Page 61 of A Sinner's Prayer

Valerie nodded as her gaze gripped the floor and her hands came together in her lap. “I can’t stop thinking about how grateful I am for this moment. So many nights, I thought about you and Easy. I was afraidI would never see you two get married and have babies, but I’m here. God is good.”

Her vulnerability made me uncomfortable, but I felt like an ass just watching her cry. Without dwelling on our past, I pulled Valerie to her feet and embraced her. Over the last year, the people who knew me best expressed howsurprisedthey were about Kannon and me getting together. However, I was more amazed by how much progress I had made with EJ and my mom. After my father’s funeral, I still had reservations aboutmyestranged family, but Kannon and my mom bonded once the baby was born, so the new granny was always at my house. Some days, I pretended like she wasn’t there, and I only interacted with my little brother. Still, my dismissive attitude didn’t run her away, and sheapproachedmy cold shoulder with a warmth that softened my guard.

“Sometimes, I wish I could bring your daddy back to life, just so I could put him back in the dirt for what he did to us.”

Our shared sentiments made me chuckle as I pulled away. “Trust me. I got some choice words for thatniggatoo, but being pissed at a dead man will drive us insane. We’re going to enjoy the day without the heaviness of someone’s deceit weighing us down. We deserve it.”

The wedding started right as the sun set. Champagne-colored chairs accented with black lace lined the beach, and ourplannerpositioned an arch wrapped with dark material andpacked with lightly shaded roses in front of the water. As I stepped down the walkway carved out by candles, I got so caught up in acknowledging my guests that I almost didn’t notice the harpist off to the side.

As I waited for my bride to show face, I held my composure. I maintained a solid front when some of my cousins in the audience snapped pictures of me, and I was able to hold in my emotions when my mom strolled down the aisle with Nova in her arms. However, when Kannon and Easy came into view, the tightness in my chest became undone. The closer Kannon got, the harder my nostrils flared, and the faster my tears fell. A long veil covered her face, but the strapless lace gown that fit her curves mesmerized me. The six-foot train that trailed behind her was dramatic and picked up tears she left behind. Over the last year, the chocolate lady let her hair grow, and today, she tucked her inches behind her ears. I was happy she didn’t remove her septum piercing. It was a part of her, and I loved every part of my impulsive, thoughtful, ambitious kitty kat.

“Aww, baby. Why are you crying?” she asked once I lifted her veil.

“Because I get to love you, and I know, without a doubt, you love me. When I was younger, I prayed for love on the nights my mom’s absence bothered me. I prayed for commitment from people close to me. I prayed for a tribe who trusted me to lead. I didn’t realize until now that I was praying for my wife and my daughter.” I kissed Kannon’s tears away as if there weren’t a beach full of people waiting for us. “You’ve shown meSinnersdeserve love too.”

Kannon squeezed my hands. “And you’ve got mine forever. Now, let’s get married, Tune!”