Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 53428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
“Yes.”
“I swear they come by to visit me.” Mrs. Tina dabbed at her tears with the tissue. “These two crows keep messing with my vegetables in my garden like they’re trying to get my attention.”
“They are.” I let her go. “Next time. . .go out and talk to them.”
Mrs. Tina’s lip quivered. “I will. I sure will.”
My heart ached. I stepped back from Mrs. Tina, knowing that if I hugged her again, I would cry too. I could already feel the tears welling up in my eyes.
“Okay.” Rue let out a long breath. “This part is done. Dane texted me that the band has arrived, and the tent is up. Now for the rest.”
Tomasso nodded. “The florists are decorating. Knight is running around and overseeing all décor.”
Mrs. Tina looked at me. “And who is in your wedding party?”
“Oh shit.” I turned to Rue. “Do we know?”
“I wouldn’t be your number one if I didn’t.” Rue winked. “Merik wanted to walk you down the aisle, no matter how Dane and I tried to talk him out of it. So, he’s putting on his gold tuxedo. Apparently, he has a top hat and cane. I just can’t with Merik right now.”
Mrs. Tina laughed.
I grinned. “I’m cool with that. Merik is perfect. There’s no other person I would want by my side today.”
“Then, we have your cousins, Shanice, Alyssa, and Madeline. They actually asked if they could be in the wedding so I went with it.” Rue shrugged. “Besides, it further unites Killer Crows on top of making three families happy and feeling like they are a part of this big event.”
“I love that. All three women are loyal soldiers, money makers, and family members that never did me wrong.” I nodded. “And you’re in it too, right?”
“Me?” Rue widened her eyes. “Oh. I. . .well, I was going to help Tomasso make sure everything was on point.”
“No.” I touched her hand. “I thought it was understood that you would be my maid of honor.”
“No.” Rue parted her lips.
Tomasso clapped. “That’s fine. I have at least fifty gold gowns waiting for you to try on, Rue. Let’s go.”
“But. . .” She looked at him and then at me. “I’m in the wedding? I’m usually not. . .in front of crowds or. . .in anything”
“Girl, you better find yourself a nice gown.” I chuckled. “You are definitely my maid of honor.”
“Let’s go, Rue.” Tomasso was already at the door. “And we’ll need a team to do your hair and makeup.”
“Oh wait.” Rue held up her hands. “What do you mean a team? Touching and messing with me?”
Mrs. Tina shoved Rue along. “Time for some pampering, missy.”
I grinned.
Once Mrs. Tina, Rue, and Tomasso left, I showered.
Then, Lola and Gloria worked on me. They swept my hair into an elegant updo, woven with gold and red ribbons. Next, they tugged my long red gown over my hips with a series of petticoats, zippers, and buttons. The heavy diamond lace fell to the floor, giving me the illusion that I floated in an elegant red cloud.
Gloria dabbed concealer under my eyes and brushed my cheeks with powder. She pulled a lipstick from the pocket of her apron and painted my lips. “So gorgeous. I cannot believe my little Kashmere is getting married today.”
Lola brought a long mirror over and I took in my reflection. My heart stopped. Everything about me had changed and I didn’t think it was the dress that did it.
It was taking over Killer Crows.
It was Santino entering my life.
It was even. . .killing Gypsy.
The person in the mirror was an elegant royal princess who was ready to rule and would kill anyone who challenged her.
I could hear Romeo on my right.
“I’m proud of you, sis.”
Sweat beaded on my forehead.
Gloria dabbed at my face with a napkin. “Nervous?”
I shivered. “A little, but I know. . .it will be okay.”
I love Santino.
“Would you mind if we do something, Kashmere?”
I looked at Gloria. “Sure.”
She took my hands, closed her eyes, and bowed her head. “Let us pray.”
“Okay.” I closed my eyes too. “Nothing wrong with prayer.”
“God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.” Gloria gently squeezed my hands. “Lord, I pray that this new couple may have a true and understanding love for each other. Bless them both with faith and trust.”
I swallowed.
“Give them the grace to live with each other in peace and harmony. May they always bear one another’s weaknesses and grow from each other’s strengths.”
I shivered.
“Help them to forgive one another’s failings, and grant them patience, kindness, cheerfulness and the spirit of placing the well-being of one another ahead of self.”
Wow. This is going to be. . .big.
“May the love that brought them together grow and mature with each passing year.”
Please, God.
“Bring them both ever closer to You through their love for each other. And finally, let their love grow to perfection. Amen.”