our makeup off stage. She looks amazing. Tell Eric if he runs, he’ll miss this. And she’ll hunt him down and kill him for screwing this up.
Keiran: No worries. If he pulls a runner, I’ll tackle him
Cherisse: thanks
She left it at that. Let that be her one moment of weakness.
Assembly time came quickly. Remi nearly tripped over her feet when she spotted Maxine in her grey suit and a coral bow tie. Her usually flat-ironed hair fell in gentle waves, her flower crown resting over her bangs.
“Who thought this was a good idea? Women in suits are my kryptonite. I’ll trip down the aisle, ruin everything,” Remi hissed. “God, she looks like she smells good. She’s wearing suspenders! I can’t do this.”
Cherisse nudged Remi with a finger to her side. “You’ll live. Take your place. Go on. Don’t fall.” Not the best advice, but it would have to do.
Remi’s place was next to Maxine. In spite of the chaos in her own love life, Cherisse smiled as Remi fidgeted next to Maxine. Her cool-as-a-cucumber bestie was losing her shit. Cherisse could relate.
Cherisse’s dress had an intricate pattern on the top and a flowing coral skirt below, while the others had plain coral fabric on top. Ava had insisted she wanted Cherisse to stand out a bit as her MOH. Worked for her —she loved the end result.
The wedding party looked on point.
Scott, in his suit, looked gorgeous as usual, standing next to the equally stunning Julia. No matter how tight her throat felt, it was a beautiful day, and it wasn’t about her. She moved to stand next to Keiran, hating how her heart pounded. Being angry at someone didn’t mean you just didn’t care anymore. But Cherisse had been clear. It was up to Keiran to show he was serious.
“Crown’s a little crooked,” he said. “May I?” She nodded, and he adjusted her flower crown. The guests were totally into their crowns. They damn well better be, after all the fighting up with them Cherisse had endured.
“Ready?” Keiran’s breath washed against her ear, and goosebumps broke out on her skin.
Cherisse nodded again, taking deep breaths. She had to focus, watch her steps. No falling. Just get to the end of this runner. Don’t ruin her sister’s big day.
The wedding planner cued the band, A Roti and a Red Solo, whose front man was Remi’s brother, Akash, and the procession began. Everyone took their places as they got to the front. From his side of the arch, Eric looked nervous. He shifted from foot to foot. Keiran inched closer to Eric. She had no doubt he’d take Eric down if he had to.
When Ava appeared with their father, Cherisse focused on getting shots of her sister. These pockets really came in handy for storing her phone and some tissues. Eric’s eyes shone with love and awe as Ava glided up the aisle, and their father handed her off. Cherisse bit her lip, blinking rapidly.
The ceremony went by faster than expected. Eric cried. Julia kept sniffling loudly, then finally just gave up and let the tears out, dabbing at her eyes with the tissue Cherisse handed her. The guests clapped and whooped as Mr. and Mrs. Jones were announced, then they were swept away for the official photos and some silly pics
they took with their own devices. Cherisse even ended up in a group selfie with Keiran. The photo was adorable—they were standing next to each other, and his smile...Jesus, help her—and had her all up in her feels when he posted to his account and tagged everyone, including her. Especially when the likes and comments started rolling in.
bishopX: bro who’s dat?? She look lil familiar.
Merryberry69: aww so cuuute. Y’all make a cute couple for reals
jacobmorrow: but wha chubble is this? hoss link meh with the deets nah.
Beam_me_up_scotty: the cuteness! It buuuurns
Cherisse rolled her eyes at the last comment. Scott was ridiculous and a giant nerd. She was glad to get through the speeches portion. She’d labored over hers for weeks, nerves battering her insides when it was her turn.
“When Ava told me she’d said yes to Eric, my first thought was, ‘hell, yeah, sis, get that money.’” Laughter echoed around the venue, and Cherisse smiled sheepishly at Eric’s parents, ignoring her mother’s scandalized stare. “Joking. We’re not gold diggers, I swear! But seriously, I was so happy for them both. Yeah, money’s all well and good, but finding someone who just gets you? Loves you with all your flaws—and lemme tell you, Ava and punctuality just don’t mix, so good luck with that, Eric.”
Eric shrugged. “I put our leave time as two hours ahead of the time we actually have to be there, so I’m good.”
“Legit,” Ava said, not even a little sorry.
Cherisse chuckled. “But you two make me believe I can find that too someday.” She refused to look at Keiran, throat thick with emotion. She reached for her wine glass instead. “I couldn’t ask for a better bro-in-law, but know if you screw up, I’ll come for your romance novel collection.” Eric gasped, and the crowd lost it. Cherisse beamed as laughter erupted again. “I love you and wish you all the happiness.”
“I’ll drink to that!” Ava replied.
She considered caving and pulling Keiran aside after the speeches to talk, but common sense prevailed.
Tears flowed when Keiran revealed his gift to the bride and groom, a surprise performance from their favorite local jazz singer, Douglas Charles. Douglas was extremely sought after and not easy to pin down with his packed schedule. Backed by Akash’s band, Douglas had everyone grooving. Cherisse’s gift was a fun video she’d put together for them, with close friends and family of the couple chiming in with hilarious anecdotes about Eric and Ava.
The bouquet and garter toss came around, and Keiran still hadn’t approached her. A small part of her wondered if he’d given up so easily. She didn’t want him to, even as she held on to her hurt.
She stole glances at him as everyone got in place. Who could blame her? In that suit, Keiran was scorching. She ogled the way the suspenders hugged his chest, the fit of his pants. He’d discarded his jacket as soon as official photos were over, and he was wearing the hell out of that shirt. This was pathetic.
“Come on, ladies!” Ava waved her bouquet enticingly.
The unmarried women were herded to the middle of the room. Some rushed for a prime spot. Cherisse lagged behind. She hated this part. People took this way too seriously.
“Mummy, you for real right now?” Keiran’s voice echoed over the noisy chatter, and Cherisse snickered as she turned and found Ms. King next to her.
“They said, ‘unmarried ladies.’ You see any ring on this finger?” She waggled her hand, and everyone cracked up harder.
“Let the woman have her fun,” Maxine called from the other side of the gathered women.
Keiran rolled his eyes. Cherisse’s mother eyed her from off the side. She found herself in the middle of the gathering women, having been pushed there by her aunts. They weren’t even being subtle. Ava counted down, bouquet clutched in her hand, then let it go. It soared over all the heads and landed right at Cherisse’s feet. She stepped back. There was a scramble of limbs and some tugging as two women latched onto the bouquet, engaged in a tug of war, everyone else cheering on, rooting for their person. Michelle emerged victorious, waving the mangled bouquet in her hands. She grinned and whooped, eyes locked on Keiran, who watched the entire thing, amused. She blew him a kiss, and Cherisse tamped down the urge to bat the bouquet from her hand.
You will not fistfight your cousin at your sister’s wedding.
The garter toss was next. Eric full-on dove under Ava’s skirt.
“Like he searchin’ for gold up there or what?” a guy Cherisse didn’t recognize commented as Eric finally emerged from beneath Ava’s skirts with the frilly band.
Eric tossed the garter, and for a minute, she thought it would land right on one of Eric’s cousins, except a hand reached up, swiping it from the air. Keiran’s grin was triumphant as he waved the garter around. His smile was too infectious. She couldn’t help her goofy grin, even knowing her emotions were all up in the air now.
“Alright, people, we have a special guest performance. Calling Keiran King to the stage.”
What the fuck? Cherisse’s smile faltered as she watched Keiran heading for the stage.
“What’s that boy doing now?” her mother asked.
Cherisse wanted to know the same thing. Keiran had the mic in his hand and was speaking to the band. He’d told her he didn’t sing in public ever. Was that a lie too? He turned back to the now-curious crowd, and no, he hadn’t lied about that. She was certain. His hand gripped the mic for dear life, and he looked ready to throw up. Oh no.
“This one is for someone special. I’m really sorry for subjecting everyone to this, but it’s gotta be done.” Keiran queued the band and launched into the worst rendition of “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” by Chicago that Cherisse had ever heard.
“Dear Lord.” Remi slipped next to Cherisse. “Please make it stop.”
It was a train wreck. Keiran couldn’t carry a note to save his life.
“Seriously, Cherisse. Make him stop.” Remi pushed her towards the stage, and she winced as Keiran croaked out a line. Okay, she needed to end this for all their ears.
“Stop. Please,” she begged. “Get down here. Now.” She tugged on his shirt as he handed the mic back to Akash.
“This band is no way connected with that. Just an FYI,” Akash declared, and everyone laughed.
“What the hell was that?” Cherisse demanded. “If you were trying to guilt me into forgiving you, you should’ve just lip-synced. Jesus, my poor ears.”
“I wasn’t trying to guilt you. I just...” He shuddered. “God, I think I’m gonna puke. How do people just sing in front of others with no fear? How?”
He truly looked a shaky mess. “I’m sure they’re still scared when they do, but they do it anyways. C’mon.” She grabbed his arm, leading him away from the curious onlookers up to the deck space that would be utilized for dancing later.
The decorator had strung up fairy lights that added a romantic flair. She leaned against the railing, arms folded.
“I didn’t know how else to show you I’m serious. I never wanted to hurt you, and I was wrong to keep the plan for the video from you, and I should have eventually told you about Sean.”
“I know you didn’t tell me because of how I’d react. I know that. But it just felt like that move was more about you than me. Do you understand?”
He nodded. “Yeah. I didn’t want you to end it. I didn’t give you the chance to decide for yourself. I assumed for you.”
“Yes. If we’re going to do this, you can’t keep shit from me because you’re afraid I’ll get angry and end it.” She took his hand. “That’s no way to build anything. I can’t be with someone like that. The terrible singing isn’t a dealbreaker, but that is.”
“I sang in front of people. Feels like I can do anything now.” His thumb caressed her hand. “I can’t promise that I won’t mess up, but I won’t disrespect you like that again.”
“Good. See that you don’t. I will be calling you on your shit. And I expect the same. I don’t want to bury shit just because we decide to date.
It wasn’t easy for me to admit that I could feel anything more than frustration for you. I mean, sexual chemistry is one thing, but this other thing...” She bit her lip. It didn’t get easier to admit. “That’s way more terrifying. Knowing that I think about you with your clothes on too, all the damn time.”
Keiran laughed. “I feel you. Not gonna lie, though. I think about you without your clothes on a lot too. Those dimples are pretty distracting.” He dodged the elbow she tried to poke him with. “You still like like me,” he repeated, almost a whisper as if he couldn’t quite believe it. “That’s not something I hold lightly. So, about labels?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Don’t push it.”
“How about I just refer to you as the woman I l—”
She clamped her hand over his mouth, heart racing. “Shh!” She felt his grin spread behind her hand. Mischief twinkled in his eyes, or maybe it was just the lights strung overhead reflecting in their depths. The wet flick of his tongue against her palm had her pulling her hand away. “Eww.”
“I’ve licked more things than your hand. You’ll be fine.” He reached for her hand to rub at her palm. “There, all dry now.” He inhaled deeply. “Okay, so no major declarations yet. Got it.”
“Definitely too soon.” Sweet God, she wasn’t ready for that yet.
“Someday,” he proclaimed, sounding so sure.
She rolled her eyes but didn’t pull away, basking in the feel of his fingers tracing lazy circles on her palm. “I’m having second thoughts.” She really wasn’t. Just standing here with him touching her had her insides a jumbled mess.
“You think I’m gorgeous. You want to kiss me—” he sang.
“No, Keiran, I swear—”
“—you want to huuug me. You want to lo—”
She nudged him in the stomach with her elbow. “On second thought, the singing may actually be a dealbreaker. Please, no more! How are you so bad at this?”
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