Total pages in book: 131
Estimated words: 122609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 613(@200wpm)___ 490(@250wpm)___ 409(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 613(@200wpm)___ 490(@250wpm)___ 409(@300wpm)
“I want you to see past this absolutely gorgeous dress,” Chasity began, as if reading her mind. “I want you to see what I see, what James sees, and what anyone else who has the pleasure of meeting you sees when you look in this mirror.” Honey cocked her head to the side, and stared into her own eyes. “When you think of yourself, cement this image in your mind. You radiate from the inside out. Like sunshine trapped in the darkness, splintered open by the sharp kiss of a new day. You are the epitome of strength, compassion, and fortitude. In a world where women are told that we’re too tough, not sweet enough, not obedient and docile, you can look at yourself and say, ‘You’re damn right I’m not,’ and be proud.
“You have not bent to the pressures of society to get married before you were ready, have babies simply because it was expected of you, or be so driven by your career that you forgot to love both others and yourself. The balance is hard.” Honey nodded in agreement. “And yet, you handled it like a tightrope. Today, you are joining your life with another’s. James. You’re not losing yourself. You’re not becoming one identity. You are a team. You are two incredible souls, having a human experience. What a blessing to have met someone who would move mountains for you.”
Honey dabbed at a tear running down her face.
“I’ve been in love before and it’s a beautiful, tragic, astounding, joyful, at times painful, forgiving and unforgiving, blissful, exciting, difficult and amazing ride, bestie. I’ve felt the pain of unrequited love. I’ve broken ties with someone who didn’t love me the way I deserved. I loved me enough to no longer accept that. To no longer tolerate painful love. Mediocre love. Disastrous love. Diminishing love. It was only then that I found myself again, and I healed. This isn’t about me, though. This is about Honey Latrice Brooks. I’ve seen you in several relationships over the years, and though they obviously ended, for better or for worse, you never gave up on finding someone who fit you well.
“To find someone who didn’t want to put out your fire so that theirs would shine brighter when they stood next to you in the darkness they brought with them. Your smoldering ashes gave them energy. No, you found real love. Instead of extinguishing you, James grabs the s’more on a stick and basks in your glory, enjoying your heat and shine, and all that you do for him by simply existing. In that, he gave you a gift that never dies. I have two gifts for you today, Honey.”
“Two?”
“Yes!” Chasity stated, with a big smile. “One of my gifts to you, best friend, is sitting on a big, long table in that reception area, but the best gift I could ever give you is to remind you that no matter what heavy blows life deals you, you are consecrated from all of your good deeds as you’ve lived this thing called life. Having another year, month, day, hour, minute, or just… one second to tell someone you love them, even if it’s only to tell yourself that, is the best gift one could give or receive. Due to my health, I value every additional day given to me. I tell my friends and family that I love them, and I mean it. I love you, Honey, because you are you. I’m so, so happy for you!”
Chasity smiled through her tears. Honey was a mess as she enveloped the woman in another hug, holding on for longer.
Moments later she was assembled with her bridesmaids, her face patted dry, eyeliner reapplied. Her maid of honor, Chasity, handed her a bouquet of navy roses. Faint music drifted to the dressing room quarters, mingling with pockets of manly laughter, and she wondered what Archer was doing. Was he alone? Was he surrounded by his friends? Was he part of that chuckling crowd? She was soon led out to a narrow hallway. One by one, her bridesmaids paired up with groomsmen and headed toward the site where the wedding ceremony would take place. She could hear people cheering, the oohs and aahs and general merriment. ‘Kiss from a Rose,’ by SEAL, was playing at the moment. She stood by herself, just as she wished. She didn’t want anyone to stand with her, giving direction or offering a shoulder to cry on. Right then, her best friend was her own mind. Her thoughts.
Speaking of thoughts—there was the odd wedding gift she’d received from Archer that morning after breakfast in bed. He placed a big blue bow on her heart and whispered in her ear, “I got you a present for our wedding.”
He looked deep into her eyes, then said, “I took a trip to the Big Apple. I found someone you should have never known. Someone who tried to destroy you. The police found him later—also destroyed. He will rot in a basement now, too. The basement of hell. Now he can never know of you or anyone else again.”